Buying Guide: Oakley Sunglasses
Having the right pair of sunglasses to wear during sporting activity can massively enhance your performance, overall experience and enjoyment. Step in Oakley. This brand dates back to 1975, California and has built a reputation of technology-forward, innovative styles to wear during exercising. If you’re after a pair of Oakley sunglasses, keep reading our buying guide for all you need to know about this Californian brand. We’ll go through how to know if a pair is authentic, which to wear during running, how to clean them, where to repair them, and - importantly - where you can buy them from.
How to Tell Authentic Oakley Sunglasses
If you’re investing in a pair of Oakley designer sunglasses, you’ll want to ensure that the pair you are getting are the real deal. Here’s a checklist of what to look for when evaluating the authenticity of Oakley sunglasses.
- Firstly, you’ll want to check the packaging. Your Oakley sunnies should come in a branded retail box with the logo on, as well as an accompanying certificate of authenticity. These should feature a SKU (more on this in a bit), barcodes, model name, manufacturer information, colour code frame and lens description. Double check that these match with what you have purchased, and that there aren’t any misspellings. You can also compare the spacing and alignment of any logos featured. These should follow the same alignment and not be wonky.
- External packaging should also feature a SKU number. This starts with ‘OO’ and is then followed by four single digit numbers. This second number is the model number, and should match the model number featured on the paperwork of what you’ve ordered.
- Your Oakley sunglasses should come with a microfiber pouch or a hard protective case. This all depends on the model you have chosen. Here, you can check that the logo is correct.
- Now, onto the glasses. The frames should be lightweight and flexible. This is down to the type of material that Oakley specs are made from. If they feel heavy and stiff, it’s likely that they’re not the real mccoy.
- Oakley frames are not painted. If anything chips or flakes off, they’re a knockoff.
- Oakley frames should have the same colour throughout. If there’s any variation in colour, it’s a sign that they’re not authentic.
- When it comes to prescription sunglasses, official Oakley models have ‘O’ etched onto the lens. Note that their non-prescription options don’t have this detail.
- If you’ve opted for a pair of Oakley Prizm lens sunglasses, then they will have ‘Prizm’, ‘Polarized’, or ‘Prizm P’ etched onto the lens. However, these etchings should only be present if this is what you’ve specifically purchased.
- Any stickers that have been placed on lenses should be easy to peel off, and not leave a residue.
- All sunglasses sold across the UK and the European Union need a ‘CE’ mark on the frames. This ensures that they have met safety standards. Fake Oakley sunnies will not have this marking.
What are the Best Oakley Sunglasses for Running?
Oakley sunglasses are perfect for cyclists, runners, and anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle. If you’re a running enthusiast, you might be wondering which are the best Oakley sunglasses for when you take to the road. Here’s our rundown of the best that Oakley offers for runners.
Firstly, you’ll want to consider the lenses you choose. Oakley’s Prizm lenses came out in 2014, designed specifically to enhance sporting performance. The tint of these lenses purposefully optimise visibility and contrast in different light conditions. This means your surroundings appear clearer and brighter, and it’s much easier to see details. And the good news is that these come in prescription too.
Continuing on from this are the Prizm Road lenses. These are especially designed for runners. The technology behind these lenses brightens road markers and signs, and increases contrast. This means that differences in road changes are easier to see.
In terms of models, this does come down to personal preference. Some of the best Oakley frames for runners include the Sutro, the Flak 2.0, the Radar EV, and the Evzero. These have all been designed with wide lenses that wrap around the face, so you are able to see as much as possible. They also provide sturdy and secure gripping without feeling heavy.
How to Clean Oakley Sunglasses
If you’re investing in a pair of Oakley sunnies, you’ll want to keep them in tip top condition. Especially if you’re exercising whilst wearing them. A lot of Oakley’s lenses are made from plutonite and iridium. These can react to our natural oils, and cause them damage. and start getting damaged. So keeping them clean is pretty important!
The brand recommends using mild soap and water, and no other cleaning solutions. Anyone with a pair of their sunnies should be particularly aware of any cleaning solution that contains more than 5% alcohol. Oakley’s renowned lenses have specialist coatings, so any cleaning solution with a stronger alcohol content might damage them. And of course, you can dry them off with a good old microfibre cloth.
When you’re not wearing them, keep your Oakleys in their protective case. These new ones are made from specially-woven electrostatic Microclear™ material, which keeps them hygienic. The case itself can be hand washed and air dried too.
Where to Send Oakley Sunglasses for Repair
If you purchased your Oakley sunglasses from us and they need a little TLC, please reach out. We may be able to help repair them. Do note that all of our sunglasses sold come with a warranty, however this doesn’t cover normal wear and tear. Any questions, drop us a line!
How to Get Prescription Lenses for Oakley Sunglasses
We’re proud to offer Oakley Prizm lenses at Fashion Eyewear, as well as prescription options across our Oakley collection. Whether you’re looking for a pair of Oakley’s to wear during exercise or when you’re relaxing, we have the prescription pair for you.