Tested: The Best Motorcycle Sunglasses For Riders

No matter what type of bike they ride or helmet they wear, sunglasses have long been an essential piece of gear for motorcyclists. And while practically any old pair of shades will shield its wearer’s eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, purpose-built motorcycle-specific glasses will always be an objectively superior choice, affording markedly better comfort, performance, and protection — all in a highly-shatter-resistant package. And it’s this type of two-wheeler-specific eyewear that we’ll be exploring today in this guide to and hands-on review of the best motorcycle sunglasses for riding. 

Selection & Testing Process

There are literally tens of thousands of different pairs of sunglasses on the market, making the task of finding the best ones for riding a particularly tall order. When we first set out to uncover the best motorcycle sunglasses, we began our search by first making a list of qualities and factors that make for a good pair, such as shatterproof or shatter-resistant frame and lens constructions, grip-enhancing element,  and overall designs that lend themselves to being worn inside a helmet and under a visor.

We also explored pairs of shades developed and engineered specifically for motorcycling, as well as regular everyday wear pairs that happen to lend themselves to on-the-bike use. Additionally, the look and style of each pair was also factored into our decision-making process. With this in mind, we then scoured the market, reviewing an enormous selection of regular and purpose-built riding glasses in order to generate a shortlist of shades that we suspected of representing the best of the best.

Just as important as a pair of riding glass’ list of features and specs is its actual user experience. So, in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of each pair’s actual real-world performance and user experience, we managed to get our hands on each pair comprising our shortlist. 

Before moving onto hands-on, on-bike testing, we first picked up a cheap pair of $10 sunglasses at our local gas station, and borrowed a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers and a pair of Garrett Leight Hampton Sun glasses from HICONSUMPTION’s in-house inventory in order to establish a more objective baseline and barometer for overall quality — with the gas station glasses, Ray-Bans, and Garrett Leights acting as our standard cheap pair, mid-tier pair, and premium pair, respectively.

With our baseline established, we then proceeded to trying each pair. Testing was conducted by wearing each pair of riding glasses for a week at a time, before repeating the rotation a second time. Both before and right after testing, every pair was also compared and contrasted side-by-side.Our actual testing consisted largely of on-bike use, mainly for commuting to and from HIC headquarters — a journey that involves a good deal of riding on both city streets and freeways. Because all testing was conducted in Southern California, we had more than enough sun to fully test each pair.

In addition to wearing each pair while in-the-saddle, we also spent the week we wore each pair utilizing the glasses as everyday wear shades off of the motorcycle. This helped to shine a light on each pair’s overall style and versatility. It also, more importantly, filled us in on what it’s actually like to own and live with each pair — painting a much more complete picture of the overall user experience.

Our hands-on testing also revealed other important details such as the craftsmanship and build quality of each pair. It also allowed us to evaluate the quality of everything that came with each pair, such as cleaning cloths, adjustment tools, and carrying cases. Once our testing was complete, we then used the information we’d gleaned to whittle or original shortlist down to a final list of what we found to be the very best sunglasses for motorcycling.

Measurements: I stand at a skinny 6’2”, have an oval-shaped head, and wear a size medium helmet. All on-the-bike testing was carried out aboard a Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP.

509 Seven Threes

Best Value Pick: 509 was originally founded in 2003 as an action sports film company before pivoting to design its first goggles in 2007 and then its first helmet in 2009. And though the brand is undoubtedly best known for its snowmobile and motocross helmets, goggles, and jerseys, it also happens to make some of the best value-laden riding glasses on the market — as evidenced by the 509 Seven Threes.

The Good

Backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty. the 509 Seven Threes are constructed around a rugged Grilamid TR90 Swiss thermoplastic frame housing a set of polarized FUSION 5 lens — a recipe that earns these riding glasses a CE rating. The inside of the temple tips also features rubberized inserts that aim to bolster comfort and prevent the glasses from slipping or moving around on your face while riding. The front of the glasses are mated to the temples using alloy spring hinges at both sides. The team behind the glasses at 509 claim the use of these hinges massively improves overall durability — a claim I can fully vouch for having spent an extended period testing them. 

The top of both the frame and arms features a series of small dimples that give the shades a more unique look and feel, while also making them easier to grip whether barehanded or wearing riding gloves. I honestly didn’t notice this pattern improving grip, but I nonetheless like how it looks — and how it helps to separate them from other pairs on the market. The rubberized inner temple tips work exactly as advertised, making these glasses noticeably more comfortable than most of the other pairs I tested while also doing a stellar job of mitigating slippage and movement. 

Sold with a microfiber storage pouch, the Seven Threes are offered in nine different colorways, all of which sport a dual-color scheme with a primary hue adorning the front, top, and sides of the glasses and a secondary color covering the remainder. I’m not typically a fan of multi-color shades and typically prefer all-black or tortoise models, but I actually really like the character the dual color scheme adds, and the black and gray scheme that I tested looks fantastic. 

Supplementary Strengths 

During the time I spent testing them, whenever I wasn’t wearing them, they were banging around under the seat of my bike, backpack, or desk drawer. Despite the abuse they faced, they remain completely devoid of any small scratches or scuffs — thoroughly proving the effectiveness of the Seven Threes’ anti-scratch coating. I also really appreciate how 509 has managed to put a more modern spin on a timeless frame design, supplementing the traditional frame-style with contemporary features like alloy spring hinges and rubberized temple tip inserts, and bringing the silhouette to life using thoroughly modern materials. 

At just $50, 509’s Seven Threes also offer pretty exceptional value. Sure, they’re not quite as premium as their pricier counterparts, but considering everything you get for just half-a-bill — TR90 frames, proprietary polarized lenses, alloy hinges, rubberized temple inserts, a scratch-resistant dual colorway, and a CE rating — the bang-for-your-buck that they afford is pretty unbeatable. 

Compared to a cheap pair of $10 gas station glasses, the Seven Threes are markedly stronger and more robust, plus have an overall more premium feel and better fit and finish. With that said, they don’t feel quite as high-end as some of the pricier pairs I tested like the Skram Ones, Emblema 820s, and Persol 714SMs. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for here, which is a quality, mid-tier pair of moto-specific glasses with a stylish look, rugged TR90 frame, and a CE rating. 

The Not So Good

There really wasn’t all that much that I didn’t enjoy about the Seven Threes, though the glasses do have a few unique features that might not resonate with everyone (such as the dual color scheme). The glasses were also a bit lacking in build quality compared to the more expensive models I tested, though considering the price of these shades, it’s hard to fault 509 for that. My only real gripe with these riding glasses is the flexibility of the frame. The Seven Threes have a bit of flex and give to them, though I do worry that if I sat down with them in my back pocket they very well may break — though I can only deduct so many points for this as it’s a theoretical issue and not one that I actually experienced. All in all, great pair of motorcycle sunglasses. 

Verdict: The 509 Seven Threes are an affordable CE-rated pair of moto-specific sunglasses that boast a list of features and a material selection that’s typically reserved for pairs costing two-to-four-times as much — making this an obvious go-to option for riders seeking a quality pair of built-to-last moto shades on a budget. 

Bobster Gunner

Best Convertible Pick: While there are numerous upsides to using sunglasses over goggles when riding, goggles do undeniably possess a few unique benefits over pairs of shades. And a major part of what makes the Bobster Gunner glasses so special is the fact that they’re a convertible pair that offers riders the best of both worlds. 

The Good

Boasting a traditional sport-style frame, the Gunner is crafted from Grilamid TR90 and features a set of swappable lenses. ANSI Z80.3-certified and CE-rated (and EN166-rated as well), the Gunner ships with two different sets of lenses; a clear set; and a photo chromatic set — both of which are optically-correct, easily-swappable, and made from a shatter-resistant polycarbonate that offers 100% UV protection. The TR90 frame construction also allows them to be both incredibly strong and incredibly lightweight, with the entire pair tipping the scales at just a tad over one ounce (without the foam padding). 

What makes this pair so unique, however, is its convertible elements. These Bobster glasses can be fitted with a removable closed-cell foam padding unit that encompasses the inside of the frame. This item allows the glasses to create a seal, shielding the wearer’s eyes from wind and the elements — as well as insects, dust, and other debris. Additionally, the temples can also be removed and replaced with an elasticized goggle-style strap. When equipped with both the foam padding and strap, the Gunner turns into a bonafide pair of riding goggles. Not only is the Gunner crafted from premium constructions, but these materials have also been pieced together using some pretty top-notch build quality. 

Prescription-ready, the Gunner’s frame wraps around the front of your face and comes paired with a tall yet low-profile set of temples. This setup is remarkably comfortable on its own, and gets even comfier when fitted with the removable closed-cell foam padding. Alongside the Gunner glasses themselves, each unit also ships with the goggle strap, a strap case, closed-cell foam padding unit, a soft carrying case, one set of clear lenses, one set of smoked photochromatic lenses, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. 

Supplementary Strengths

In order to better evaluate the Gunner’s performance when configured as a pair of goggles, I spent an extended amount of time wearing them while riding at speed on the freeway. I was ultimately really impressed by not only how-well they remained in place amidst movement, but also with how fantastic of a job the foam unit does at creating a seal against your face. I even tried them immediately after wearing an actual pair of moto goggles — the 100% Barstow — and the Gunner’s performance is legitimately comparable, granted it does cover less of your face than my regular goggles. 

Additionally, though I tested every pair of riding glasses wearing a full-face helmet, I also tried Bobster’s Gunner shades using a 3/4-style lid, in order to see if the swappable, adjustable goggle strap was long enough wrap around the outside of the back of the helmet. Sure enough, the strap provides more than enough length to be worn on the outside of an open-face or MX-style brain bucket. Between the use of antimicrobial-treated closed-cell foam, a long adjustable strap, and the way the temples are shaped to better fit on the inside of a helmet, it’s abundantly clear that a great deal of time and consideration went into the development of the Gunner. Equally apartment is the fact that the team behind these goggle-glasses hybrid clearly possesses a great deal of riding experience. 

Though they’re admittedly not really my style (which is purely subjective), I nonetheless really appreciated how these glasses allowed me to use them in their goggle configuration while riding, and then convert to a regular pair of shades for when walking around off of the bike. All told, both the temples and foam padding can be added or removed in just a few seconds. Same goes for the swappable lenses, which can also be changed out in a flash. I also really appreciate how sturdy these removable items feel, despite not requiring any tools to install or remove. 

I happen to be a proponent for ATGATT riding (I.e. “All The Gear, All The Time”). Consequently, I often sweat quite a bit under my gear — including inside the helmet. As such, I really like how Bobster opted to arm the Gunner glasses with closed-cell foam padding that’s been given an anti-bacterial treatment. 

The Not So Good

I was generally really pleased with Bobster’s Gunner glasses, though I did stumble across a few minor issues while testing. First off, the glossy finish on the TR90 frames looks great, but acts like a bit of a magnet for dust — though cleaning them is as simple as giving them a 5-second wipe down with their included microfiber cloth. Second, while the wrap-around shape of the Gunner gives it a more aerodynamic form that better fits under a helmet, it also results in a semi-dated look that I’m just not particularly fond of (granted I’m not a fan of sport-style glasses in general). Due to their less fashion-forward appearance, I found myself seldom wearing them when off of the bike. Having said all that, these issues are still massively outweighed by the Gunner’s laundry list of highlights and noteworthy features. 

Verdict: Equipped with a removable foam padding system and the ability to swap out its arms/temples for an elasticized goggle-style strap, the Bobster Gunner is a rugged pair of modular motorcycle shades that offer all the benefits of motorcycle goggles and riding glasses in a single convertible package.

Spy Montana

Best Daily-Wear Pick: Whenever shopping for eyewear or optics for any action or motorsport, it’s always worth checking out Spy Optic’s ever-growing catalog of goggles and glasses. And while the company currently produces more than 30 pairs of shades, its best moto-specific model is almost certainly the Spy Montana sunglasses. From being rugged and lightweight to boasting a CE rating to being crafted from largely shatterproof materials, the Montanas tick just about every box one could hope for when buying motorcycle glasses. 

The Good

The Spy Montana sunglasses sport a wayfarer-style frame design that’s brought to life using ultra-durable Grilamid TR90. The frames accommodate a set of filter category 3, polycarbonate lenses. The front of the TR90 frames is mated to the glass’ temples via super-sturdy pin hinges. Spy also produces the Montana glasses in over-half-a-dozen colorways. On top of making for a decidedly hardwearing pair of riding shades, the use of TR90 also affords the Montana glasses a good deal of flexibility, while also allowing them to weigh in at just over an ounce. 

Like the majority of the other pairs on this list, Spy’s Montana sunglasses feature a Swiss-sourced Grilamid TR90 construction. Unlike the rest of this list, the Montana glasses come cloaked in a matte finish that’s soft-to-the-touch. Sporting an-almost-rubber-like feel to it, this soft matte coating not only gives the glasses a unique, non-reflective look, but it also results in them being incredibly comfortable. Aside from the Skram Ones, these were the most comfortable pair I tested — albeit the 509 Seven Threes aren’t that far off in this regard. 

Just as noteworthy as the frame’s soft matte finish is the lens set that it houses, which consist of six-base polycarbonate ARC lenses that benefit from Spy’s Happy Lens tech which bolsters color and contrast and enhances clarity, thereby increasing alertness while lessening eye fatigue. The Montana glasses can also be optioned with available lenses with proprietary Trident polarization, albeit for an added fee. 

Supplementary Strengths

Similarly to the Skram Ones, one of the best pats of the Montana glasses is the Spy model’s immense versatility. Not only do they do a fantastic job when riding, but they’re just as conducive to casual off-the-bike use. The frame style is timeless and pairs well with a hue variety of outfits and styles, plus the soft matte finished affords them a more unique feel, without being over-the-top.

As one would expect from a pair of sunglasses costing more-than-$100, the craftsmanship and build quality on the Montana glasses are really impressive. In fact, the fit and finish on display on the Montana glasses made me assume that Spy was still producing its eyewear in America before noticing the “Made in China” text printed on the inside of the temples. 

Another small but decidedly cool detail on the Montanas is the contrasting white Spy logos that adorn the outside of the temples. Rather than being printed or painted on, these logos are actual 3D badges that have been inlaid into the temples just south of the hinges. Protected by a two-year warranty, the Montana boasts a lens set that comes fortified via an anti-scratch coating. Should you manage to scratch them, Spy offers replacement pairs at a discounted rate.

 The Not So Good

I wasn’t really sure what to expect when first getting hands-on with the Spy Montana glasses, but they quickly proved themselves to be more-than-deserving of a spot on this list. With that said, my testing did uncover a few minor issues. First off, this pair ins’t prescription-ready. Second, opting for one of the versions with polarized lenses comes at a pretty hefty financial premium — costing $150 versus the normal version’s $105 MSRP. Third, while I appreciate the fact that Spy stands behind these glasses with a warranty, the fact it’s limited to just two years doesn’t point to them offering a lifetime of use — though I will admit that in the weeks I spent testing them, they showed zero signs of weakening or wear and tear. 

Verdict: A premium take on a classic pair of wayfarers, the Spy Montana is an extremely versatile, purpose-built pair of riding glasses with a heavily-shatterproof material selection, a unique soft matte finish, and an advanced proprietary lens tech. 

Skram Ones

Best Overall Pick: Whether driving, riding, or on foot, I was never particularly fond of wearing sunglasses. That was until I received a pair of Skram Ones to review several years back. Initially, I was just wearing them while riding motorcycles, but pretty soon I found myself rocking them when behind-the-wheel, before eventually routinely wearing them pretty much anytime it’s sunny out. Since that time, I’ve become a convert and now possess a major proclivity for sunglasses and I very seldom leave home without them. And all of this is directly owed to the Skram Ones — a fact that I think speaks volumes about just what a stellar pair of glasses they truly are. 

The Good

The Skram brand was created by Mark Hawwa, the same Australian car and motorcycle enthusiast responsible for founding Donut Garage, and the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (and Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive). Hawwa extensively researched eyewear and received an enormous amount of feedback from other riders in order to develop something of the ultimate motorcycle sunglasses from the ground up — efforts that lead to the creation of the Skram brand and its Ones model (also known as the “SK01”). 

The Ones features a highly durable, hypoallergenic, cellulose acetate frame construction housing a set of  polycarbonate lenses that, like the frames, are both shatterproof and highly resistant to impacts. Bestowed with a scratch-resistant hard coating, the Ones also boast alloy hinges. Though I opted for the black frames and polarized black lenses, Skram also offers the Ones in Havana (tortoise) and Clear (see-through) frame options, and gives buyers the choice of clear, yellow, black, or brown lenses — as well as the optional for photochromic Transitions lenses. 

Like other pairs of Skram eyewear that I’ve used over the years, the Ones sport an unmistakably premium overall feel to them — an area owed to the use of top-shelf materials and excellent build quality. And while it may not sound like much, this is unquestionably one of the main selling points of these glasses. And, even after several years of use, the pair that I personally own is completely devoid of any scratches whatsoever — a fact that no doubt demonstrates the incredibly effectiveness of Skram’s scratch-resistant hard coating. Another cool touch is how the Skram Ones can be optioned with prescription lenses. 

Another major selling point of these glasses is their immense versatility, as they lend themselves to pretty much every application imaginable. Even though I own pairs from the likes of Ray-Ban, Persol, and Oakley, the Ones are the pair I most often reach for when leaving the house — and the only pair I wear while riding. 

Supplementary Strengths

While I’m not exactly certain what exactly Skram does differently than other sunglass manufacturers, I can fully attest to the fact that the Ones are unquestionably the most comfortable pair I tested, feeling as good as they look — and they look damn good. The Spy Montana glasses are a close second in terms of comfort, but not quite on the same level as the SK01. Further elevating the overall user experience of these decidedly premium shades is the Skram Ones’ packaging and bevy of included items. Not only do they ship in a cool box with a magnetic closure, but included in said box is a soft pouch, a diamond-stitched leather carrying case, an adjustment tool, a Skram rifle clip keychain, and a Skram-branded microfiber cleaning cloth — plus the actual sunglasses. 

The branding on the Skram Ones is both minimalistic and tasteful, being limited to just Skram logos on the outside of the temples, the phrase “Ride Day Til Night” and “Designed By Riders, For Riders” on the inside of the right temple, and the glasses SKU number, color, and “SK01” on the inside of the other. Over the years that I’ve been wearing the pair that I personally own, I’ve long ago lost count of how many times I’ve placed these glasses in my back pocket, forgotten about them, and then sat down. Despite being crushed under my full weight, the Skram Ones have never snapped or broken, and haven’t even so much as bent. 

For the most part, aside from boasting heavily-shatter-resistant constructions, the Skram Ones are largely a case of what you see is what you get. And that’s far from a bad thing, as what you get is a simple yet thoroughly premium take on a classic pair of wayfarers that have been engineered from the ground up for riding — and to keep you looking your best, whether in or out of the saddle. Lastly, while it has zero impact on the Ones’ performance or user experience, I nonetheless like knowing that when you buy from Skram, you’re supporting a small independent brand that eats, sleeps, and breathes motorcycling, and makes major contributions to the riding community. 

The Not So Good

Typically, when I’ve owned a product for several years, I’ll be aware of a handful of minor issues here and there. This just isn’t the case with the Skram Ones, as they genuinely are about as close to perfect as a pair of riding glasses can get. As far as pricing goes, they admittedly don’t come cheap, though all-things-considered, I actually think their MSRP is more than justifiable considering the materials, craftsmanship, included extras, and overall quality in general. 

Verdict: Engineered from the ground up by riders, for riders, the Skram Ones are a premium pair of motorcycle sunglasses that benefit from a timeless frame design that’s brought to life using premium, shatterproof constructions. Incredibly versatile, these shades are also offered with a host of frame and lens color options. 

Emblema Gran Turismo

Best Lightweight/Titanium Pick: Based in Italy, Emblema is a boutique Italian brand that’s arguably the best-kept secret in the motorcycle sunglasses space. The company churns out highly-calculated and thoroughly premium pairs of shades that are engineered from the ground up specifically for riding. And the Italian brand’s MO is on full display with the Emblema Gran Turismo glasses. 

The Good

Emblema’s frame employs a minimalistic, wrap-around design that sees its lenses mounted to the front of the glasses rather than being set inside it. This design helps to minimize weight, bulk, and aerodynamic drag while still being incredibly comfortable and providing stellar coverage from both the sun, the wind, and dust and road debris. When combined with its premium lightweight material selection, Emblema’s GT glasses manage to tip the scales at just 0.67oz — or roughly half-the-weight of most of the other pairs I tested. Made in Italy, the build quality on display on the Emblema Gran Turismo glasses is pretty world class. 

While using regular grade 2 or grade 5 titanium for the glass’ frame construction would no doubt be impressive, Emblema has opted to take thins one step further, opting instead for a proprietary construction known as Beta Titanium. Non-allergenic and biocompatible, this ultra-rugged yet featherweight alloy is comprised of a combination of 76% titanium, 15% vanadium, 3% chromium, 3% tin, and and 3% aluminum. Alongside being ridiculously rugged and lightweight, the Beta Titanium frames also afford a ton of flexibility. In fact, you’d really have to go out of your way to intentionally break them. 

These Beta Titanium frames have been paired with a set of lenses made from a special nylon material. In addition to being 20%lighter than polycarbonate lenses, these nylon items also afford overall optical quality that’s a whopping 70% better — just another detail that speaks to how incredibly calculated these Emblema glasses are. For around $20, Emblema also offers custom frame engraving. 

Supplementary Strengths

Adding to this pair’s list of top-shelf, proprietary materials, t he GT’s temple tips come wrapped in pads made from a proprietary synthetic, grippy material known as Thermolast-K. This same rubber-like construction is also used on the glass’ self-adjusting nose pads. Together, the Thermolast-K temple tips and nose pads massively increase the GT’s overall comfort, while practically guaranteeing they stay in place at all times, no matter how rigorous your movement gets. 

Not only are the temples damn-near paper-thin, but they’re intentionally shaped in a way that allows them to more easily slip between the rider’s head and the helmet. The Thermolast-K works exactly as advertised and truly does a phenomenal job of ensuring the glasses never move or shift around while riding. They also bolster comfort by a good deal, as well. Of every pair I tested, the GTs do by far the best job of fitting inside a helmet. I was also pretty blown away with the coverage they offer, as it was also easily the best of every pair I tested — save for the Bobster Gunner when fitted with its closed-cell foam padding unit. 

Because they tip the scales at just a tad over half-an-ounce, there were several occasions where I legitimately forgot I was wearing them — something that also speaks to the immense comfort of the glasses. I also really like how Emblema offers the GT glasses in eight different lens color options, as well as a trio of available nose-pad colors and four temple tip color options. These premium Italian-made glasses also ship with a microfiber cleaning cloth and a black leather carrying case with contrasting accent stitching that matches the glass’ temple tip covers. 

The Not So Good

Though it’s obviously a matter of personal preference, the look of the GT’s frame style doesn’t really resonate with me — though there’s absolutely no denying the effectiveness and functionality of this Beta Titanium wrap-around design. My only other minor sticking point with Emblema’s Gran Turismo glasses is their price. While I actually think its roughly $230 MSRP is wholly justifiable considering the calculated design, Italian manufacturing, and Beta Titanium construction, more-than-$200 is still a lot for a pair of sunglasses. The only other possible downside to these glasses is the fact that Emblema will soon be phasing them out of production — meaning if you want a pair of these absolutely stellar riding glasses, you should act fast. 

Verdict: Crafted from ultra-rugged yet extremely lightweight Beta Titanium, the Emblema Gran Turismo glasses are a purpose-built pair of top-shelf Italian-made riding glasses with a sleek wrap-around design and proprietary Thermolast-K temple tips. 

Persol 714SM

Best Premium Pick: Though he passed away in 1980, Steve McQueen remains a bonafide fashion and style legend. Several garments and accessories worn by the so-called “King of Cool” both on screen and in his personal life have become incredibly iconic, such as his go-to pair of shades; the Persol 714SM. Not unlike the Rolex Submariner, the 714SM is an instantly-recognizable and thoroughly-iconic pair of shades with an idiosyncratic folding design and an indelible connection to actor, motorsport legend, and style icon.   

The Good

The popularity of these glasses primarily stems from its unique folding setup and elegant aviator-style design. Further elevating this already-wildly-impressive pair of shades is its spare-no-expense material selection. Offered in multiple color options, the frames are constructed from handworked acetate derived from an amalgamation of​ cotton and powdery pigments. This not only results in a super premium look and feel, but it also means that no two pairs are exactly alike. The particular version of the 714SM that  tested is the Havana-framed model with crystal blue lenses — just like the ones worn by McQueen in 1968’s The Thomas Crown Affair.

The 714SM’s uber-premium material selection doesn’t end there, however. Rather than being composed of a polycarbonate, the 714SM’s lenses consist of polarized crystal items that are reportedly crafted from, in Persol’s words, “the most precious optical materials (in order to) guarantee the best protection and visual clarity” — claims that my testing revealed to very much hold true. 

While some of the other pairs on this list no doubt boast impressive levels of craftsmanship and build quality, the overall construction and fit and finish of the 714SM — in typical Persol fashion — is on another level entirely. Meticulously crafted by team of expert artisans in Italy, this pair benefits from a level of attention to detail and overall craftsmanship that places it in a league of its own. It’s also abundantly clear that this level of build quality is only possible thanks to the fact that each pair is individually crafted by hand. 

The 714SM also boasts several of Persol’s long-time signature features, traits, and design cues. Alongside sporting the Italian eyewear outfit’s iconic sword-inspired metal arrow inserts, these glasses also benefit from the use of Persol’s Meflecto flexible stem system — a first-of-its-kind design originally patented by Persol in the 1930s. The folding nature of these glasses also makes them super pocketable — and even easier to stash under the seat of a bike, in a sling or tank bag. Additionally, this feature also makes for a pretty cool party trick of sorts. 

Supplementary Strengths

While I knew they would look great, I really wasn’t sure how the 714SM would actually feel, though I’m happy to report that the handworked Italian-made pair is immensely comfortable. What’s more, between the nose bridge shape, temple design, and  flexible Meflecto stem system, the 714SM did a surprisingly stellar job of remaining squarely in place on my face, even during intense side-to-side movement or when riding at freeway speeds. 

Another major selling point is the overall versatility of these glasses — which frankly isn’t at all surprising considered they were designed as a pair of regular everyday wear shades. And, while they have an unmistakably premium appearance, they still lend themselves to a wide variety of outfits without looking at all out of place. The immense comfort they offer makes them even more conducive to use off-the-bike as well, plus they also unequivocally represent one of the best driving glasses on the market.  

Unlike most of the other pairs on this list that come with a soft fabric carrying case, the 714SMs ship with a snap-secured semi-rigid travel case crafted from fine leather. The case also benefits from the same top-notch level of craftsmanship as the glasses it accommodates. Though it’s just a small detail, the leather case no doubt speaks to how thoroughly calculated and considered these glasses truly are. 

On top of being available with prescription lenses, Persol also offers the 714SM with optional frame engraving for only $10. And, while it admittedly has no affect or impact on the 714SM’s actual performance or user experience, I nonetheless see the connection to Steve McQueen as undeniably being one of this pair’s many key selling points. 

The Not So Good

While there’s absolutely no denying the fact that the 714SM is an extraordinary pair of sunglasses, it does suffer from a handful of minor issues — pretty much all of which stem from the fact that they simply weren’t designed as a pair of motorcycling-specific glasses. Though top-shelf through and through, the 714SM’s material selection isn’t particularly shatterproof (though they do still achieve a CE rating). And, while the shape of my head and particular choice of full-face helmet may have admittedly played a role in this, I found the folding arms created a bit of a pressure point near my temples — granted this was only when worn for more-than-an-hour at a time. Third, at around 1.5oz, they’re also quite a bit heavier than the other pairs I tested, though are by no means hefty enough to cause any fatigue or discomfort. 

Lastly, we need to address the elephant in the room, which is this pair of Persol’s price tag, which comes out to around $600 all told (with tax and shipping) — and that’s before additional fees for custom engraving or adding prescription lenses. Considering the materials, folding design, and legitimately unparalleled craftsmanship and build quality on display, the $542 MSRP is somewhat justifiable, though there’s no getting around the fact that five-plus-bills is objectively a lot to shell out for a pair of sunglasses — even if they were the go-to shades of choice for the King of Cool.  

Verdict: Famously worn by Steve McQueen, the Persol 714SM is a pair of iconic, top-shelf aviator sunglasses with a unique folding design that’s brought to fruition using meticulous handworked construction and some of the finest materials that money can buy. 

Motorcycle Sunglasses Comparison Chart

The Benefits Of Riding Glasses Over Goggles

Unlike goggles, motorcycle-specific sunglasses offer a good deal of utility and can be worn whether on or off the bike, giving them a bit more value and bang for your buck. Sunglasses are also noticeably smaller than glasses and are more pocketable and travel-friendly, as well. Goggles do, however, often come with the ability to have their lenses swapped out on the fly, allowing them to suit a wider array of settings and conditions — a feature offered on very few pairs of riding glasses. Motorcycle sunglasses also lack the adjustability that’s afforded by riding goggles.

An even more crucial point that’s worth mentioning is the fact that motorcycle glasses and sunglasses tend to be compatible with just about any style of helmet on the market, as where moto goggles only work with a fraction of today’s lids, more specifically brain buckets of the enduro and 3/4-style varieties. Even when made specifically for riding applications, motorcycle sunglasses are almost always considerably less rugged than their goggle counterparts — one area in which glasses are objectively inferior to goggles. Likewise, riding glasses don’t offer anywhere close to the same level of protection from dirt, dust, debris, pebbles, and the elements. Not only do glasses cover less of the wearer’s face, but they very seldom seal to the wearer’s face. 

What To Consider When Shopping

There are only a few areas one really needs to take into account when shopping around for a new pair of riding glasses, however, each of these key areas is of fairly monumental importance, making it worth your while to look into each and every one. 

Style: Just like with regular sunglasses, riding glasses are produced in a wide array of different frames and styles, from aviators to wayfarers to club masters. First selecting a frame style that you like is a great way to begin your search for a pair of moto-specific glasses. 

Frame Material: If a pair of sunglasses breaks and shatters during a crash, there’s a very decent likelihood that the wearer will suffer injuries to or around their eyes. Motorcycle-specific sunglasses on the other hand, are engineered specifically to mitigate these types of injuries by employing `shatter-resistant materials, including their frame constructions. These almost always consist of proprietary materials like Grilamid TR90 and TR90NZZ.

Lens Material: Another major area that separates riding glasses from normal shades is the former’s lens construction. While normal sunglasses feature lenses that will shatter upon impact, moto glasses almost always employ a heavily shatter resistant — or fully shatterproof — lens materials like special polycarbonates or NXT. Additionally, quite a few pairs of riding glasses are also offered with available Transitions-style photo-chromatic lenses that automatically become tinted when exposed to sunlight (and then go clear when in the dark or low-light settings). 

Lens Colors: There are also certain advantages to certain lens colors. Tinted lenses are great for use in sunny weather, while yellow lenses can actually reduce eye fatigue and increase depth perception — a fact that’s made yellow-tinted visors a popular choice amongst endurance racers. Polarized lenses are also great choices for riding, as these items are able to mitigate glare and strain on the eyes. It’s also important to note that when riding at night, only clear lenses should be worn. 

Comfort: Riding glasses tend to be markedly more comfortable than your average pair of shades. Because these glasses have to sit under a helmet and tightly hug the wearer’s face, they usually feature thick nose and temple pads, though there are also plenty of pairs that feature fully-padded frames that create a goggle-like seal around the wearer’s face. Best of all, quite a few of these fully-padded frame pairs boast padding setups that are removable for when being worn off the bike. 

Additional Features: Unlike regular sunglasses, quite a few pairs of moto-specific shades come equipped with features and amenities designed specially for riding. This includes items such as swappable lens sets and removable padding. It’s also pretty common to see riding glasses sold with an included carrying case to keep them safe when not being worn.

Prescription Lens-Readiness: Lastly, if you wear prescription glasses, you’ll want to pay special attention to this area, as some pairs of glasses are prescription ready and some aren’t. 

Honorable Mentions

A more technical and performance-oriented version of the brand’s typically old-school-inspired offerings, the Baruffaldi WindTini Plus is a wraparound-style pair of moto-specific riding glasses that pack an ultra-rugged Grillamid TR90 chassis mated to an elastic band and special aerated foam and hypoallergenic Hytrell padded contact points that create a goggle-like seal. This pair also comes with a trio of additional rods and lens sets that can be swapped out on the fly.

Based on the brand’s Explorer model though designed to lend themselves to more casual use, the Magpul Pivot glasses are a pair of ballistic-grade shades that offer stellar comfort and performance. Offered in multiple frame and lens colors — including polarized and mirrored options — the Pivot boasts overmolded anti-slip rubber nose and temple pads that keep the glasses firmly in place during intense physical activity. Why these tactical glasses are so ideal for motorcycling, however, is owed to their incredibly shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses and Grilamid TR90NZZ frames — the former of which sport an oleophobic treatment while the latter constitutes the strongest thermoplastic material currently available for eyewear.

A modern take on a vintage frame style, the 100% Campo Sunglasses feature a myriad of elements that make them a terrific choice for use-in-the-saddle. The glasses are constructed around a lightweight shatterproof Grilamid TR90 frame with Ultra-grip TPE rubber nose pads and tips that houses a set of six-base spherical, high-impact-resistant, lightweight polycarbonate lenses with a scratch-resistant coating and a Hydroilo treatment. Though this pair was going to receive a spot on the main list above, 100% has sadly discontinued the Campo glasses, forcing us to merely include it as an honorable mention. 

What Zero Tolerance is to knives, Gatorz is to rugged glasses, as the American brand delivers a product that’s as premium as it is ridiculously over-engineered. Made in the USA, the Gatorz Magnum glasses are pieced together around a precision-machined aluminum frame with stainless steel rivets and bonded hinges. Its already rugged all-alloy material section is further fortified via a combination of Cerkote and anodized finishes. Though they were developed for tactical and military use, their excellent fitment, otherworldly durability, and incredible shatter resistant makes them another great option for riding. And, despite the premium over-built nature of the Magnum, this pair’s priced at under the $200 mark. 

Some of the most advanced sunglasses currently on the market, the Oakley Kaast X-Silver Collection glasses feature an enormous amount of cutting-edge features and tech, including O Matter construction frames, Unobtainium nosepads, and available Prizm lenses with a shape that’s designed using state-of-the-art PhysioMorphic Geometry. Between their immense durability, no-slip grip, and three-point fit, these glasses make for a great pair of riding shades — despite the fact they weren’t engineered for this use. And, because they weren’t designed specifically for riding, this pair — which lacks a CE rating — ended up losing out to several models on the main list, though we’d still recommend giving it a look if you happen to be in the market for riding glasses. 

Tested: The Best Motorcycle GPS Navigators

Now that you’ve got the ride eye protection for your 2-wheeler, let us help you get to exactly where you’re going with our guide to the best motorcycle GPS units on the market.