Your eyes are one of the most delicate parts of your body, and yet they are constantly exposed to bombardment from the elements. As damaging as wind and sun can be, the toxic chemicals in water can be even worse. Between chlorine dumped into pools to kill off the germs that children (aka Petri dishes) bring along with them, and the multitude of chemical and biological horrors that pollution dumps into the lakes, rivers, oceans, and streams; you need a set of swim goggles to go with your water shoes before you even think about taking a dip.
For goggles, protection is important, but comfort is actually more so. The reason being that discomfort around your eyes isn’t just like wearing your belt too tight. A bad set of goggles can actually damage the eye itself, or your ocular cavity, so having them feel good is a matter of safety. Besides that, they need to be clear enough to see, tight enough to keep water from finding its way in, and let you live the life aquatic that you desire. Now get ready and get wet with the 8 best swimming goggles around.
Speedo Hydrospex
Pro: Long lasting
Con: Small fit
All Day Wear: There’s a couple of brands that consistently hit it out of the park, and Speedo is one of them. The Hydrospex might not be perfect for you, but we’ll bet money (note: we will not bet money) that another Speedo product will keep you happy. For a low price point, these are comfortable enough to sit on your face for hours at a time without giving you a serious case of raccoon eye. A shatter-resistant, PVC frame, UV protection, silicon strap and seal, and an entry-level price point make these an easy choice. [Purchase: $10]
TYR Nest Pro
Pro: No anti-fogging spray needed
Con: Some visibility distortion underwater
Best for New Meat: Ignore the fact that TYR added the word Pro to these. We think they’re much better suited to the beginning swimmer or someone who is new to goggles in general. The reason for this is the plush level of comfort offered by the Nest Pro. Around the eyes are cushy soft TPR gaskets that keep water out and feel very nice against your face. Each lens is constructed of cellulose propionate that offers plenty of anti-fogging abilities and reasonably good clarity, though they do distort a bit underwater. The unibody fits most faces with ease. [Purchase: $10+]
Speedo Vanquishers
Pro: Very clear, accurate visibility
Con: Require significant adjustment
Serious Competition: Remember how we said that Speedo was one of those brands on which you can rely? Well, if you want the best that they make, the Vanquishers are for you. These are made with the professional or rank amateur in mind. They have 4 interchangeable nose bridges to give a tight, untroubled fit even if you’re a moon-faced freak. Silicone straps secure all the way around for a sleeker look with less drag, and the anti-glare, UV guarded lenses keep your eyes clear in any conditions. [Purchase: $17+]
Aqua Sphere Kayenne
Pro: Wide peripheral vision
Con: Nosepiece cannot be adjusted
Triathlete: Yeah, you’re probably going to look like you’re about to join the Green Lantern corps no matter what color you choose, but the Domino-mask appearance of the Kayenne swim goggles is well worth it when you see how useful they are. Expanded lenses offer up a full 180 degree buffet of visibility as the slim microframe keeps them close to the face for more accurate straight-ahead vision. Adjustment is handled with a one touch buckle that anyone can operate on the fly, and they check all the boxes for anti-fog, UV protection, leak fighting, scratch resistance, and completely destroying your sex appeal. [Purchase: $20+]
Aguaphile Mirrored Swim Goggles
Pro: Includes hard-shell carrying case
Con: Tend to fit wide
Simply Stylish: Swim goggles rarely look good, but Aguaphile has managed to give you a badass appearance without sacrificing utility. Never again spit into your eyewear in order to prevent fogging. Rest easy during outdoor swims that your eyes will get all the UV protection they need even during sunny days on your stand up paddleboard. Using a fixed but adjustable nose bridge and straps that manage to be snug without feeling like they’re going to cut your head in half, you’ll find the fit as comfortable as it is attractive. [Purchase: $24]
Cressi Flash
Pro: Highly durable
Con: Limited UV protection
Unbreakable: Scratches, scuffs, and impacts are common hazards that befall the goggles that tend to get thrown into gym bags or ride around in waterproof backpacks. The Flash combats all of these by using shatterproof lenses complete with anti-scratch coating. Using a slightly curved design these fit like wraparound sunglasses with micro-adjustment buckles able to accommodate most any head, even those “between sizes.” Moderate UV protection and fog resistance that is only passable make these good for sprint swims, not all day wear. [Purchase: $24+]
Aqua Sphere Seal Swim Mask
Pro: 100% UV ray blocking
Con: Bulky
Panoramic: Made like a pair of snowboarding goggles, these are built for the swimmer who wants maximum visibility and doesn’t mind a little extra size on their face. Full 180 degree range of vision, those who prefer to do a little holiday exploring or swim teachers who need to see everything around them will find these fit the bill. Despite their larger frame the Seal sticks tight to your face without being tightened like a vice and prevents most leaks. They’ll give you minimal drag for a large goggle and the Plexisol lenses can take a lot of abuse. [Purchase: $29+]
Swim Culture Goggles
Pro: Rapid adjustment
Con: Nose piece can become loose after repeated use
Unisex: A 100% satisfaction guarantee comes standard, but odds are good that you’ll never feel like complaining once you try these out. The quick strap system adjusts rapidly, meaning less time is spent fiddling with straps and more time crawling along. Three swappable nose pieces in small, medium, and large give you plenty of fit options and mirror-coated lenses keep bright lights from damaging your eyes or impinging on your vision. The anti-fog coating keeps going and going for endless clarity in any conditions. A full silicone seal is great for contact lens wearers who just can’t abide a single leak. [Purchase: $34]
