15 Best Tactical Military Sunglasses of [2021] – Reviewed

There are few pieces of field gear that go as underappreciated as a good set of tactical sunglasses. You can’t go hunting if you can’t see, and you can’t see if the sun is shining in your face like God’s own spotlight.

Of course, a good set of military glasses is useful for more than just hunting. Hiking, target shooting, boating and driving all require protection from both the sun and small flying objects.

Top 15 Best Military Sunglasses of 2020

1. Maui Jim World Cup

Maui Jim’s World Cup are thick, solid, and clear.

Key Features

• Thick, injected nylon frame
• Neutral grey, polarized polycarbonate lenses

Maui Jim’s World Cup Marlin Sunglasses are designed for maximum visibility and toughness. In both categories, they blow the competition out of the water. The injected nylon frame on these glasses is solid, with no little air pockets or other weak points.

The lenses themselves are Clearshell coated, which makes them both resistant to both scratching and solvents. The neutral gray shading preserves as much color trueness as possible in a pair of sunglasses, while the mirrored layer has a gradient helps keep your irises relaxed.

This is an expensive pair of sunglasses, but you get what you pay for. Provided you don’t run them over with your car, you’ll never need a new pair in your life.

Pros

• Durable
• Scratch and solvent resistant
• Exceptionally clear optics

Cons

• Expensive

These Maui Jim World Cups will last forever under most circumstances.

2. Costa Del Mar Fantail

Costa Del Mar’s Fantails are tough and scratch-resistant.

Key Features

• Polymer frame
• Polarized polycarbonate lenses
• Includes a hard case
• Available in 35 frame colors and 23 lens colors

Costa Del Mar’s Fantail Sunglasses come in a lot of looks. As in, 35 different frame colors and 23 lens colors. Now, not every lens comes in every frame, but there are still more than enough combinations to suit anyone’s fashion tastes.

These glasses have a durable polymer frame, which is tough enough to bend without breaking. The lenses are coated for scratch and solvent resistance, so they’ll stand up to errant branches and saltwater without any trouble.

The Fantail is an expensive pair of glasses, but they’re tough and versatile enough to merit the price tag. They also come with a zippered hard case for storage.

Pros

• Durable frame
• Highly customizable
• Scratch and solvent resistant

Cons

• Expensive

These fantails come in enough varieties to go well with any outfit.

3. BLUPOND

The BLUPOND’s are designed specifically for shooting.

Key Features

• Anodized aluminum frame
• Polarized polycarbonate lenses
• Includes a carrying case
• Available in 2 frame colors and 3 lens colors

The BLUPOND has lenses that are molded to be as flat as possible, producing minimal distortion when you’re looking straight ahead. This makes them ideal for target shooting since you’ll get a very clear image downrange. The lenses are available in black, yellow, and blue. The anodized aluminum frame comes in a glossy black or matte aluminum finish.

This is an inexpensive pair of lenses, so you’re going to have to make some compromises. In this case, the lenses aren’t well coated. So while you’ll have crystal clear visibility on day one, you may have some significant scratching a year down the road.

Pros

• Minimal distortion
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Prone to scratching

If you’re on a budget, this pair of military sunglasses is a good value for the money.

4. Maui Jim Ho’okipa

Maui Jim’s Ho’okipa, as their name suggests, would look right at home at a high-class beach party.

Key Features

• Thin, flexible acetate frame
• Polycarbonate lenses
• Available in 2 colors

Maui Jim’s Ho’okipa Sunglasses are designed to look a little like tactical gear as possible. The acetate frames are deceptively thin. They’re soft and flexible enough to take a lot of abuse and are available in two colors: black and tortoiseshell.

The shatterproof polycarbonate lenses are amber when ordered with the black frame, and violet when ordered with the tortoiseshell. Their coating absorbs 100 percent of UV rays, as well as being scratch and solvent resistant.

You can take these glasses anywhere. Whether you’re in the woods hunting turkey, or pitching a new deal to business partners, the Ho’okipa glasses will be right for the occasion.

Pros

• Scratch and solvent resistant
• Very durable
• Very fashionable

Cons

• Expensive

These Maui Jim’s are a perfect combination of style and durability.

5. XAegis

The XAegis are scratch-resistant and come with a travel case.

Key Features

• Polycarbonate frame
• Polarized polycarbonate lenses
• Includes a travel case

XAegis have high-quality, polarized polycarbonate lenses. These lenses have a scratch-resistant coating and are a neutral smoke grey for as much color trueness as possible.

The frames on these glasses are sub-par at best. Polycarbonate is a good material for lenses because it doesn’t shatter – it cracks. It’s a bad material for frames because it doesn’t bend well – it cracks.

That said, this is a decent pair of inexpensive glasses. Provided you don’t expect them to take too much of a beating, they’ll last you a long time. They also come with a nylon travel case, to keep them safe on the road or in the air.

Pros

• Scratch-resistant
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Flimsy design

This is a functional pair of military glasses that’s a good value for the price.

6. Prolight Mikasuki

The Prolight Mikasuki have frames that look thin but can take a serious beating.

Key Features

• TR90 plastic frames
• Polycarbonate lenses
• Available in 2 color combinations

The Mikasuki is designed for golfing but are tough and durable enough for a variety of sporting applications. The lenses are scratch-resistant shatterproof polycarbonate, which is standard for most tactical sunglasses. The frame is molded from TR90 plastic, which is extremely flexible, and always returns to its original shape.

These glasses come in two colors: amber and flat grey. Both color lenses come with the same blue and white frames. Our only complaint about the Mikasuki is the nose supports, which are fairly large and get in the way.

Pros

• Tough, flexible frames
• Scratch-resistant

Cons

• Large nose support can get annoying

These military-glasses are perfect for a day on the golf course, on the boat, or out in the woods.

7. Wiley X Slay

The Wiley X Slay’s were worn by Chris Kyle, the original American Sniper.

Key Features

• Injected nylon frames
• Polarized polycarbonate lenses

Wiley X Slay Sunglasses have a serious look for men and women who mean business. The thick frame and straight lines are well suited for military and law enforcement use. The frame itself is made from injected nylon, with no voids to create cracks.

The lenses are made from shatterproof, polarized polycarbonate, and are secured by the frame on all sides. They’re coated with a scratch-resistant finish and have a smoky gray tint that blocks ultraviolet rays without making your surroundings look too dark.

These are pricey glasses, but they’re made for hard work. Consider them an investment, just like anything else you wear on the job.

Pros

• Scratch-resistant
• Very durable

Cons

• On the pricey side

These military glasses are designed specifically for military and law enforcement.

8. J+S Aviator

The J+S classics are more of a fashion statement than a piece of survival gear.

Key Features

• Metallic alloy frame
• Polycarbonate lenses
• Available in 17 colors

J+S Classic Aviator Sunglasses are well named. This is a pair of classic aviator sunglasses, complete with the thin, gold frame and the jet black lenses.

Because J+S is trying to reach as many people as possible, you can also get this affordable pair of glasses in 16 other color combinations, including green lenses in a silver frame, and mirrored sunburst lenses in a gold frame.

They may have a classic military look, but they’re not exactly ready to go into the field. The lenses are polycarbonate, true, but the frames are very flimsy. The “metallic alloy” doesn’t like to bend, and will quickly shear off even in a minor accident.

Pros

• Large lenses
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Flimsy design

These are huge, stylish aviators.

9. Oakley Gascan

Oakley Gascan provide a wild field of view with very low distortion.

Key Features

• Injected nylon frame
• Polycarbonate lenses
• Available in 10 colors

Oakley Gascan Sunglasses have wide, injected nylon frames that are engineered to take abuse. The lenses themselves are wide and almost rectangular, with a flat profile. This gives them a wide field of view, without distorting objects that are right in front of you.

These lenses are coated with a scratch-resistant, polarized finish. However, the lenses themselves are not polarized. This isn’t really a significant complaint, but in an expensive, designer pair of sunglasses, you’d expect Oakley to use a polarized polycarbonate.

Gascan sunglasses are available in 10 color combinations, with lens options in amber, dark grey, and blue.

Pros

• Scratch-resistant, polarized coating
• Extremely durable frame
• Low distortion

Cons

• Expensive
• Lenses are not polarized

The Oakley Gascan’s are designed to stand up to years of everyday use.

10. Under Armour Igniter

Under Armour’s Igniters have a bold profile and a solid design.

Key Features

• Nylon and titanium frame
• Polarized polycarbonate lens
• Includes carrying bag
• Available in 3 colors

These look just as sharp as some of the designer glasses we’ve looked at. The frame is as tough as any you’ll find. It’s made from a nylon composite, Grilamid, which is molded on a titanium frame. This gives the frame both strength and flexibility.

The frame is also the Igniter’s weakness, though. After several months, the glossy finish starts to wear off the plastic, leaving you with a relatively dull replacement.

The Igniter’s lenses are of high quality. They’re relatively wide and reveal a clear, crisp image. They’re available in black with a satin frame, in grey with a glossy frame, and in brown with a glossy frame.

Pros

• Strong frame
• Clear, clean lenses

Cons

• Frame finish flakes off over time

These glasses have one of the toughest frames we’ve seen.

11. SPY Optic Dirty

Spy’s Optic Dirty are available in fifteen different color combinations.

Key Features

• Nylon composite frame
• Polycarbonate lenses
• Available in 15 colors

Spy’s Dirty Mo Sunglasses have a Grilamid frame, which is a nylon and carbon composite. The result is a flat, flexible frame that’s comfortable to wear. The lenses on these glasses are polycarbonate, which is shatterproof, and polarized in some colors.

In other colors, it’s not. There are fifteen colors overall, including a couple of woodland camo options for the frame.

These glasses are a bit more expensive than off-label brands but are a bargain compared to some designer brands. All in all, they’re a good deal, and there are enough colors that at least one should appeal to you.

Pros

• Durable
• Fashionable

Cons

• Some colors are not polarized
• On the pricey side

This is a sharp-looking pair of sunglasses that will last you for years.

12. RIVBOS

The RIVBOS are lightweight and have a durable TR90 frame.

Key Features

• TR90 plastic frame
• Polycarbonate lenses
• Includes travel pouch
• Available in 12 colors

RIVBOS Polarized Sports Sunglasses have a frame that’s molded from TR90 plastic. This makes it as durable as some heavier frames, without adding a lot of weight to the design.

It features polycarbonate lenses. While the lenses themselves aren’t polarized, they’re coated with a polarized, mirrored finish. However, the finish itself isn’t scratch-resistant, which can lead to significant damage as time goes on.

This is an inexpensive pair of sunglasses that should get you through a few months of use. For that, the RIVBOS glasses do a decent job. They even come with a microfiber cleaning cloth and a small drawstring travel pouch.

Pros

• Polarized, mirrored lens coating
• Durable frame
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Lens coating is prone to scratching

This is a budget pair of sunglasses that will get you through a season.

13. NoCry

NoCry Work & Sports offer full side protection and fit almost anybody.

Key Features

• Adjustable polycarbonate frame
• Wraparound polycarbonate lenses

NoCry Work & Sports Safety Sunglasses have a polycarbonate frame. We’ve touched on this already in another review, but polycarbonate frames are prone to cracking. That said, the frame on these glasses is adjustable, which means it will fit just about anybody.

The lenses themselves are reasonably good quality and wrap around the sides of your face to provide better overall protection. All in all, this is an effective set of safety glasses if you’re on a budget.

Pros

• Arms are adjustable
• Protects your sides as well as your front
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Flimsy frame
• Fogs up easily

These glasses are great for working in your house or yard, but not for wearing out in the field.

14. Bolle Bolt

Bolle Bolt have some of the toughest frames on the market.

Key Features

• B88 nylon frame
• Polycarbonate lenses
• Available in 8 color combinations

The frames of Bolle Bolt Sunglasses are molded from B88, a variety of nylon that’s both very flexible and incredibly strong. What this means is that you get one of the most durable sunglass frames on the market, albeit at a steep price.

The money is well worth it, though. These glasses aren’t just functional, they’re very stylish, with eight color combinations to suit almost any wardrobe.

The lenses themselves are scratch resistant and UV resistant, with a mirrored gradient that’s easy on the eyes. They’re not polarized, but the tint is dark enough that they may as well be.

Pros

• Durable
• Scratch-resistant
• Very fashionable

Cons

• Pricey

The Bolle-Bolts are both functional and fashionable.

15. ESS Influx

ESS Terrain Goggles are designed to provide your eyes with complete, 180-degree protection.

Key Features

• Ski-style single-piece goggles
• Polycarbonate lens
• Adjustable ventilation

While they do provide some UV protection, ESS Terrain Goggles aren’t technically sunglasses; they’re goggles. The single polycarbonate lens and nylon padding protect your eyes from all directions. There’s a small switch at the top of the frame that opens small vents in the goggles, which is important if you’re working up a sweat and don’t want to fog up the goggles.

Of course, goggles have their downsides compared to regular glasses. Most importantly, they limit your peripheral vision. They’re also more expensive than regular sunglasses.

That said, if you live in a colder climate, goggles are almost a necessity. If nothing else, they keep the wind out of your eyes when it’s bitter cold out.

Pros

• Complete, 180-degree protection
• Keeps the wind out of your eyes

Cons

• Limited peripheral vision
• Pricey

For cold weather protection, paintball, or ATV riding, this is a well-designed pair of shooting goggles.

Bottom Line

As you can tell more or less at a glance, there’s a lot of variety among the best tactical sunglasses. From heavy goggles to work glasses to stylish, durable glasses that would look right at home on a fashion runway, there’s a lot of selection out there. Which pair is right for you depends on who you are and what your lifestyle is.

When you’re making your purchase, ask yourself the same questions you’d ask yourself when buying an ordinary pair of sunglasses. What kind of UV protection do I need? What am I doing when I’m wearing these glasses? Will the high-end model do anything for me that the budget model won’t?

Check out the other safety and maintenance articles put together by the expert team here at Guns & Safety Reviews;

• Gun Oil
• Gun Cleaning Kit
• AR-15 Cleaning Kit
• Shooting Glasses
• Ear Protection