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Swimming is of course a great form of exercise that has multiple health benefits. If you want to get a great cardiovascular workout combined with some good resistance training, you should try swimming some laps for sure. There is also the fact that swimming is just fun. It’s fun for you and for the whole family. However, you do need some gear if you want to have the best swimming experience possible, especially if you are an avid swimmer.
One of the things that you definitely need is a good pair of swimming goggles, but what are the best swimming goggles? Finding the best pair of swimming goggles for you is not as simple as spending 10 or 20 bucks and buying the first pair that you see. You want to put some careful consideration into the pair of swimming goggles that you buy because those goggles will determine how rewarding your swimming experience is. Let’s talk about a few different pairs of swimming goggles which have proven to be the best in the business, and how you can choose the right pair for yourself!
Summary: The Best Swimming Goggles
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Why Use Swimming Goggles
Most people who swim will laugh at this question because the answer is probably obvious to them, but for everyone else, it may not be clear as to why swimming goggles are such a necessary part of swimming, especially when doing so competitively. First off, chlorine, salt water, and even compounds in normal lake water can really make your eyes burn, which is of course not ideal. Moreover, our eyes are not built to see underwater.
Without goggles, our underwater vision is blurry and distorted at best, but that can be avoided with some simple goggles. Swimming goggles, many of them anyway, have the ability to act as sunglasses and remove any glare that is impairing your vision, plus they can help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays as well. Simply put, if you want to see clearly while swimming, a pair of good swimming goggles is necessary!
Considerations To Make When Buying Swimming Goggles
Finding a good pair of swimming goggles can be pretty difficult. This is not because of a lack of options, but because there are way too many to choose from, most of which are not ideal for any circumstance. You obviously don’t want to waste your money on a pair of swimming goggles that is not going to serve you well. So, here we have a few of the most important factors that you should look out for before you purchase any one pair of swimming goggles.
Strap
One of the most important things to look out for before you buy a pair of swimming goggles is how well built the strap is. You want a durable strap made of rubber, silicone, or some other tough material because you don’t want it to rip when putting the goggles on, or even worse, while you are in the middle of swimming laps.
The strap should be fairly elastic so that it makes the goggles fit snugly onto your head, plus it should also be highly adjustable for length to suit people of various sizes. Next, the strap should be connected to the frame with solid buckles or connectors, parts which tend to be the weakest things on swimming goggles.
To make putting the goggles on and taking them off as easy as can be, some goggles even have a strap with a buckle in the back, you can simply click the goggles into place without ripping at your hair when yanking the strap over your head.
Finally, most swimming goggles will have a double strap in order to make sure that the goggles fit tightly to your head, and that they are held on from various angles. As you can see, the strap, or the part that holds the goggles on your head, is very important. Without a strap that has all or at least most of these features, the goggles will never stay on your head.
Gaskets – Seal
Another very important part of every pair of swimming goggles is the gaskets which create the watertight seal. There are usually 2 different choices to go with, those gaskets which create the seal on the inside of your eye socket and those which create the seal along the outside of your eye socket.
This is more a matter of personal preference and individual comfort than anything else. The gaskets should ideally be made of silicone or some other soft, flexible, and durable material. These gaskets need to be able to compress in order to form an airtight pocket around your eyes.
This is a crucial aspect because after all, the main purpose of a pair of swimming goggles is to keep the water out, so if the seal is not good, then the goggles are rendered virtually useless. Most swimming goggles have standard sized gaskets, however, some more expensive pairs can be customized to perfectly fit your face.
Frame
The next very important part of a good pair of swimming goggles is the frame itself. The frame of the goggles you get needs to be made out of a durable material such as silicone or some other poly resin based material.
The frame needs to be soft and flexible enough to fit your face and bend to the shape of your face, but it also needs to be hard and durable enough to ensure that it won’t snap or break, especially if you drop them or stand on them. An important part of this is the nosepiece that rests in the middle of the frame, which is a piece that will dictate how well the goggles fit and how well they stay on your face while swimming.
Many advanced swimming goggles will feature interchangeable nosepieces so you can change them for different needs and in order to accommodate the exact shape of the bridge of your nose. The frame and nosepiece are essential parts of any pair of swimming goggles.
Lenses
The final thing to look out for when buying a pair of swimming goggles is what the lenses are like. First off, nobody likes to swim with goggles that are fogged up, because of course the fog will render you virtually blind and you won’t be able to see where you are going. Therefore a pair of swimming goggles with an anti-fog coating is definitely desirable.
Next, you will want to get a pair of swimming goggles that has an anti-glare feature that limits the transmission of bright light to your eyes. This is especially important if you are going to be swimming outside or in other high light conditions, plus you can often choose between clear and darkened lenses for your own convenience.
On that same note, if you are going to be swimming outside, you should also look for a pair of swimming goggles with anti-UV qualities. Water actually magnifies the effects of UVA and UVB rays, so you are going to want a pair of swimming goggles that can ward off those harmful rays. Next, the lenses of your swimming goggles should have a special coating that minimizes the blur caused by the motion of the water.
Moreover, you will also want to look out for a pair of swimming goggles that has shatter proof or at least shatter resistant glass. You don’t want to drop your swimming goggles, or maybe stand on them by mistake, to find out that the lenses have cracked or broken. On that same note, many swimming goggles will also have scratch resistant lenses.
Finally, most swimming goggles will have normal see through lenses, which is fine for most people, but not for people that require glasses to see. There are some select swimming goggles that have special prescription lenses. Some companies will let you tell them which prescription you need and they can customize your lenses to fit your visual requirements.
Swimming Goggles Reviews
Our Rating
These are some of the best swimming goggles that you could possibly choose. They have so many different features that make them stand out from the rest of the pack. Literally anything that you could want from swimming goggles will be provided to you by the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Mirrored Swim Goggles. These are high-quality, professional grade swimming goggles that virtually everyone will be happy with.
Design
One of the things that we really like about these particular swimming goggles is that they provide you with optimal vision and clarity. These goggles have 25 percent more peripheral vision than most other goggles so you can see what is going on around you while you swim. Moreover, these goggles also have a special anti-glare mirrored coating to increase underwater visibility even more, especially when swimming in bright outdoor conditions.
Speaking of swimming in the sunlight, these goggles also feature a special coating that helps to ward off the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. So in essence, these swimming goggles also work as combination sunglasses. Even better is that these goggles also feature a special anti-fog coating, because nobody wants to have to deal with foggy goggles when swimming.
We also really like the frame of these goggles because they help provide you with a very snug fit, not to mention that they are low profile to help reduce water resistance. Furthermore, the 4 interchangeable nosepieces help to provide virtually anybody with a snug and comfortable fit. Even better are the silicone seals that help to provide an airtight fit that will not let water in no matter what.
To make them fit even better, these goggles also come with an easily adjustable strap, one that is elastic, and very durable too. You can quickly and easily change the length of the strap in order to fit your individual needs. When it comes to optimal clarity, great vision, durability, adjustability, and comfort, the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Mirrored Swim Goggles have got you covered.
Value for money
These goggles don’t even cost 20 dollars, which is extremely cheap when you consider all of the features we just talked about. Having a pair of goggles that is durable, fits well, doesn’t let water in, doesn’t fog up, protects you from the sun, and much more is an excellent way to go for a swim.
Build quality
There is nothing to complain about when it comes to the build quality of these particular swimming goggles. They feature a very durable frame that is flexible and helps provide for a comfortable fit, one that is PVC free at that. Moreover, the silicone seals help to keep water out, the coating helps keep fog at bay, and the UV resistance protects your eyes from harmful sunrays, all things which make these goggles a quality find without a doubt.
Pros
- Anti-glare mirror coating
- UV resistant lenses
- Anti-fog coating
- Quick and easy to adjust straps
- Keep water out
- Interchangeable nosepieces for a good fit
- Durable and flexible frame
Cons
- Too dark for indoors use
- Nose strap could be a little stronger
Our Rating
These are some very high-quality swimming goggles that will do absolutely everything you need to provide you with an optimal swimming experience. They provide you with anti-fog and anti-UV capabilities, they are very durable, help you see with optimal clarity, and much more too.
Design
One of the best parts of these particular swimming goggles is that they don’t pull your hair when you take them on or off. Instead of a classic elastic headband that you have to pull over your head, they feature a buckle in the back that you simply click into place to put them on. This makes taking them off and on very easy and comfortable. Moreover, the strap can be adjusted for length on either side in order to provide you with a snug and comfortable fit.
Another great part about these goggles is that they have slightly grayed out lenses which reduce light transmission to the eyes in order to stop glare and let you see with clarity. The lenses have also been built with completely shatterproof glass for ultimate durability. You can drop or even step on these things without fear of having them break.
Even better is that the lenses themselves have a UV protection feature that keeps your eyes protected from the sun. Moreover, these things also feature a special anti-fog coating. Fog is something that no swimmer wants to deal with, and these goggles help you avoid the fog without question. What is also really good about this model of swim goggle is that the frame is made out of flexible silicone, a material that is extremely durable, yet also quite comfortable too. Moreover, the silicone seals help to provide you with an airtight fit that will keep the water out of your eyes and have you swimming in comfort for hours on end.
Value for money
You definitely get a whole lot of value for the price that you are paying. The Aegend Swim Goggles don’t even cost 15 dollars, which is very affordable considering the various great features that they have. If you need a quality pair of swimming goggles that won’t ruin your budget, but still provide you with great vision, clarity, comfort, and durability, then these ones should definitely be near the top of your list.
Build quality
The build quality of the Aegend Swimming Goggles is nothing less than outstanding. These things have a very durable silicone frame that provides for a snug fit, is comfortable to wear, and extremely durable too. The lenses provide you with a ton of clarity, they don’t fog up, and they protect your eyes from the sun too. Perhaps the best part about these goggles is the buckle in the back that lets you take them on and off with ease.
Pros
- Back buckle makes taking them off and on easy
- Strap is durable and highly adjustable
- Low light transmission for anti-glare capabilities
- Protect your eyes from UV rays
- Anti-fog capabilities
- Durable and comfortable silicone frame
- Silicone seals for waterproofing
Cons
- May leave rings around your eyes
- Clasp in the back may come loose with prolonged use
Our Rating
This is a great pair of swimming goggles to go with. Even though they are fairly affordable, they have managed to provide you with a whole lot of quality, a good, fit, and several other neat features too. If you need swimming goggles that aren’t going to get in your way, the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 is an option to keep in mind.
Design
One of the things that you will definitely like about these swimming goggles is that they help provide you with a snug and customized fit. The Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swimming Goggles feature 4 interchangeable nosepieces so you can customize them to fit your face just right, making them perfect for virtually anybody. These things also come with 2 different double head straps of different lengths in order to accommodate various size people.
These goggles even feature an adjustable clip so you can adjust them even further. Moreover, to fit you just right and to create an air proof seal, the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 features soft silicone seals that compress to create the proper suction around your eyes.
Something else that you will appreciate about these swimming goggles is that they provide you with 25 percent more peripheral vision than most other models, and that is thanks to the wide panoramic lenses they feature. Seeing what is beside you is no longer a problem with these great swimming goggles. Even though you can see a lot with them, these goggles have a very low profile to minimize resistance while swimming.
The Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles also have UV protected lenses so you can swim during the daytime without having to worry about the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. They aren’t like sunglasses, but they definitely help protect your eyes. Moreover, fog is always a problem when using swimming goggles, but not with this model because the lenses have a special anti-fog coating.
Value for money
When it comes to value, these goggles do not come up short at all. They only cost around 15 dollars, which is very cheap when you consider that they work to provide you with such a snug fit, a fit that doesn’t get in the way and helps to prevent fog and sun damage too.
Build quality
The build quality of these goggles is outstanding, especially considering the very low price that they come in at. The silicone eye seals combined with the interchangeable nosepieces create a great custom fit, all of the materials are fairly durable, fogging up is not an issue, and the high level of peripheral vision you get with these goggles all serve to add to their quality immensely.
Pros
- UV protection
- Anti-fog coating
- Customizable fit with interchangeable nosepieces
- High-grade materials
- Sleek low profile design for minimized resistance
- Create a good seal
- Lots of peripheral vision
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not ideal for diving
- Very tight seal may be uncomfortable for some
Our Rating
These are great goggles for any professional or recreational swimmer to use. They feature an anti-fog coating, they provide you with optimal underwater vision and clarity, they are comfortable, and very durable too, all for a fairly low price.
Design
One of the best parts about the TYR Sport Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Swimming Goggles is that they feature very durable hypoallergenic gaskets. In other words, the gaskets help to provide you with a watertight seal that is not going to let water in, they are very comfortable and soft, and they also manage to hold their structural integrity over time. If you need comfortable goggles that are not going to leak, this pair is definitely one to consider.
Something else that makes these goggles a prime choice for all is that they offer you some very good peripheral vision so you can see what is going on in the water around you. The goggles also have a special anti-glare feature that reduces light transmission and stops glare from the water’s surface from fatiguing your eyes. Moreover, the TYR Sport Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Swimming Goggles have an embedded anti-fog feature to stop them from fogging over while you swim, something that no one wants to deal with.
These things also feature an extremely durable strap that keeps the goggles fitted tightly to your head, plus they are highly adjustable for length to suit people of various sizes. If you need a pair of swimming goggles that is just right for you, then these ones are some of the best options to go with.
Value for money
These goggles don’t even cost 20 dollars, which is a very low price considering how highly adjustable they are. These things cut down on glare, provide you with a ton of clear vision, you can see what is going on around you, they are highly adjustable, and you can even choose the color of your goggles too. Value is not an issue with these swimming goggles.
Build quality
The build quality of these swimming goggles is absolutely fantastic. They feature a very strong frame that is not going to break anytime soon, very durable lenses that won’t break, let through too much light, or fog up, and the strap is designed to fit virtually anybody.
Pros
- Create a watertight seal
- Do not fog up
- Easily adjust the lengths of the straps
- Specialized gaskets for a tight fit
- Great for everybody to use
Cons
- Leave rings around your eyes
- Sockets may be too small for larger people
Our Rating
The Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles are a great choice to go with. They provide you with an unparalleled level of clarity and visibility, they are comfortable to wear, extremely durable, and highly adjustable too. These things don’t cost very much and they still provide you with a whole lot of quality.
Design
One of the things that make these goggles ideal for all is that they have oversized lenses in order to provide you with over 180 degrees of underwater visibility. The peripheral vision that you get with these goggles is amazing, not to mention that the lenses are made with high-grade shatterproof Plexisol.
These goggles provide you with an exceptional level of clarity and all around vision when swimming, something that not many goggles can promise, especially indoors or in low light conditions, not to mention that the lenses are also extremely durable. There is also the fact that the lenses have a special anti-fog coating to provide you with ultimate clarity, plus the lenses are scratch resistant too.
Another great part about these goggles is that they have a one-piece hypoallergenic hydrodynamic micro frame. We know that those are a lot of big words to be throwing around, but in essence what they mean is that these goggles have a very low profile to minimize water resistance, the frame is extremely durable and flexible, and they won’t cause skin irritation either. These things provide you with a tight and customizable fit, one that won’t affect your speed or your skin.
What we also like about these goggles is that they have a one touch quick fit buckle located on either side of them. This lets you adjust the length of the strap with a simple touch in order to make them fit perfectly. The double strap is very strong, plus it can be adjusted to fit anyone with ease. Even better is that when properly adjusted, the silicone seals help to provide for a snug and airtight fit that will keep water out no matter what.
Value for money
The value for the price of these goggles is simply great. They cost somewhere around 25 dollars, which is not very expensive when you consider that they have a very durable frame, high-quality lenses, fog proofing, a very high level of visibility, and are highly adjustable too. We can’t forget to mention that you can choose between more than 20 different styles to suit your aesthetic needs.
Build quality
There is nothing bad to be said about the build quality of these goggles. The highly adjustable strap combined with good silicone seals help to keep water out and provide for a snug fit, they won’t fog up, the lenses are scratch resistant and provide you with 180 degrees of visibility, plus they are hypoallergenic and low profile too, all things that make the Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swimming Goggles an ideal choice for all.
Pros
- Low profile one piece frame
- Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin
- High-quality adjustable strap
- One touch quick fit adjustments
- Durable scratch resistant lenses
- Will not fog up
- 180 degrees of vision
Cons
- Fit depends on the structure of your face
- May begin to leak after prolonged use
Our Rating
This model of swimming goggle is perfect for people who need a basic and simple pair of swimming goggles. They aren’t very expensive, yet they still manage to come with a few great features such as anti-fogging and anti-UV lenses, not to mention that they are quite comfortable too.
Design
One of the things that we like about the design of the Speedo HydroSpex Swim Goggles is that they feature lenses that provide your eyes with 95 percent UV protection. This is ideal for people who like to swim outdoors in the sunlight. Moreover, the Hydrospex also come with a special anti-fog coating, because fog is something that no swimmer wants to deal with at any time.
Another thing that makes these goggles ideal for all is that they have a one-piece hypoallergenic frame. The frame is very flexible to fit virtually any face, plus it is also very durable to boot. Even better is that they feature an outer eye fit with silicone seals. This helps to provide a very comfortable and waterproof seal that will last for as long as you need it to.
Moreover, the split silicone head strap helps keep these goggles on your head for as long as you swim, the strap is very durable, plus it can be easily adjusted for length in order to fit various people. Another great aspect of these swimming goggles is that they feature eyeglass quality shatterproof Lexan lenses. You can drop these things or even step on them and they probably won’t break.
Value for money
These goggles only cost around 15 dollars, making them a very affordable option. They may not be the fanciest goggles, but various features such as UV protection, anti-fog coating, shatterproof lenses, and an optimal fit all make for a very valuable find indeed. When you consider how little these goggles cost, the value they bring to the table is immense.
Build quality
We have nothing to complain about when it comes to the build quality of the Speedo Hydrospex Swimming Goggles. The solid one-piece PVC frame combined with the shatterproof lenses and the durable strap all serve to add to the quality of these goggles without question. The frame is very flexible and can withstand a whole lot of punishment. Quality is not an issue when it comes to these goggles.
Pros
- Soft one-piece frame
- Durable strap and frame
- Strap is adjustable to provide for a good fit
- Silicone makes for a waterproof seal
- UV protection and anti-fog coating
- Shatterproof lenses
Cons
- Part where the strap attaches to the frame is somewhat weak
Our Rating
These goggles are actually quite a bit like the other Vanquisher goggles we talked about before. They have most of the same great features as the other Vanquisher model, but a big difference is that these ones are actually designed for people who need glasses to see. In essence, these are literally prescription swimming goggles, something that anybody with glasses can appreciate.
Design
Of course, the best thing about these goggles is that they let anybody who needs glasses swim without blurriness or near blindness. When you order the Speedo Vanquisher Optical Swim Goggles you can choose your specific prescription for your glasses so you can still see while you swim. Anybody with glasses should definitely be able to make use of these. These things also have a custom diopter level to make vision under water as clear as possible.
Something else that we really like about these goggles is that they have a hypoallergenic silicone seal. This helps to provide a very tight fit that won’t let water in, plus it is very comfortable, not to mention that the hypoallergenic nature of them makes sure that they won’t irritate your skin. Moreover, to make sure that these things fit you well, they also have 3 interchangeable nosepieces, making them ideal for all sizes of faces.
These are some very low profile swimming goggles that help you see underwater while also reducing water resistance. Moreover, these goggles also have a special anti-fog coating. Nobody wants to deal with fog when swimming, and the Speedo Vanquisher Optical Swim Goggles help you avoid that at all costs.
Even better is that the double strap helps to provide a very tight fit and keeps the goggles on your head as you swim as fast as you can. There is also the fact that you can choose between clear lenses for indoor use and dark lenses for outdoor use in the sun, thus making these things quite versatile.
Value for money
For under 20 dollars you really can’t go wrong with these swimming goggles. This is especially true when you consider that they feature prescription lenses so anyone with glasses can still swim in comfort. These things provide you with a tight waterproof fit that is customizable for various size faces, plus they aren’t going to fog up either.
Build quality
The build quality of the Speedo Vanquisher Optical Swim Goggles is superb. They feature high-grade materials with a strong strap that isn’t going to rip anytime soon, they have high-quality prescription lenses, and they help provide for a very tight and fog proof fit. If you need swimming goggles that are going to last you for a long time, this model is one you need to keep in mind.
Pros
- Great for people with prescription glasses
- Anti-fog coating
- Ultimate underwater clarity
- Interchangeable nosepieces for optimal fit
- High-grade materials
- Hypoallergenic silicone seal
- Clear or dark lenses
Cons
- Only for people who usually need glasses
Conclusion
As you can see, there are quite a few different options to go with. The trick to finding the best swimming goggles for you is to keep in mind what your own needs are and weigh those needs against the different features which various swimming goggles have to offer. You really can’t go wrong, especially if you happen to choose one of the pairs that we have mentioned above. All of the pairs we have talked about, in our opinion, are the very best ones that money can buy, plus they don’t even cost that much either.
If you have any questions or concerns about buying swimming goggles, feel free to let us know and we will get back to you at the first possible opportunity!