3 Best Pickleball Sunglasses 2025 Reviews

No. 1 female pickleball player, Anna Leigh Waters. Photo by Kerry Pittenger; IG:@
kerry_pittenger_pickleball

Hey guys, it’s Dan. I’m not a big fan of sunglasses. After 26 years of searching, I still haven’t found a pair that fits my face. And when I’m on the court, they always hinder my vision. Nonetheless, I’ve come to realize that without them, I have no swagger and run the risk of an eye injury :/ Plus, they make clear protective glasses—so there’s really no excuse not to wear them.

While most pro pickleball players avoid sunglasses due to the high-speed nature of the game, many pro players do wear them. For crying out loud, even the world’s No. 1 female pickleball player, Anna Leigh Waters, wears them.

Our gear testers did the research for you—here are some top picks.

Rudy Project Tralyx+

Right out of the box, the attention to detail stands out. The lens clarity was the biggest selling point for me—I could track the ball better, and everything just looked sharper.

The adjustable nose pad and temple tips make a difference. Unlike other sport sunglasses that slide around, these stay put, no straps needed.

Made from Graphene, they’re shock-resistant yet lightweight. The vented design keeps airflow moving, reducing fog. Plus, the photochromic lenses adjust to lighting conditions, so there’s no need to switch pairs.

With a two-year warranty and scratch replacement for Rx lenses, Rudy Project stands behind their product. If you want top-tier vision, a secure fit, and long-term durability, the Tralyx+ is a solid investment.

Shop Rudy Project Tralyx +

Tifosi Optics Rivet

If you’ve ever been hit in the eye with a pickleball, you know how scary it can be. Getting hit anywhere else might sting for a moment (or bruise your ego when your opponent celebrates), but the eye is especially vulnerable. I learned that the hard way when a ball ricocheted off my paddle and hit me square in the eye, tearing my iris and leaving my pupil permanently dilated. Since then, my other eye has had to do most of the work, and I’ve never played without eye protection again.

For sunny days, sunglasses usually do the trick. I use lightly tinted lenses on partly cloudy days and darker ones when it’s bright out. But finding good clear-lensed glasses for low-light conditions was a challenge—most had distortion, bulky frames, or fogging issues. After testing several models, I finally found one that works: the Tifosi Rivet.

These glasses are lightweight, distortion-free, and didn’t fog up during a long match. I barely noticed I was wearing them, which is the highest compliment I can give. The frameless design on the sides and bottom means nothing obstructs my peripheral vision, and the nose and temple contact points are soft and comfortable.

Durability remains to be seen, but they feel sturdy and come with a hard case. At $50, they’re mid-range, and while I’m happy with my current sunglasses, I’d consider trying Rivet’s tinted options if the clear lenses continue to perform well.

No matter what you choose, protect your eyes when you play. The Tifosi Rivet is a solid choice for staying safe without sacrificing performance.

Shop Tifosi Rivet

Tifosi Sanctum

I’ve been playing with my Tifosi lenses during tennis and pickleball for the past three weeks, so I wanted to share my experience and how they fit into my game.

Research shows that non-polarized tinted sunglasses don’t significantly affect depth perception under well-lit conditions. I can confirm that tracking the ball wasn’t impacted at all while playing with the Tifosi lenses.

First impressions—they’re stylish, affordable, and well-made. The packaging felt high quality, and for the price, they’re impressively sturdy. Unlike many budget-friendly brands, Tifosi offers a nice range of styles without going overboard on flashy colors.

That said, adjusting to playing with sunglasses wasn’t easy. Everything felt darker, which was a challenge at first. Coaching on sunny days was great, but in tough matches, I found it hard to keep them on. Even a slight restriction in vision can make a difference in winning or losing a point. If you’re worried about dimming, check out their clear options—Mike covered these in his review.

One thing to note—this model’s design is a bit misleading. The center looks like a lens, but there’s actually a plastic piece behind it that slightly restricts your field of vision. I expected an unobstructed view, so I was a little disappointed when they arrived. They still function well, just not as seamlessly as I’d hoped.

Overall, I’d recommend Tifosi, especially for players who rely on eyewear for racket sports. If you just need eye protection and don’t want darker lenses, their clear options are a solid choice. I always recommend protective eyewear for pickleball, so I’ll be pointing my students toward their clear styles, which are great for indoor play too.

Shop Tifosi Sanctum