How to Choose Sunglasses by Sport
There's no single pair of sunglasses that works equally well for everything. What you need on the water isn't the same as what you need paragliding or climbing a mountain pass on a bike — the risk of losing them changes, the type of glare changes, physical effort changes, and even the weight you notice after several hours changes. This guide brings together the real criteria by discipline and links to the full technical breakdown of each one.
The 3 criteria that change by sport
Before looking at models, it helps to understand what actually varies between disciplines: the risk of losing them (falling on land isn't the same as falling in the water or mid-flight), the type of glare and light (water, snow, altitude, or forest shade all call for different things), and physical effort (how much you sweat and how long you wear the glasses). UV400 protection and a lightweight TR90 frame are the common baseline across the whole KOH range — what changes is what matters most in each sport.
Sunglasses by discipline
Water sports: kitesurfing, windsurfing/wingfoiling, and sailing
On the water, the hydrophobic lens (so it doesn't fog with spray) and a secure fit against wind and constant motion are what matter most — losing them here means losing them for good, they don't come back up from the seabed. Each sport has its own nuances: the kitesurf guide covers the hydrophobic lens in depth, the windsurfing and wingfoiling guide focuses on fit with a harness and helmet, and the sailing and regattas guide covers hours of continuous exposure on board.
Running and trail running
Here, anti-fog ventilation from sustained cardiovascular effort and peripheral vision matter most — key on trail to anticipate roots and terrain changes. The running and trail guide covers the difference between asphalt and trail.
Cycling
At riding speed, wraparound coverage against wind, dust, and insects is the first thing you notice, along with resistance to salty sweat on long rides. The cycling guide compares road and MTB.
Paragliding and mountain sports
Altitude raises UV exposure, and in flight the risk of losing them is total — there's no getting them back in mid-air. The paragliding and mountain guide covers why an added retention system stops being optional in flight.
What if you practice several sports?
If you don't want a different model for every discipline, open-vision (edgeless) designs like EAGLE or FALCON cover most situations well — water, land, or air — thanks to their wraparound coverage and wide field of view. The whole range shares the same technical base (UV400, lightweight adjustable TR90 frame, anti-fog treatment): the difference between models is frame style and field of view, not baseline protection.
The accessory that changes everything if you're serious about it
In any discipline where losing them is a real risk — water, flight, technical MTB — the KOH floating strap and the KOH Anchor are compatible with the whole range thanks to the slim-fit design. It's not a whim: it's the difference between a scare and a real loss when a replacement isn't immediate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same glasses for several sports?
Yes, open-vision models like EAGLE or FALCON work well across most disciplines thanks to their wraparound coverage and wide field of view.
Which KOH model is the most versatile?
EAGLE and FALCON, for their wraparound coverage and wide field of view, valid in water, on land, or in flight.
Do all KOH sunglasses have UV400 protection?
Yes, it's the common baseline across the whole range, whatever the model or discipline.
When is a retention strap worth it?
Whenever the risk of losing them is real and you can't easily recover them — in the water, in flight, or on technical terrain. For more occasional use on solid ground, it's not essential.
Where do I read the full technical breakdown for each sport?
In the specific guides for kitesurfing, windsurfing/wingfoiling, sailing, running/trail, cycling, and paragliding/mountain, all linked from this guide.
Whatever your sport, there's a KOH model built for it. Discover the full collection.
