Oakley has been celebrating its 50th anniversary well. Already, they’ve dropped a special-edition pair of the Airbrake motocross glasses with 24K Iridium lenses and a modernized revival on the ‘80s-classic Eyeshade. There’s even speculation on an upcoming Medusa 2.0 — an updated version of its helmet-and-goggle set.
But now, the brand that redefined performance shades five decades ago has just unveiled the anniversary release to end all anniversary releases: sunglasses in the shape of the brand’s elliptical “O” logo.
Born From Unconventionality
Founded by Jim Jannard in 1975 with just $300 and an English Setter’s name, Oakley has always thrived on turning unconventional ideas into reality. Starting with motocross grips before revolutionizing eyewear in 1984 with the Factory Pilot Eyeshades, Oakley built its reputation by refusing to follow established norms. The Ellipse continues that tradition, taking their most recognizable visual element and engineering it into something you can actually wear.
Form Meets Function (Again)
Looking like it may have been plucked from a sci-fi film, the circular frame design is anchored by Oakley’s PhysioMorphic Geometry, which creates a closer-to-face fit that actually makes practical sense. The inspiration is clear here, and one that most other companies wouldn’t be able to do without looking weird (though I’d love to see sunglasses shaped like the cursive “B” in Ray-Ban). The sculptural aesthetics recall the brand’s ’90s golden era when models like the Frogskins were cementing their credibility in the urban fashion scene.
We can certainly see the stylistic appeal to these shades but like the best sunglasses from the brand, they’re still made for performance. Case in point, the frame construction balances “lightweight materials” with Oakley’s signature Unobtainium components, which make the earsocks and nose pieces grippy so that they actually get more secure as you sweat.
Visual Advantages
Like most of the brand’s silhouettes, the Ellipse brings with it Oakley’s proprietary Prizm Lens Technology. These take tinted lenses and engineer them to enhance color and contrast across different environments. We’ve tested Prizm-based Oakleys in the past and can attest to their capability on both city streets and wilderness trails.
The Prizm tech is paired with Plutonite lenses — the brand’s polycarbonate lens material that blocks 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays, plus blue light up to 400nm. Best of all, the UV protection is integrated into the material itself so that it won’t wear off like a coating would over time.
Available in seven colorways, including a limited 50th anniversary “50 Midas Fleck” edition with Prizm 24k gold lenses, the Ellipse range won’t be the last celebratory release this year but it will arguably be the highlight.
Spec Sheet
Model: Oakley Ellipse
Frame: Lightweight materials with PhysioMorphic Geometry
Lens: Plutonite with Prizm Technology
Other Materials: Unobtainium earsocks and nose pieces
Colorways: Seven options (including limited 50th Anniversary 50 Midas Fleck)
Release Date: June 2025
Pricing & Availability
Pricing hasn’t been revealed yet but the Oakley Ellipse should be popping up at some point this month through Oakley.com, Oakley retail stores, and select retailers.
Recap
Oakley Ellipse Sunglasses
Oakley celebrates its 50th anniversary with a wild pair of sunglasses shaped like its iconic ellipse logo. Best of all the shades are still built to perform with Prizm tech, Plutonite lenses, and Unobtanium nose pads.
