GLASSES FOR RUNNING: WHICH TO CHOOSE

GLASSES FOR RUNNING: WHICH TO CHOOSE

Are you searching the internet for information on which running glasses to choose? The variety of shapes, colors, and technologies can make your decision even more difficult.

At DEMON, we’ve created a mini guide to help you clarify which type of running glasses is right for you.

• WHAT TYPE OF FRAME TO CHOOSE:
  Regardless of whether the cycling glasses are chosen for practicing road racing or mountain running, it is essential to select the frame based on the following criteria:

  ENVELOPING: The frame for racing glasses primarily differs in its envelopment, which not only plays a role in aerodynamics but also serves to protect the eyes from the air and potential external projections, such as mud, dust, leaves, and midges.

  LIGHT AND ELASTIC: Given the prolonged use of racing glasses, lightness and elasticity are fundamental roles. Glasses that you don't even notice you're wearing are the best. All DEMON frames are made from TR90, a special composite of nylon and carbon fiber, which makes the racing glasses 20% lighter than conventional materials. This significantly increases elasticity and ensures that the glasses do not deform under extreme temperatures. Elasticity is important for fit; the glasses should wrap around the face without tightening or becoming uncomfortable.

  DIMENSIONS OF TEMPLES: The dimensions of the temples, aside from the aesthetic factor, provide additional protection. This adds to the envelopment factor. In mountain running, wider temples are preferred for greater protection against leaves and branches in dense forests or particular passages where one may encounter obstacles. In contrast, for road running, where the terrain is less challenging, more minimal glasses are preferred, which generally tend to be lighter. However, this is often only a matter of a few grams, making it an almost imperceptible factor.

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  WHAT TYPE OF LENS TO CHOOSE:
  It is essential to start with the assumption that, regardless of the discipline practiced—be it racing on asphalt or mountain running—the lenses of the racing glasses must be anti-breakage and optically perfect. Your glasses, in addition to protecting your eyes from sunlight and UV rays, MUST provide maximum protection even in the event of accidental impacts.

  The anti-breakage feature ensures that the lens does not shatter under strong impacts, thus preventing splinters that could damage the eye; instead, it creates a "cobweb effect," which simply invalidates the lens. Being optically perfect means being able to see a point exactly where it is located and having perfect depth perception. This is crucial for determining where to place your feet while running.

  There are different types of lenses; below we will explain the main characteristics and the disciplines they are most suitable for:

  PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES: Photochromic lenses are those that, when exposed to UV radiation or sunlight, undergo a reversible chemical reaction and darken. Once the light source is removed, the lenses gradually return to their original state of transparency. They can be used for both road racing and mountain running, so it's important to specify which type performs best for the chosen discipline:

  • SMOKE: Recommended for mountain running and for running in specific conditions, these lenses start from completely transparent (Category 1) and darken until reaching Category 2.5. They remain slightly clearer during intense activity, helping the eye adapt more quickly from light to shadow. This allows the athlete to maintain performance without needing to slow down or remove their dark glasses when entering shaded areas. In very dense forests, the lens will be completely transparent, providing protection from the air and projections such as leaves and branches. These lenses can also be used for night outings as simple protection from the air, especially for those who practice running on asphalt and are accustomed to times like sunrise/sunset or often engage in night runs.

  • DCHROM: Usable for both road running and mountain running, these lenses start from a slightly veiled color (Category 1) and darken to reach Category 3 (the same darkness as common sunglasses). They are particularly recommended for prolonged use without significant light-dark variations, making them ideal for those running half marathons, marathons, ultramarathons, or those who are particularly sensitive to sunlight. The same conditions apply for mountain running, but they may not be suitable for very dense bush areas where it can be slightly dark. We do not recommend this lens for those seeking glasses that can also be used for night outings.

Below is a comparison of a lens Photochromic smoke and Photochromic DCHROM

• INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES: These lenses are primarily used for road racing. The DCHANGE lens package includes a set of three lenses, allowing you to use the cycling glasses in various atmospheric conditions—from very intense sunlight to cloudy days, as well as for rain and outings at night or in low light. The set of interchangeable lenses includes:

» Smoke lens: Category 3, guarantees protection from UV rays. It performs at its best in sunny weather with good brightness.

» Orange lens: Category 2, guarantees protection from UV rays. It reaches maximum performance in cloudy weather or low light conditions.

» Transparent lens: Category 1, also provides protection from UV rays. It is most effective in rain or very low light, as well as for night outings.

These cycling glasses can also be used for mountain running; however, we recommend using a photochromic lens for the latter to achieve maximum performance.

Below is an example of the lenses supplied (smoke mirrored, orange, and transparent):

• POLARIZED LENSES: The polarized lens provides protection from UV rays, but that's not all: this special type of lens can concentrate or diverge light rays and attenuate UV-A and UV-B radiation through a polarizing filter that eliminates transverse reflections. Because of these characteristics, it can be beneficial for running, as it reduces eye strain during prolonged use. However, we do not recommend using it for mountain running, as it may create difficulties in reading some instruments with LED screens, such as GPS devices or heart rate monitors. Additionally, using a dark lens is less effective in a discipline that involves frequent light-dark transitions.

Below is an example of Polarized lens

• SMOKE LENSES: The Smoke lens is the standard option included in the DCHANGE package. This lens is particularly recommended for use on asphalt or light dirt roads on sunny days. It is often chosen by those seeking training glasses, as it provides a more budget-friendly option compared to more comprehensive lens packages that may not be necessary.

Below is an example of Smoke Category 3 lens

WHICH LENS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
What is the main advantage of choosing a photochromic lens or the DCHROM lens? The Smoke photochromic lens is primarily suitable for those who enjoy itineraries with large wooded areas and low light or love going out at night. On the other hand, the DCHROM lens is more versatile and can be used for extended periods, but not at night.

Do you have sensitivity to light? If so, you should consider a photochromic lens, specifically the DCHROM. If you prefer a darker lens, the DCHANGE package is the right choice for you.

Do you travel routes with strong brightness (such as at high altitudes or in desert areas)? Our advice remains the same: to avoid eye irritation due to inadequate protection, if you are leaning toward a photochromic lens, definitely choose the DCHROM. If you prefer a dark lens, the DCHANGE package is for you.

Do you often exercise early in the morning or at the end of the day? In this case, if you're interested in a photochromic lens, we recommend the Smoke photochromic lens. Alternatively, if you choose the DCHANGE package, you can use the orange lens and switch to the transparent one when the sun sets, and vice versa if you go out at dawn.