Tifosi Seek 2.0 sunglasses are sleek, comfortable and lightweight

By Henry Howard

I was stoked to have the opportunity recently to test out the new Tifosi Seek 2.0 sunglasses. Although the dark and cloudy mornings prevented me from bringing them on most of my runs, I was able to get in enough miles to form an opinion of these sleek shades.

The Tifosi Seek 2.0 are among the very best sunglasses I’ve worn for running. In fact, I would rate them the best due to their amazing comfort, stylish appearance and performance.

They retail for $35 ($60 for the polarized version, which I would recommend). At just 21 grams, the Grilamid TR-90 frame is lightweight, durable and comfortable. These sunglasses are so comfortable and light, I literally did forget I had them on during a few runs.

Some other attributes include:

• The hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces maintain their grip, even in cold weather and on sweaty faces.

• The polycarbonate lenses are shatter-proof and scratch-resistant.

Why you should wear sunglasses in winter

You may not be thinking about sunglasses during these cold, dark and dreary days. However, there are numerous reasons why runners, cyclists, hikers, skiers and others should be protecting their eyes even in the depths of winter.

Among them:

• Winter is when the sun sits lower in the sky than the rest of the year. During “sun glare season,” the sun’s rays hit Earth at a lower angle, causing increased glare, making it difficult for drivers, runners and others outside early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In these situations, a pair of polarized sunglasses will significantly increase your ability to see clearly despite the sun’s glare.

• Not only is the sun’s angle lower in winter, but trees are missing their leaves, so there isn’t as much shade to shield your eyes from the sun’s rays. That means harmful UV rays are still present.

• The sun’s winter glare means its rays bounce off snow, a car’s hood, or any other horizontal surface. This can cause headaches, eyestrain and decreased visual acuity.

• It’s not just the sun. Winter winds can dry out your eyes, but sunglasses provide a protective barrier. Sunglasses are the first line of defense against dust and other windblown particles that may get into your eyes and cause irritation or even painful corneal abrasions.

Before you head out on your outdoor adventure, remember to protect your eyes, just as you would protect your skin from the elements. For me, that means putting on a pair of Tifosi Seek sunglasses.

(For more a similar topic, check out last year’s series I published that covered various topics related to trail running during winter. Here is the final installment of the four-part series, which links back to each of the posts.)