suggestions for sunglasses and socks

[sherx2]

I am in need of a new pair of sunglasses. I wear contacts so something that would block wind and debris would be helpful. Of course comfort and something with a nice appearance would also be a plus. (not much to ask, huh? :) ) Any suggestions?
Also on a search for the perfect sock.
Thanks!

[alexis_the_tiny]

I love, love, LOVE my Tifosi Slips. They come in very rocking colors, have three pairs of lenses for different levels of lighting. Are reasonably priced (compared to Rudy Projects) and are quite hardy. If you're willing to shell out, Rudy Projects have some glasses that allow you to put in prescription inserts which gives you the option of eliminating the contacts when you want to. Can't help with the socks, I just wear regular ankle socks from Marks & Spencer's and Little Miss Matched. :p

[OakLeaf]

Smith & Wesson Mini Magnum, and Teko merino or Injini Performance Outdoors.

Depends on what activity you want each for, of course.

[nscrbug]

I'm currently wearing a pair of Ryders sunglasses (with the 3 interchangeable lenses). For socks, it's primarily Smartwool cycling socks...although I do have a few pair of DeFeet cycling socks that I like as well. I wear different thicknesses of socks depending on the temps. I have thin for really warm days, medium for average temps, and thicker for cold weather.

[Becky]

Tifosi photochromatics for partly cloudy ---> full sun, and $5 clear safety glasses for dark.

[zoom-zoom]

I am a HUGE fan of Optic Nerve sunglasses--their photochromics have the widest range of any photochromic lens...wider even than much more $$ brands. I have the Neuro Toxin frame. I've got a pair with the photomatic lenses and a pair that have 4 different lenses (purchased so that I'd have clear lenses for night riding). These wrap well around my smallish face.

[Owlie]

I have terrible eyesight, and the only company that will make my prescription is Rudy Project, possibly Performance if their selection didn't suck.

Socks...I really like my Smartwool PhD socks (why do my socks have a higher degree than me?) for winter wear, but I have a bunch of SockGuy, etc socks for the summer.

[ny biker]

Due to migraines and light sensitivity, I wear sunglasses more than most people, like when it rains and sometimes indoors. Without a doubt, the best I have ever worn are Oakleys. I currently have the Flak Jackets. Some of their other sport styles were too big for my face. I have the darkest lenses (black iridium) and they're polarized. They're not cheap, but the optic quality is better than any other sunglasses I've ever worn. And they stay put while you sweat -- the material they use for the nosepads and earpieces is specially made to stay in place while wet. They're also comfortable enough to wear all day.

I also have a pair of yellow lenses that I use when riding near dark.

As for socks, I like DeFeet, either Aereators or Wooleators. They just fit me well. I have a couple pairs of Pearl Izumi socks but they're not soft enough around the toes.

[HillSlugger]

I'm also loving my Oakleys, Half Jackets in my case. Light, comfortable, and crystal clear optics.

[Maye]

I think Oakleys r the best ones. I have lost so many pairs!!. I will be shopping for new ones after buying my new road bike :D

[ehirsch83]

Oakley Radars :)

[CAL]

love my Oakleys. lost my flat jackets so now I have the fast jackets - very comfy

[spokewench]

I like Ryders - they have all kinds of styles are relatively inexpensive for bicycle glasses and have good optics (not great), but good enough for me and the cost is right for me too

[malkin]

I swore love everlasting to my Oakleys.
When I lost them, I got some Smith's which are really more comfortable. The Oakleys put a bit more pressure on a spot behind my ear and I think it may have triggered headaches. I hope stuff like that never happens to anyone else (or to me either for that matter).

[OakLeaf]

I gave up on Oakleys after, in quick succession, I lost one pair and the dog ate another. I give up no noticeable optical quality with my $9 S&Ws - and I'm pretty sensitive to that. When they get scratched, I just pull the next pair out of the case I buy 'em by, rather than tolerating reduced vision because I won't spend $200 every time I get a scratch.

[zoom-zoom]

I gave up on Oakleys after, in quick succession, I lost one pair and the dog ate another. I give up no noticeable optical quality with my $9 S&Ws - and I'm pretty sensitive to that. When they get scratched, I just pull the next pair out of the case I buy 'em by, rather than tolerating reduced vision because I won't spend $200 every time I get a scratch.

People rave about Oakleys and the optics quality, which I am certain is good...but it takes only a few miles before my glasses are coated in bugs and sweat or spatters of rain and mud. Optics schmoptics. I'd rather be able to not flinch if I have to buy a new pair every year or so. I am famous for putting my glasses on my head during stops or runs, then taking off a hat or under-helmet head covering and having them crash to the ground. I've scratched and/or broken a few lenses this way. I don't cry if I damage a pair of $40-60 sunglasses.

[Owlie]

I'm starting to think my best bet is going to be getting contacts, so I can buy whatever sunglasses I want and not have to spend craptons of money. Stupid eyes.

[NbyNW]

I have a pair of Natives with interchangeable lenses. They have a comfy integrated nosepad, so they fit my face a little better than other brands.

[Catrin]

I'm starting to think my best bet is going to be getting contacts, so I can buy whatever sunglasses I want and not have to spend craptons of money. Stupid eyes.

That is what I tried to do two years ago, but as it turned out I can't wear them. We tried every kind of contacts available, but I just can't see. For some types I couldn't even see my computer screen let alone anything else. I wanted to make that work so badly, but it didn't. I am sure that dry eyes contributed to it, but I had also tried it when I was still in my 30's and that didn't work out well either.

For now I will just go with my Oakleys another year for riding/driving. I do want to eventually go with riding glasses that are progressives so that when I wear them for hiking I can actually SEE things...like flowers, birds, etc. The Tifosi glasses are attractive, but I already have single vision cycling sun glasses. My prescription has changed a bit, but my eyes don't complain when switching from my new glasses with the stronger astigmatism/far distance prescription so that tells me the change probably isn't that large...

So far only Maui Jim's appear to support my full prescription in a wrap-around frame - and that is only using digital lenses...I could buy another bike for what they cost :eek: "Normal" lenses for wrap-around frames won't support my full astigmatism prescription...

[e3rdpower]

I really like my Tifosi Dea's with the photochromatic (night bright, I think) lenses. I ride before the butt crack of dawn on a regular basis, and I can use them when it's still dark out and they do darken nicely even in full south florida sun. My only complaint is that they do fog up if I get stopped at a light, but I'm afraid that is pretty much unavoidable.

[Catrin]

I really like my Tifosi Dea's with the photochromatic (night bright, I think) lenses. I ride before the butt crack of dawn on a regular basis, and I can use them when it's still dark out and they do darken nicely even in full south florida sun. My only complaint is that they do fog up if I get stopped at a light, but I'm afraid that is pretty much unavoidable.

Now this is a nice feature - this might be worth getting another pair of single vision cycling sunglasses. I know that Tifosi can handle my astigmatism prescription (I've already checked), and this would be nice - but it would still be single-vision.

How sensitive are the lenses? Would they adjust to the light differences found in the woods over the sunny open roads? I hope that question made sense...

If I could find all of this in a progressive wrap-around frame with shatter-proof lenses that cost less than one of my bikes...

[Becky]

How sensitive are the lenses? Would they adjust to the light differences found in the woods over the sunny open roads? I hope that question made sense...

Mine do. I have a pair with the Backcountry Orange lenses that I use for mountain biking. They take several seconds to adjust, but they're the best solution I've found to encountering mixed heavy shade and sunny fields/roads on the same ride.

Tifosi has several different photochromatic lenses with different darknesses....I recommend checking their webpage for options.

[e3rdpower]

How sensitive are the lenses? Would they adjust to the light differences found in the woods over the sunny open roads?

Agreed with Becky, I believe they would work. It does take several seconds to adjust though.

[malkin]

After my 'script Oakleys got lost, I started wearing and liking my contacts more.

As for optical quality, my vision just isn't all that accurate anymore. I'm getting used to seeing the world as one big impressionist art exhibit.

[rivergal]

I've used contacts for years and years. Picked up Serfas Force 5 glasses because my budget at the time was limited, but was not at all disappointed with these glasses. They are perfect for small/medium heads (like mine) and my Take a Look mirror fits fine on them.

As for socks, I picked up Balega Lady Ventilators when I was training for a sprint tri, and just love them. My feet overheat very easily, and that is never a problem with the Ventilators.

[emily_in_nc]

Swiftwick. Best. Socks. Ever.

Perfect for running, walking, cycling. No affiliation, just a very satisfied customer getting ready to order more!

[freednerd]

As far as socks go, I love Nike Dri-Fit (ankle) socks. They are snug and help from your feet being soaked when you ride.