Buying Goggles for People with Glasses: An Overview
Photo by Anna Shvets
TL;DR: Skiers with glasses should look for ski goggles that have a large frame, good ventilation, and a prescription insert or over-the-glasses design. Some of the best options on the market include the Smith I/O Mag XL, Oakley Flight Deck XM, and Giro Contact. It's important to try on and test out goggles before buying to ensure a proper fit and clear vision on the slopes.
As a seasoned skier and avid snow sports enthusiast, I understand the importance of having the right gear to enhance your time on the slopes. As someone who wears glasses, finding the perfect ski goggles can be a challenge. And only after many years of trial and error, I have found a few pairs that work exceptionally well.
I am passionate about helping fellow skiers in my situation find the right goggles to meet their needs and make their time on the mountain more enjoyable. In this article, I will share my experience and expertise gained over 20+ years skiing and snowboarding to highlight some of the best ski goggles for people with glasses, so you can hit the slopes with clear vision and confidence. Let’s dive in!
What Are Goggles for People with Glasses?
Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev
These types of goggles are specifically designed to fit comfortably over glasses while still providing optimal vision on the slopes. They come in a larger frame that accommodates glasses without causing discomfort or pressure points. They typically also have anti-fog technology and proper ventilation to ensure clear vision and prevent fogging or condensation.
Ski goggles for people with glasses unlock the ability for those who wear glasses to comfortably and safely hit the slopes without compromising on their vision. They can help skiers avoid the discomfort of having their glasses pushed into their face, or the frustration of having their glasses fog up and obstruct their view. Additionally, many ski or snowboard goggles have interchangeable lenses, making it easy to adapt to different lighting conditions on the mountain.
If you wear glasses and enjoy skiing, it is important to invest in a quality pair of skiing or snowboarding goggles that will allow you to see clearly and comfortably on the slopes. In the following sections, we will explore some of the best ski goggles for people with glasses available on the market, what to look for when shopping, and how to choose the best pair for you!
What to Consider When Buying These Goggles
If you wear glasses and are in the market for a new pair of ski goggles, there are a few key questions you should ask yourself to ensure that you choose the right pair.
How Do the Goggles Fit Over Your Glasses?
Look for goggles with a large frame that can accommodate glasses without feeling too tight or uncomfortable. Consider trying on different brands and models to find the perfect fit for your face. Some goggles come with adjustable straps and frames, making it easier to customize the fit to your specific needs.
What Type of Lens Do You Need for Your Skiing Conditions?
Ski goggles for people with glasses come with a variety of different lenses, each designed for different skiing conditions. For example, lenses with a lower visible light transmission (VLT) are ideal for sunny days, while lenses with a higher VLT are better for overcast or snowy conditions. Many ski goggles come with interchangeable lenses, making it easy to switch them out depending on the weather conditions.
What Is Your Budget?
Ski goggles for people with glasses can vary widely in price, with some models costing upwards of $200. However, there are also plenty of high-quality options available at a more reasonable price point. Consider how often you plan to use the goggles and how important clear vision is to you on the slopes when deciding on a budget.
Does the Goggle Have Proper Ventilation and Anti-fog Technology?
It's important to choose ski goggles with good ventilation and anti-fog technology to prevent your goggles from fogging up and obstructing your vision on the slopes. Look for goggles with features like vents on the top and bottom of the frame, anti-fog coatings on the lenses, and foam padding that wicks away moisture. Air flow is key.
Features to Look Out For
Photo by Игорь Крыканов
When looking for ski goggles for people with glasses, there are certain features to consider to ensure maximum comfort and visual clarity on the slopes.
Key Features
- OTG Design: Look for ski goggles with "over the glasses" (OTG) design to accommodate you comfortably.
- Lens Technology: Consider ski goggles with anti-fog coating and anti-scratch coating to prevent fogging and scratching on the lenses, which can obstruct vision.
- Lens Tint: There are many lens colors on the market. Choose a lens tint that suits the weather conditions you'll be skiing in. For example, yellow, rose, or amber lenses are great for low-light conditions, while dark lenses are ideal for bright, sunny days.
- Ventilation: Make sure the ski goggles have proper ventilation to allow air to flow through and reduce fogging.
- Comfort and Fit: Look for ski goggles with a comfortable fit that provides a secure, snug fit around your glasses and a reliable seal that doesn’t cause discomfort.
What to Avoid
- Poor Ventilation: Avoid ski goggles with inadequate ventilation, as it can lead to fogging and poor vision.
- Poor-Quality Lenses: Stay away from ski goggles with low-quality lenses that scratch easily, fog up quickly, or distort vision. Distortion is not your friend.
- Ill-Fitting Goggles: Avoid ski goggles that don't fit comfortably around your glasses, as they can cause discomfort and reduce visual clarity.
Top Brands on the Market
When it comes to over-the-glasses snow goggles, there are several major brands that are worth considering. Each brand offers unique features and benefits that cater to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the major brands to look out for.
- Smith: Smith is a well-known and respected brand in the skiing industry and offers a range of ski goggles that are compatible with glasses. Their goggles feature a comfortable fit and advanced lens technology, which provides excellent clarity and protection on the slopes.
- Oakley: Oakley is another popular brand that offers high-quality ski goggles for glasses wearers. Their goggles are known for their stylish design and innovative lens technology, which enhances contrast and reduces glare.
- Giro: Giro is a brand that specializes in snow sports gear, including ski goggles for glasses wearers. Their goggles are designed with a comfortable fit and excellent ventilation, which helps to reduce fogging and maintain clear vision.
- Bolle: Bolle is a brand that has been producing ski goggles for over 50 years. Their goggles are designed with a focus on comfort and performance, making them an excellent choice for glasses wearers who want to enjoy their time on the slopes without any discomfort.
- Anon: Anon is a brand that offers a range of ski goggles that are compatible with glasses. Their goggles feature advanced lens technology and a comfortable fit, making them an excellent choice for skiers who wear glasses.
Overall, each brand has its unique strengths, and it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right pair of over-the-glasses snow goggles.
Choosing the Right Pair for You
When it comes to choosing the right ski goggles for people with glasses, there are several factors to consider based on your personal needs and preferences. Here are some examples of skiers (or snowboarders) and their corresponding needs, along with suggested models:
The Beginner Skier
This skier/snowboarder is new to skiing and is looking for a budget-friendly option that will provide adequate protection and visual clarity on the slopes.
What to Look For:
- Budget-friendly price
- Comfortable fit
- Adequate protection
- Clear lens for good visibility
Recommended models:
The Intermediate Skier
This skier/snowboarder has some experience skiing and is looking for ski goggles with more advanced features to enhance their skiing experience.
What to Look For:
- OTG design for comfortable fit over glasses
- High-quality lenses with anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings
- Multiple lens options for different weather conditions
- Wide peripheral vision
Suggested Models:
The Advanced Skier
This skier/snowboarder is a seasoned skier who prioritizes performance and visual clarity above all else. They're willing to invest in high-end models to get the best experience on the slopes.
What to Look For:
- High-quality lenses with advanced optics technology
- Advanced ventilation system for maximum airflow
- Interchangeable lenses for varying weather conditions
- Comfortable and secure fit
Suggested Models:
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Connect With an Expert
Photo by Volker Meyer
It's worth noting that finding the perfect pair of ski goggles for your glasses may require some trial and error. It's a good idea to try on several different pairs and to test them out in varying conditions to find the right fit for you.
If you're having trouble making a decision, don't hesitate to reach out to a Curated Winter Sports Expert. We are always happy to provide free, personalized gear recommendations based on your needs and preferences.
Remember that investing in a quality pair of ski goggles is essential for an enjoyable and safe skiing experience, especially if you wear glasses. With the right pair of goggles, you can ski with confidence, knowing that your vision is clear and unobstructed.
