Oakley SubZero running sunglasses review: a super lightweight champion returns

Oakley SubZero running sunglasses: first impressions

If these distinctive shades look familiar, you could be giving away your age. Oakley SubZero sunglasses were originally launched in 1992 and, despite being discontinued just three years later, they became iconic. And now 30 years later, Oakley are re-launching this classic design.

The big boast of these glasses – then and now – is that they weigh under 1oz. Now that isn’t less than zero, of course, but let’s not split hairs, because it is very, very light and was especially so back in the early ’90s. Other running sunglasses come close to competing in terms of being lightweight these days, but when you try on the SubZeros they still immediately impress with their barely there-ness. 

Much of the weight savings comes down to the fact that, besides the arms, there is no frame, and the physiomorphic geometry of the large lenses allows the glasses to adapt to the shape of the wearer’s face. This does result in a bug-like, futuristic look (still, three decades after their initial release), but you’re either going to love that or hate it (it may depend on how often you can put up with people saying you look like Bono – other types of sunglasses for trail running are available).

They are statement sunglasses – there’s no getting away from that, from the prominent (and cleverly design-integrated) logo, to the overall chic.

Oakley SubZero running sunglasses: on the trails

In the heady days of the early ’90s, many of us cheerfully assumed we’d be running around in hovershoes by the 2020s, but alas, we’re still waiting for those, and to compensate it seems that we’re going back to the futuristic designs that were popular three decades ago. 

To be fair, while the look of the SubZero sunglasses might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they are a high-performing pair of glasses, with a lot of good features. And they have been updated, rather than simply re-released.

I’ve been running in the new SubZeros along the South West Coast Path in Devon, across open beaches, over bare hills and through the more shady woods in the coastal hinterland, and Oakley’s Prism lenses are genuinely excellent at coping with changing light levels you encounter in such conditions. They deliver amazing definition and color contrast, as well as complete protection from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.

The grip on these glasses is also excellent, both at the temples and nose, and you can shake your head around or look down as much as you like without fear of them falling off. The “no-slip” Unobtainium nose grip is pretty chunky, however, and while it might feel unobtrusive, I could definitely see it while wearing the glasses, which was a little distracting and made me go a bit cross-eyed until I managed to convince my brain to ignore it.

In terms of pure performance, though, providing protection from glare and enabling clear vision in a range of quickly changing light conditions, these are fantastic lightweight sunnies for running, fastpacking or taking on any other active pursuits.

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