Check out this list of the favorite tactical sunglasses used by Navy SEALs out in training and on the streets.
Whether you are protecting your eyes from dust and grime or just looking cool for the ladies – its all good.
You got to have a good pair of glasses when you are working out on the SWCC boats in the ocean or doing field work in the desert.
#1 Pro-Tip: Find the pair that fits your face and matches the light conditions you will working most in.
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#10 OAKLEY HALF JACKET 2.0
This has been one of Oakley’s top selling glasses and is definitely the eye catcher with tons of style.
The Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 gets the job done out in the ocean or in the desert heat so it works like a charm for Team guys out at work or play.
These are lightweight and will not slide on your head while your running.
We have seen numerous frogs sporting this pair of shades out on the streets.
They also take a fair amount of abuse without breaking.
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#9 OAKLEY FUEL CELL
Oakley has been a go-to pair of eyewear for Team Guys for many years.
The Oakley Fuel Cell has all the right angles and full coverage for working out on the boats or coming into town for a beer at McP’s or Danny’s.
I know many Team guys who swear by these and have continued to use them even after leaving the Navy.
You can’t go wrong with these.
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#8 TIFOSI BRONX
These are one of the lightest and best fitting glasses you will find and the price point is very bearable at about $60 or so.
The Tifosi brand are known for being super light weight and are really big in the biking community.
You can mix and match lenses if you like and they also have a vented lens which really sets them apart from the other companies out there.
These look great and fit great and have a good price. Whats not to like about the Tifosi Bronx sunglasses?
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#7 OAKLEY DET CORD
The Oakley Det Cord Sunglasses, a critical piece of equipment under the Oakley Standard Issue (SI) umbrella, are forged with a singular mission – to enhance the safety, performance, and comfort of our soldiers and safety professionals. Oakley SI stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment to those whose lives depend on their gear. These sunglasses deliver ultimate optical clarity and protection, catering to the demands of combat-ready environments.
The SI Det Cord Industrial is not just a pair of sunglasses; it’s a tactical powerhouse fully compliant with the ballistic and optical standards of MIL PRF32432, surpassing ANSI Z87.1 (2015) Industrial Standards for high-mass and high-velocity impact protection. The Oakley grey lenses, with a neutral base, eliminate 82% of ambient light and block 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC light up to 400 nm wavelength. The stress-resistant frames, injected with molded thermoplastic O-Matter, ensure lightweight durability for all-day comfort and protection. Featuring anti-fog coating, comms-compatible ear stems, and a rubberized unobtainium nosepiece, the Det Cord Industrial is fully equipped for the demands of the field. Packaged with a Microbag for cleaning and storage, these sunglasses embody Oakley’s commitment to excellence in every detail.
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#6 NATIVE EYEWEAR DISTILLER
In the realm of eyewear, the Native Eyewear Distiller Rectangular Sunglasses emerge as a tactical advantage for those seeking peak performance in various environments. Equipped with N3 Polarized lenses, these sunglasses go beyond the ordinary, blocking 40% of infrared light to reduce eye fatigue. They not only offer Blue light filtering but also provide 100% UV protection, minimizing haze and elevating visual clarity for a sharper focus.
Crafted with precision, the co-injected Rhyno-Tuff air frames seamlessly integrate grippy, comfortable molding into the plastic, ensuring that your shades stay securely in place. The cushion nose pads add to the comfort, providing a soft feel and a custom fit tailored to any nose shape or size. As an additional measure to guarantee stability, the temple ends hug behind your ears, keeping the sunglasses securely in place even during dynamic movements. Engineered to fit large profiles, the Native Eyewear Distiller Rectangular Sunglasses are not just eyewear; they are a strategic asset for those who demand uncompromised vision and reliability in the field.
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#5 WILEY X
This company has made a major move in producing tactical eyewear with interchangeable lenses, lightweight frames, goggles and gloves.
The Wiley X are fully Mil-spec so you can depend on them to get the job done.
WILEYX had a huge booth at the recent SHOT show when I was out in Las Vegas.
I ran into a couple of SF guys at Ft Bragg that swear by these glasses as their go-to in the field gear.
The Wiley X brand of eyewear became famous after Bradley Cooper wore these in the American Sniper movie.
They are lightweight and you can put a prescription lense in them which really expands their versatility.
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#4 COSTA DEL MAR FANTAIL
I had two pairs of Vuarnets during my time in the Teams.
I say several in that I kept losing them but I could pick up a fresh pair for $80 or so and all was good again.
The newer style of Costa is similar to some of the old Vuarnet’s style and that is why I like them.
I found the Costa and it turned out to be a great eyewear when out at the beach. This glass fits my face perfectly and I really like the sturdy frame. You cant go wrong with Costa as they make quality stuff.
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#3 OAKLEY FROG SKINS
Back in the 80’s and 90’s this was a favorite for the Team guys and it even gets a mention from Brandon Webb at SOFREP.
The Oakley Frogskins Wayfarer Sunglasses have been retooled and improved and are again and easy to wear get R done pair.
It would be hard to walk around the compound of the Teams and not see at least one frogman wearing a pair of these while working out or heading out for a run on the beach.
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#2 ELECTRIC CHARGE
These glasses are awesome and super lightweight.
The Electric Charge glasses are currently my go-to eyewear on the street or on my mountain bike.
When you first take them out of the box you notice they are slightly different as the frame is made of a high speed material “Gritamid”.
These glasses are very different in that they have a space age lens nicknamed “OHM” which stands for Optical Health through Melanin.
If you are looking for lightweight this is the pair to get.
Check out the SGPT review of Electric Charge here:
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#1 GATORZ WRAPTOR
These are the Navy SEAL sunglasses made famous by the “Lone Survivor” movie.
The Gatorz Sunglasses are made in the USA which is good to know as many are made in China.
These are made from CNC’d aluminum so they are much beefier than any other glass you will wear.
A percent of all sales on Gatorz has been very generous to donate a percent of all sales to the Navy SEAL Foundation to help veterans in need.
I had a prescription made for these glasses and have been wearing them during mountain bike races.
Check out the SGPT review of Gatorz sunglasses here:
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RUNNER UPS
There are a lot of great eyewear out there that will hold up to abuse and protect your eyes from harmful UV. Check out this list of runner – ups.
#11 MAGPUL EXPLORER
The Magpul Explorer Sunglasses are built tough using TR90NZZ frames, combining lightweight flexibility with strong ballistic protection for maximum coverage. While not Z87.1 rated due to its wraparound design, the lenses and frames meet ballistic impact protection standards, available in polarized and non-polarized options.
I like the premium features that include oleophobic lens treatment for liquid and scratch resistance, and anti-reflective coating for reduced distractions. Designed for comfort, the casual style features flexible temples and padded low-profile temples for use with helmets and headsets. Simple hinge functionality with coated stainless steel pins and durable rubber nose and temple pads make these sunglasses highly functional for outdoor activities.
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Question: Where can I find out more info on Naval Special Warfare
Answer: Check out the Navy’s main website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brad McLeod knows first hand about mental toughness. After passing Hell Week and Dive Pool Comp at BUD/S, he failed a math test and was kicked out of training. A year later, he returned, graduated, and served as an operator on the Navy SEAL Teams.
He likes to wear sunglasses as his vision is shot. Here he is wearing the Electric Charge pair.
Today, he helps Veterans and athletes achieve their goals. Check out SEALgrinderPT Coaching to help you step up and take hold of your dreams and realize your goals.
SGPT is a proud supporter of the Navy SEAL Foundation.
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