Oakley sunglasses, a favored choice among cyclists, are renowned for their exceptional quality and innovative design. Despite being pricier than some competitors, Oakley shades undeniably surpass expectations and exude unmatched style.
The impressive collection of cycling-specific sunglasses boasts a diverse range of frame styles, catering to various preferences and facial shapes. From conventional designs to eccentric options, there is undoubtedly a perfect fit for everyone.
Expanding upon their already extensive range, Oakley introduces their groundbreaking custom sunglass program. This revolutionary program allows you to personalize your sunglasses by selecting your preferred frame parts and lenses, with a staggering 40 million possible combinations across 14 different models. Additionally, Oakley frequently releases limited edition sunglasses, including the highly sought-after Tour de France glasses and the exclusive Evzero Path Kokoro.
For individuals who require prescription glasses in their day-to-day lives, Oakley’s cycling glasses range also includes options for prescription lenses, providing utmost convenience and functionality.
Furthermore, to assist you in your search for the ultimate cycling sunglasses, we have compiled an extensive list of the best sunglasses from various brands, including Oakley. If you are specifically interested in off-road shades, our guide to the best mountain bike sunglasses will be invaluable.
Understanding Oakley Prizm Lens Technology
At the core of Oakley’s cycling sunglasses lies their groundbreaking Prizm lens technology. This remarkable innovation, developed over a span of 15 years, aims to enhance visibility and contrast in diverse lighting conditions and sports. Each lens tint is meticulously designed to optimize clarity and elevate performance, ensuring an unparalleled visual experience.
For instance, a specific shade is utilized to enhance the clarity of road surfaces, aiding in the identification of hidden potholes that may be concealed by glare. These assertions may appear audacious, but our team of expert testers unequivocally agrees that Prizm does indeed make a notable difference.
A considerable number of cyclists worldwide opt for Oakley frames. Therefore, if you are searching for a compilation of the finest Oakley sunglasses currently available, you have come to the correct place. Each of the sunglasses featured in this article has undergone rigorous testing and assessment by BikeRadar’s proficient evaluators.
The supreme Oakley cycling sunglasses of 2023 – evaluated by BikeRadar’s expert testers
Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm eyewear
The lens has been custom-designed with road cycling in mind. Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
- £195/$234/€207 in test conditions
- Prizm lens with distortion-free optics and road-specific tinting
- Temple and nose grips made of Unobtainium for enhanced stability
Our highest-rated selection of Oakley sunglasses for cyclists, the Jawbreaker astounded us with its unparalleled visual clarity. The Prizm lens, free from any distortions, coupled with its road-specific tint, elucidates road surfaces eloquently. Its 53mm tall lens ensures unobstructed visibility, even during rides in the lowest position.
The 131mm width gracefully embraces your face, with specially sculpted lower sections designed to fit comfortably around your cheekbones. For added convenience, the nosepiece and earpieces are adjustable, accommodating personal preferences effortlessly.
Oakley’s signature ‘Unobtainium’ rubber grips prevent any slippage, even when confronted with a face glistening with sweat. The channels that securely hold the lens in place also feature small rubber bumpers for an extra level of stability.
- Read our comprehensive review of Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm sunglasses here
Oakley Encoder
These glasses are specifically designed to be worn in conjunction with cycling helmets. Sam Challis / Immediate Media
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- £204/$257/€228 in test conditions
The Oakley Encoder: Impressive Vision and Comfort
The Oakley Encoder sunglasses offer a wide field of vision without any restrictions. When wearing them, you’ll experience a sturdy and secure fit that will keep them in place.
These sunglasses feature decent lens coverage and have a lightweight design, weighing only 32g. They share similar DNA with the Kato model but come with a frameless design and a wrap-over nose portion for added style.
When you wear the Oakley Encoder, you’ll notice how well it sits on your face. It is also compatible with various helmets, making it a versatile choice. To enhance the clarity of your vision, Oakley has added a rubber nose pad that effectively blocks any distortion around the curved nose area.
However, our tester discovered that this feature slightly affected their vision and became distracting during bike rides.
Discover More About the Oakley Encoder
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- Explore our comprehensive review of the Oakley Encoder sunglasses
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Introducing the Oakley Encoder Strike Vented
With the Encoder Strike Vented sunglasses, Oakley has made adjustments to the lens design of the Kato model. These sunglasses offer exceptional lens clarity and ventilation, ensuring you have a clear view at all times.
The Kato’s frameless design has been incorporated into the Encoder Strike Vented, along with the added feature of a vented brow on the wraparound lens. These vents not only have a cosmetic value but also help prevent lens fogging.
If you have a larger head, you’ll appreciate the fit and styling of the Encoder Strike Vented. However, we recommend trying them on before making a purchase, as they have a distinct style and can be pricier than other cycling sunglasses.
It’s worth noting that the large nosepiece may be positioned in your line of sight, potentially obstructing your vision slightly.
Uncover More About the Oakley Encoder Strike Vented
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- Read our detailed review of the Oakley Encoder Strike Vented sunglasses
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Explore the Oakley Kato Sunglasses
The Oakley Kato sunglasses offer a range of options with lighter and darker-colored lenses available. These sunglasses have been priced at £265/$318/€310 in our testing.
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- Experience excellent lens clarity and ventilation with the Kato.
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- Largely unobscured line of sight: The line of sight is mostly unobscured, providing clear visibility.
- Minimal distortion around the nosepiece: There is very little distortion around the nosepiece, ensuring a clear view.
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The Oakley Katos are a pair of sunglasses with a bold style that may not appeal to everyone. However, they perform admirably when used for cycling.
The wraparound Prizm lens offers excellent clarity, regardless of the shade chosen, and there are various colors available for different conditions.
When worn, these cycling sunglasses sit securely on the face, although it’s unfortunate that the nosepiece cannot be adjusted. This is especially disappointing given the high price of the sunglasses.
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- Read our full Oakley Kato sunglasses review
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Oakley Sutro Lite Photochromic
The Photochromic lens of the Oakley Sutro Lite reacts quickly to changes in light conditions. Ashley Quinlan / Our Media
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- Price: £172/$214/€200/AU$279
- Offers a wide field of vision
- The Photochromic lens provides impressive versatility
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With its retro-inspired appearance and interchangeable lenses, the Sutro Lite has a slightly smaller fit compared to the Sutro.
Oakley’s photochromic lenses are responsive to changing light conditions, although they are not as dark as standard lenses in bright sunshine.
Weighing only 33g, the Sutro Lites live up to their name in terms of lightweight design. However, we were disappointed to find that the nosepiece is not adjustable.
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- Read our full Oakley Sutro Lite review
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Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend
The Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend combines old-school looks with a modern, ventilated lens. Warren Rossiter / Our Media
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- Price as tested: £152/$184/€180/AU$253
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Low weight and good ventilation
The Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend sunglasses offer a combination of low weight and excellent ventilation. These features make them ideal for those with narrower faces.
Compared to the Oakley Sutro Lite, the lens on the Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend is approximately half the size and has an upward sweep. This design is especially suitable for riders with smaller heads.
Oakley has maintained the circular brow vent holes on the Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend, providing both a classic aesthetic appeal and effective ventilation.
The lens of these sunglasses delivers crisp and clear visibility in various lighting conditions. Furthermore, it remains distortion-free even at the edges. The Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend’s comfortable arm grippers ensure that the frame stays securely in place, even during rough rides.
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- Explore our comprehensive review of the Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend sunglasses
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Oakley sunglasses worth considering
While they may not have received a perfect five-star rating, the following Oakley sunglasses are still worth considering if they meet your preferences.
Oakley EVZero sunglasses
The Oakley EVZero sunglasses are available in two different lens shapes for the EVZero frame. They have been thoroughly tested and evaluated, and come with a price tag of £140.
The frameless construction of these sunglasses provides a broad field of view, and they offer good protective coverage. These features make them suitable for cycling.
One of the key advantages of the EVZero sunglasses is their frameless design, which ensures an unobstructed view. Furthermore, there is no noticeable distortion towards the edges of the lens.
The Oakley EVZero sunglasses are available in two lens shapes: Path and Range. Both options feature Oakley’s ‘O-Matter’ ear socks and ‘Unobtainium’ rubber on the nosepiece and temple tips. These elements contribute to a secure and comfortable fit.
For riders who frequently encounter mixed surfaces during their rides, it is worth noting that the Prizm road lens may not be the most appropriate choice. However, the EVZero series offers non-Prizm lens options to cater to different needs.
Oakley Sutro sunglasses
A bold design with Oakley performance. Jesse Wild/Cycling Plus
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- The price for Oakley Sutro sunglasses is £130/$173/€172.
- The well-sprung arms of these sunglasses keep them securely in place.
- Experience good ventilation with minimal fogging.
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As the brand’s interpretation of the modern-retro trend made famous by 100% and Peter Sagan, these sunglasses are likely to be popular among urban cyclists and style-conscious roadies. The Sutro sunglasses offer extensive coverage with their 58mm deep tinted Prizm lenses, ensuring absolute clarity. Additionally, the square-section frame prevents fogging by keeping the lenses away from your face. While the arms do not have Oakley’s typical rubber tips, they are well-sprung, providing a snug fit despite this deviation from the norm. Oakley has recently introduced the Sutro Lite to its range, which features the same extra-large lens as the original Sutro but with a more open frame without the lower rim.
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- To learn more, read our comprehensive Oakley Sutro sunglasses review.
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Oakley Flight Jacket sunglasses
The Flight Jackets include Oakley’s Advancer switch to increase airflow. Jack Luke / Immediate Media
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- The price for Oakley Flight Jacket sunglasses is £185/$249/€225.
- Choose from a wide range of Oakley Prizm lens options.
- The Advancer switch allows for increased airflow.
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Featuring a design similar to Oakley Jawbreakers but with the top section of the frame removed, the Flight Jacket sunglasses offer a futuristic upgrade. They come with a variety of Oakley’s high-performance tinted Prizm lenses, including Prizm Road, Prizm Low Light, and Prizm Trail, each optimized to enhance visibility in specific environments. While the upper edges of the sunglasses provide an excellent field of vision in aggressive riding positions, the chunky lower frame can impede visibility when looking downwards or checking blind spots. Notably, these glasses incorporate an Advancer switch on the nose, which allows for greater airflow, aiding in defogging. However, some may deem this feature an unnecessary gadget.
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- To learn more, read our comprehensive Oakley Flight Jacket sunglasses review.
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