Anyone who’s skied a day in their life will be able to tell you just how important it is to have the right gear on from head to toe. This isn’t an activity that should be entered into lightly without much thought, and having all of the right equipment working together can turn a potentially awful skiing experience into something magnificent.
Finding the best ski goggles seems to be an area where many of us struggle, though. There are so many different brands, both known and unknown, confusing features and specs to consider, and costs that sometimes seem way out of reach for the everyday skier.
This buying guide has been assembled to help point you in the direction of the best ski goggles for your needs, as we all have such individual requirements out on the slopes. We’ve found some of the best ski goggles around to suit all budgets and needs so that you can spend less time hunting for the right gear and more time on the slopes.
Once you have the right pair of ski goggles you’ll notice an instant difference, so it’s one purchase that you shouldn’t put off any longer. All you need to decide is where and how you prefer to ski if you need them to be compatible with any other eyewear or headgear, and what designs you like, and we’ll narrow down the rest.
Product Name | Our Rating |
|---|---|
Best Ski Goggles Under $250 | |
Best Ski Goggles Under $100 | |
The Importance Of Choosing The Best Ski Goggles
People usually leave shopping for their ski goggles as one of the last things to do, without realizing just how important they actually are. Rather than relying on the ski gear rental place to lend you some old and used ski goggles, why not invest in some for yourself that will last you for many years and many runs down the slopes.
One of the most important reasons for choosing the best ski goggles is safety, as these simple pieces of equipment can actually help in so many ways. With the right ski goggles, you’ll have better visibility, be able to keep fog and snow out and protect your sensitive eyes from the very real threat of snow blindness.
Choosing any old pair of ski goggles won’t do, though, as they should suit you and your skiing style as well. Some people like to ski in all conditions and might look for ones with interchangeable frames, others may ski for long hours and put their emphasis on comfort, and some want something with a stylish and modern look.
Ski goggles used to be extremely expensive which is why many people gladly hired theirs from the rental store, but nowadays there are so many variations in price. With some quality optics available for as little as $30, there’s no excuse to hit the slopes without anything less than your own pair expertly chosen just for you.
The Ski Goggle Features You Should Be Looking For
Rather than taking a one size fits all approach to choosing ski goggles, you should carefully consider the different features and how they might help or hinder your skiing experience.
Shopping for ski goggles is just like buying yourself a quality pair of sunglasses so you need to have in mind exactly what you might be looking for to make your experience the best it possibly can be.
UV protection
People often assume that ski goggles are there just to protect our eyes from the snow and wind, but they’re actually extremely important to keep our eyes shielded from the sun too.
Snow blindness is caused by the sun’s UV rays reflecting off the snow and burning our eyes which can lead to temporary loss of vision and extreme discomfort, so it’s essential to choose a pair that offers UV protection.
Quality
Nowadays it’s common to find that not only the well known brands make the best quality ski goggles as there are plenty up and coming manufacturers as well.
The best way to tell is to look for positive reviews from happy customers and see if there’s a warranty in place for the goggles. Anything less than 12 months warranty should probably be dismissed but it’s easy to find this and more even in the cheaper brands.
Durability
There’s nothing worse than being halfway down a run and having your goggles break, so you want to shop for those that are durable.
The lens is the most important part so look for brands that offer extra protection and layering that make them durable, even when you inevitably fall. The strap itself needs to be reliable without being uncomfortable, so pay attention to the materials used.
Compatibility
Some skiers need their goggles to be able to fit over their everyday optics and others might like to wear theirs with a helmet. If these are important to you then make sure you choose a goggle that is compatible with other headgear, and this will usually be easy to find in the product description or reviews.
Lens
It’s common these days for ski goggles to come with interchangeable lenses to suit different light conditions, however not all of them do. Look for other features within the lens such as thermal protection or specialized coating that has specific purposes. The lens should also be anti-fog which is essential when skiing as the condensation can obstruct your view.
Design
Although not important to everyone, some skiers have certain style preferences for their goggles. Traditional goggles came with a frame but it’s common these days for them to be frameless which enables greater peripheral vision and downward views.
There are usually different colored lenses, straps, and frames to suit any style you like, so you have quite a lot of options for how they can look.
Comfort
When you spend long hours on the slopes you want all of your gear to be comfortable, and especially those that are sitting on your head all day. Look for features such as padding on the face and soft straps that won’t dig into your skin even with hours of use. The sizing will also have an impact on comfort levels so shop for your head size to avoid discomfort.
Our Choices For The Best Ski Goggles
Skiing equipment is a market that can vary so much in terms of price and quality, and the area of ski goggles is no different. If you’re searching for the best value ski goggles, we’ve done the hard work of finding those in your price range so that you don’t have to search any longer.
These goggles all come in under $250 with some even lower under $100, so no matter your budget you’ll find something quality here.
Best Ski Goggles Under $250
These picks represent some of the best ski goggles you can get for under $250, most of them by premium brands and with all the features you could hope for. If you have the budget to get something a little more expensive, you won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer here.
Winner: Smith Optics I/OX Goggles
As one of the best rated ski goggles around, it’s no wonder that the Smith Optics I/OX Goggles tops our list for those under $250. These amazing optics have everything you are looking for in ski goggles, and they’re some of the most stylish and comfortable around. Smith Optics is well known for making quality eyewear for all uses, and their skiing range is particularly popular.
There are a number of colorways to choose from and you’ll even get two lenses when you purchase these goggles, one for low light and one for sunny conditions.
They can be a little tricky to change at first so you’ll need to spend some time practicing before you put them to work on the slopes, but other than this small design flaw there wasn’t much else wrong with them.
source: smithoptics.com
The Smith Optics I/OX Goggles have a responsive fit frame design which means there’ll be no adjusting while you’re out on the slopes and it has an ultra wide silicone strap for even more comfort and no slipping. All of these design features come together to make them some of the most comfortable ski goggles on the market today.
Smith Optics offer a lifetime manufacturers warranty on these goggles which is seriously impressive, so although you might be put off by the initial cost you know that you’ll be protected from anything that might happen. You’ll also get some other great accessories like the performance mirror lenses, carry bag, and replacement lens sleeve so you’re set for life.
The I/OX Goggles by Smith Optics are definitely worth the extra money if you can afford it, thanks to little features like the 5x anti-fog inner lens. You’ll experience visibility and comfort like never before, and with such stylish designs to choose from you can match your goggles to the rest of your ski gear for a complete look.
Runner-Up: Oakley Flight Deck Goggles
As one of the most renowned names in sunglasses, Oakley is also known for excelling in ski goggles too. These Oakley ski goggles have been modeled on a fighter pilot’s helmet so you know they’re going to offer the best vision for the slopes, and this means you’ll never miss an opportunity when you’re out with your skis.
Oakley is known for making only the highest quality gear and that’s exactly what you’ll get with their Flight Deck Goggles. Although there’s only a one-year limited warranty available on these, there’s no doubt that they’ll last many years to come just like all other quality Oakley accessories do, and with the right care, you’ll never have a problem with them.
source: oakley.com
With a rimless designed you’ll feel how comfortable these goggles are in an instant and this makes them compatible with most helmets out there. The best part about these goggles is how improved your vision is, with the peripheral and downward views being spectacular when compared to others on the market.
Meeting the standards for impact resistance these goggles will never let you down, suiting everyone from a beginner on the slopes to someone who likes a more extreme style of skiing. These goggles will fit over your regular glasses too, so you can have the best possible vision without giving away anything on comfort.
If you’ve been searching for some of the best ski goggles that a reputable brand can make, and have a little extra to spend, you won’t be disappointed with the Oakley Flight Deck style. With some of the clearest visibility you’ll ever find in ski goggles, these really are a superior brand and product to put your faith in.
Best Ski Goggles Under $100
Anyone with a passion for skiing will tell you how easily the costs begin to stack up, and that’s just for the smaller accessories alone. We’ve searched the best reviews to find you our top picks for the best ski goggles under $100 that anyone can afford so that you can stop heading to the hire shop when you’re having your next skiing vacation.
Winner: Outdoor Master Ski Goggles
If you’re a bit tight on your budget but don’t want to give up any important features, our choice for best budget ski goggles come from Outdoor Master. This relatively unknown brand is making a name for themselves by creating affordable and quality ski goggles that tick all of the boxes that snow lovers look for.
These goggles look like they’re worth a lot more with their large frameless design that gives you a clear and obstructed view of the slopes. You’ll never miss a chance with these and you’ll look cooler than anyone else out there thanks to the many different design options on offer by Outdoor Master.
Some people using these have reported a glare inside the lens, whereas others found it no distraction at all.
source: outdoormaster.com
Because they’re so cheap compared to other styles and they come with a lifetime guarantee, you really have nothing to lose by trying them out. Many professional skiers who reviewed these have found so much joy with them and for such a low price, so it’s worth taking a chance.
Outdoor Master has made it easy to change the lenses over in these by using a magnetic lens system. This means when you need to can easily pop one out and swap it over, but it sticks well enough so that even if you have a fall in the snow your lens will still be firmly in place.
Upon first look and use of these, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were worth a lot more than what they are, which is what makes them the best choice for a budget-friendly pair of ski goggles. They offer comfort, visibility, and style, so there’s really no reason to spend large if you don’t have to.
Runner-Up: Spherion Gear Ski Goggles
Another contender for the best budget ski goggles comes from Spherion with their affordable but top quality pair of optics. These ski goggles come equipped with an interchangeable amber lens so you can use them in all visibility conditions, and because they’re UV protected there’s no chance you’ll succumb to snow blindness or any other issues out on the slopes.
Some users have pointed out that these goggles aren’t really compatible with other eyewear or helmets, so if you use either of these then you’ll want to look elsewhere. They can be a little tight which some people prefer as it helps them to feel secure, but others might want something less restrictive.
The frame on the Spherion Gear Ski Goggles is incredibly durable but flexible at the same time, and you'll notice straight away that nothing can get inside. Weighing only four ounces you’ll barely notice it on your head, but the silicone beading on the strap means that it’ll never come loose. This is perfect for those who like to take it fast on the slopes.
If comfort is important to you then you’ll be impressed by just how cozy the Spherion Gear Ski Goggles are. With a facial padding of triple layer high-density foam that will keep your goggles on without hurting your face, which is a nice change from some of the other lower budget accessories you might found out there.
Spherion Gear has done a great job of meeting all the requirements that a serious skier needs, except for being compatible with other helmets or eyewear. They’re stylish and comfortable, have a high endurance lens, and can be easily adjusted to meet the conditions outside making them one of the best low light ski goggles around.
Second Runner-Up: Bolle Mojo Ski Goggles
No matter how long you’ve been skiing, there’s a good chance you’ve seen at least one person wearing a Bolle branded accessory at one time or another. The Bolle Mojo Ski Goggles are one of the more affordable items that this brand makes and they’re intended to be a quality everyday ski goggle that you can wear on and off the slopes.
These goggles have a classic look to them with a matte black frame so they’re perfect for those who like the original skier style and not the more futuristic designs we see these days.
Some users have mentioned that the fit is a little tight so you might want to consider another product if your head is larger than most. Otherwise, they’d be great for teens or older kids looking for their first pair of ski goggles.
source: bolle.com
The specialized flow vent technology used by Bolle mean that you’re not going to lose any visibility because of fogging up because they work at improving airflow through the lens. Add to that the premium anti-fog layer on the lens and you can be guaranteed of nothing but the best sight.
Many people have mentioned how great these were for night skiing and they’re definitely rated one of the best in these conditions, so if this sounds more like your skiing style then you’ll want to take notice.
They have a cat 2 double thermal barrier with UV protection so not only will you have the best visibility but you’ll also be fully protected against the harsh elements on the slopes.
If you want the reliability of a well-known brand without the cost, Bolle is known for making products that are right up your alley. These can be used all day from the slopes to the hot tub and because they’re so comfortable you’ll never want to take them off.
An Essential Part Of Any Skier’s Inventory
People often put so much focus on the other parts of their skiing outfit, looking at their skis or what outfits they might wear. Our ski goggles are so important because without them we would have no idea where we were going and would open ourselves up to all kinds of injury and damage from the elements as well.
Choosing the best ski goggles isn’t something that can be done easily, as we each have our own requirements for what makes a good pair. Whether you ski at night, prefer a tighter fit, or need the option to continuously change your lenses, it’s nice to know there are some great options out there and in all kinds of price range.
With the right equipment, you can turn an average day of skiing into something amazing, and your goggles are a great place to start. Once you’ve experienced what a day on the slopes feels like with the right goggles on your head, you’ll never want to go back to hiring or borrowing a pair ever again.
Resources:
LiveStrong
Wikipedia
