If you spend any amount of time outside, then you know how essential a solid pair of shades is. But shelling out the big bucks for expensive name-brand sunglasses certainly isn’t for everybody. While you can get away with a $10 pair of gas station sunglasses, you’ll probably be a lot happier spending just a little bit more for a higher-quality pair of sunnies. That’s where Goodr Sunglasses come in.
At $25-35, Goodr Sunglasses are cheaper than almost any shades anywhere, but they’re certainly the most affordable pair of polarized sunglasses I’ve ever encountered. For such a bargain price, being skeptical is understandable. So, I set out to answer the question on everyone’s mind: Are Goodr sunglasses actually any good?
In short: Goodr sunglasses may be very affordable, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on performance. Available in lots of fun styles and colors, these polarized sunglasses are lightweight, comfortable, and have fairly good optics, making them a solid pick for any adventure. And, at a mere fraction of the cost of high-end shades, they are a particularly great option for those prone to breaking, scratching, or losing their shades — you know who you are.
Goodr Sunglasses
Specs
- Frame material Not specified
- Polarized Yes
- Lens color tested Teal
- Lens height 42 mm
- Bridge width 15 mm
- Temple length 151 mm
Pros
- Super-affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Stable on the face
- Lots of frame colors and other styles to choose from
Cons
- Not the most durable
Goodr Sunglasses Review
I live on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, where the sun is regularly out in full force. I lead an active lifestyle, so I spend a lot of time outdoors.
Whether I’m running, standup paddling, hiking, or simply hanging at the beach, I find myself reaching for and wearing sunglasses just about all of the time. I’d been hearing about Goodr for a while, so I decided to give its sunglasses a try.
I ended up with a pair of the Goodr Pop G glasses — an angular cat-eye style — with the “Approaching Cult Status” (bright pink) frames that I tested alongside a selection of the best women’s sunglasses on the market.
Upon first inspection, the Pop Gs look like a pair of sunglasses off the rack at a gas station or souvenir store. Not that they aren’t stylish, but the frames don’t look quite as refined as those on many high-end glasses. But we all know the adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” so I decided to give them a fair try before I passed any judgments.
Beyond the low price, one of the biggest selling points of the Goodr sunglasses is that they feature polarized lenses. As someone who spends a lot of time around the water, I gravitate toward polarized lenses for their ability to reduce glare off of reflective surfaces like water or the hood of your car.
For this reason, polarized lenses are typically the best choice for fishing, driving, and many other outdoor activities. In addition to reducing glare, the Goodr lenses block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays thanks to the UV400 protection.
When comparing them to other sunglasses in my collection that cost between $100 and $200, I thought the lenses seemed similar in terms of quality and optical clarity (but for a fraction of the cost).
While they don’t enhance color and contrast to quite the same level as Oakley’s Prizm or Smith’s Chromapop lenses, they’re still pretty solid in that department. The lenses are also mirrored — some of the other frame/color options have non-mirrored lenses — which reflect light to reduce glare, look cool, and keep your eyes hidden.
The Pop Gs advertise that they’re designed for “medium noggins.” I’d say my face is on the smaller side, and I found that these fit well. They’re snug enough to stay in place but not tight by any means, so I think they’d work well for folks with slightly larger faces as well.
If you’re unsure, Goodr has a size chart on its website that you can reference. The brand also makes 14 different frame styles to suit varying face sizes and preferences, so you can be sure to find a pair that fits you and your personal aesthetic.
The Pop Gs felt lightweight and comfortable on my face, making them a good pick for active endeavors. Additionally, these shades feature a no-slip-grip-coated frame that helps them stay in place.
Since acquiring them a few months ago, I’ve worn them for running, volleyball, hiking, kayaking, and standup paddling, and they’ve performed well across the board. I typically don’t wear sunglasses on open ocean paddles because I worry about losing them. But since these Goodr shades are only $25, it feels like less of a financial risk, and thanks to their stay-put design, I have yet to lose them.
One of the downsides of the Goodr glasses is that the anti-scratch lens coating doesn’t seem quite as resilient as more expensive brands, and they scratch fairly easily. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not great about caring for my sunglasses and storing them in their bag/case, so it’s bound to happen to just about any sunglasses I own. Learn from my mistakes and store them in the bag, and you should be able to avoid this.
Additionally, while the optics are good, especially considering the price, they aren’t quite on par with those of higher-end brands like Smith, Oakley, Costa Del Mar, and others. That said, unless you have very refined tastes or you’re comparing them side by side, we doubt most people would ever notice the difference. Still, there’s a reason these shades only cost $25-35.
Conclusion
While you probably won’t mistake them for top-of-the-line shades, Goodr sunglasses perform well for a fraction of the price of the high-end competition. All of Goodr’s glasses feature polarized lenses and a no-slip grip coat, making them great for everything from outdoor activities to hanging out around town.
If you’re tired of throwing money down the drain when you lose, scratch, or break more expensive sunglasses, these affordable shades might be just the ticket for you. Heck, with prices ranging from $25 to $35 (depending on the model), you can buy four to eight pairs of them for the price of one from some of the premium brands. And, with so many different frames and colors to choose from, you can be sure to find the right pair (or pairs) that suit your needs, fit your face, and match your style.
Goodr sunglasses can be purchased directly from Goodr or various online retailers like REI and Backcountry.
