Rudy Project Lightflow B Review: The Casual Runner’s Ideal Running Sunglasses
For many runners sunglasses fall into the “accessory” category of running gear, but a good pair of running sunglasses can make your runs a whole lot more enjoyable, no matter the conditions. Like good running shoes and kit, specialised running sunglasses can be a crucial tool for outdoor runs in all sorts of light levels. The right pair can help you see better, worry less about dust or dirt, and keep you from squinting or straining your eyes during your run.
I’m no expert when it comes to running sunglasses. But, I am pedantic about wearing good sunglasses and protecting my eyes in my everyday life. My vast sunglasses collection is proof I take eye-care seriously, but for someone who knows the value of good sunglasses, I’ve never felt the need to invest in running sunglasses. I’m a casual runner; I’m not hitting the pavement more than 3 times per week and my longest runs are 10kms. So, investing in expensive purpose-built running sunglasses has always felt like overkill.
It wasn’t until the opportunity to review a pair of Rudy Project Lightflow B sunglasses came up that I realised what I’ve been missing out on. This classic lightweight model hits the sweet spot between sport and athleisure giving you a versatile pair of sunnies that make it far easier to justify the price tag on a pair of running sunglasses. The timeless design makes it ideal for any time of day or any activity.
The ultimate sports and lifestyle companion
If you’re looking for protection to match your active lifestyle the Rudy Project Lightflow B sunglasses are it. The sporty eyewear blends minimalist design with advanced functionality thanks to the Rilsan frame — an eco-friendly material known for its lightness and durability. This means you can expect exceptional comfort, full visual protection, and a sleek, versatile aesthetic whether you’re running, hiking, on the golf course, or out and about with friends. And with these frames available in prescription at Spectacle World and Mullers Optometrists, no matter your eyewear needs you’ll be ready for anything!
For the Lightflow B, rounded design meets robust adaptability for seamless transitions from everyday moments to sports activities. With a solid frame and adjustable features, it’s the perfect blend of style and versatility. The design incorporates safety hinges, adjustable anti-slip temple tips, and interchangeable rubber anti-slip nose pads for the perfect custom fit. It’s amazing just how super lightweight these frames are. The Lightflow B, weighs just 29 grams, and in my books the mark of a good pair of running sunglasses is your ability to forget you’re wearing them.
I can see clearly now: Sports Lenses that work for you
I got the Lightflow B in Ice Gold Matte with Rudy Project’s RP Optics Multilaser Mirrored Gold lenses. These technically advanced specialty lenses are available in various shades and treatments, each with a specific sport, atmosphere, and condition in mind.
It’s the lenses where Rudy Project truly shines. These lenses have the standard features you’ll find in most sports lenses — like UV 400 Protection and maintaining colour integrity even with the dark filters. But, Rudy Project believes it’s not enough for lenses to physically protect the eyes from radiation and other external hazards. High performance sports lenses should also enhance visual acuity and minimise distortion.
That’s where Rudy Project’s range of filters come into play. Rudy Project lenses are available with specific treatments. These include antifog, water repelling (hydrophobic), and light changing (photochromic) technology. As standard Rudy Project’s RP Optics lenses reduce glare, enhance contrast, protect from ultravoilet rays, ensure true vision without distortion of colours, and protect against external agents.
The metal oxide coating featured in the Lightflow B’s RP Optics Multilaser Mirrored Gold lenses transmit only 22% of the light, making the lenses ideal for very sunny days or days with strong reflected light (like the beach or on the water). The multi-colour mirrored lenses change colour depending on how the light is reflected off the lens and contain a brown base colour. These high contrast lenses are built around chromatic partitioning. They enhance colour contrast and cut glare from all angles maximising visual clarity. All this to say, the Lightflow B sunglasses are a stellar choice for outdoor sports like cycling, running, golf, trail running and hiking.
An unbreakable bond
Something you may not have considered when wearing sunglasses for sport is eye safety. In addition to protecting your eyes from debris, the Rudy Project RP Optics lenses also provide shatter protection in the off chance you collide with a car, inconveniently placed tree, or other obstacles while being active outdoors. If you’ve heard the horror stories of people being blinded by shattered sunglasses lenses during an accident you’ll know how important shatterproof lenses are.
The Polycarbonate lenses are guaranteed unbreakable for life, high impact-resistant, and boast superior anti-scratch properties that ensure your sunglasses can keep up with your active lifestyle. The lenses are made of a semi-rigid material that was originally developed for the military and aerospace industries. So you know they’re serious! The lens is able to flex without breaking, which makes them resilient to the elements, excellent for eye protection, and basically impervious to the best efforts of athletes who often break their gear.
Soak up the runner’s high with Rudy Project
The Rudy Project Lightflow B sunglasses have made such a difference to my runs over the last 8 weeks. I love these sunglasses so much I crave wearing them. My eyes have never felt so ‘at ease’ and comfortable outdoors than when I’m wearing these lenses.
They’re brilliant for sunny and partly cloudy days in Cape Town but even on overcast days, when I want to protect my eyes (and the skin around them) from squinting and harsh UV light. These sunglasses are a blessing in Cape Town when the weather can change on you without warning. The high contrast reflections outdoors this time of year can be brutal, and can make running more dangerous than it needs to be. Moreover, the right pair of lenses can help with depth perception and balance in both high- and low-contrast conditions, something super important when you’re running on uneven terrain.
Lenses aside, the Lightflow B sunglasses are incredible comfortable. The grippy rubber temple arms and no-slip nose piece enables you to adjust the frames to fit your face shape. While some sport frames are a bit big on me, these fit perfectly and are well-suited for smaller faces. I’ve tested them on multiple short and long runs, and they didn’t bounce or slip at all. It took a bit of adjusting to get the nose-piece just right, but after that, they didn’t budge at all. The ear and nose pieces maintain very good grip even when wet with sweat. Even though these frames don’t move, they don’t pinch the sides of your head either, which I appreciate as someone prone to headaches.
The Rudy Project Lightflow B is excellent for anyone looking for a pair of sunglasses that can transition from technical running sunnies to everyday lifestyle shades with ease. The classic design may not suit every style preference, but its lightweight fit and excellent lenses make it a top choice for runners looking for reliable, high-functioning sunglasses.
