Your goggles should provide confidence-inspiring performance in the water. Consider these factors when making your selection:
- Color: The color of your lenses impacts your level of clarity. Clear lenses provides better visibility in low-light conditions, while blue and mirrored lenses filter light for better vision where glare is present. Amber provides added color contrast and reduces glare.
- Material: Most swim goggles are designed with a crack-resistant fabric, like polycarbonate. Certain high-grade plastics reduce distortion for clarity under water. A no-seep construction shields against water—so you can focus on the race. Some swimmers may choose goggles designed with a hypoallergenic silicone.
- Size: Low-profile goggles minimize drag in the water. The profile of your goggles denotes how far the set protrudes from your face. Sleek, low-profile goggles feel lightweight yet secure against your face.
- Coating: Anti-fog coating on your swimming goggles prevents the lenses from clouding while you're racing to the finish. Outdoor swimmers should choose lenses treated with a UV-resistant finish for added protection against the sun's rays.
Most lenses are made from durable polycarbonate. This innovative material is nearly shatter-proof and sets the standard for athletic eyewear. It can, however, produce some distortion. Swimmers who need greater clarity in the water may opt for a higher-grade plastic.
Swim goggles that feature a split strap often offer the best fit. A split strap creates triangular-shaped tension between the strap and goggle, maximizing fit in the water.
For many swimmers, customization is key. Look for goggles with an easy-to-adjust strap and interchangeable nose pieces.
