Adidas is probably one of the most recognizable sports brands on the planet. The logo alone is up there with McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Nike as one of the most instantly recognizable designs (maybe ever).
But did you know the brand makes its own sporty eyewear? In fact, new Adidas sunglasses are being released. The big question is, are they any good? Or should you stick to Adidas for their sneakers instead?
How Long Have Adidas Sunglasses Been Around?
Adidas is a German company with roots reaching far back to a town in Bavaria in the early 20th century. It was started by Adi Dassler and his brother in their mom’s laundry room.
The goal?
To create athlete-worthy sports equipment. They succeeded, and in 1949, they registered “Adolf Dassler adidas Sportschuhfabrik.” This is when the iconic three-striped logo came about.
Adi’s focus was on designing and manufacturing elite-performing shoes and equipment that enhance performance. The company got put on the map for creating some epic soccer boots that outperformed competitors.
Fast forward some award-winning, game-changing (literally) decades, and the brand finally began creating eyewear in the early 2000s under Adidas Originals.
The idea was to take the impressive, performance-focused designs and create Adidas sunglasses made for sports and active lifestyles.
The Latest Adidas Sunglasses Collection
To be clear, Adidas has two eyewear lines: Adidas Sport and Adidas Originals. Sport, as its name suggests, focuses on eyewear for athletes and active wearers, for everything from golfing to hiking. Originals, on the other hand, create more general, trendy shades that can be worn out and about.
The latest campaign is for Adidas Sport and is called “Power Your Vision.” It’s all about eyewear that enhances the visual experience, reducing glare, visual noise, and shifting light for a superior experience while outdoors.
It makes sense that Adidas is trying to set itself apart from other sunglasses brands by focusing on performance rather than passing trends or stylish athleisure glasses. After all, sportswear is what they’re known for.
Adidas Sunglasses vs. Specialized Competitors
The big question is, do Adidas sunglasses live up to specialized competitors like Oakley and Costa Del Mar?
Costa and Maui Jim focus more on creating polarized lenses that reduce glare for water-related activities. Oakley, on the other hand, has a reputation for creating diverse, versatile eyewear that features patented technology. This technology is designed to enhance the wearer’s experience.
Oakley was chosen to collaborate on a pair of unique glasses for Tom Cruise in the last Mission Impossible, so he could perform his gravity-defying stunts! The brand only makes eyewear, not shoes or clothes, which means all of Oakley’s focus is on its glasses.
Now, let’s get into what Adidas sunglasses offer in their latest collection.
The Latest High-Performance Models
The Kentro
The Kentro sunglasses are designed with runners and multi-talented sports players in mind. They’re perfect for athletes who need a comfortable yet straightforward design.
They’re meant to support spatial awareness with their photochromic lenses, which adapt to different light conditions.
The Kaphiros
The Kaphiros sunglasses are constructed to reduce distractions with their minimalistic design. The toric lens geometry is supposed to create a more accurate field of vision.
With its adjustable design, this model is meant for active workout routines that require a lot of power and movement. These sunglasses will stay put throughout the workout.
The Alkator
The Alkator sunglasses are built for aerodynamic performance, making them perfect for cycling. The design is made to help you slice through the air at full speed while providing a secure fit.
You can also clip-on optical lens inserts for vision correction while you ride.
Where Is the Brand Manufactured?
Adidas now manufactures its eyewear through the Italian company Marcolin, which also creates products for a range of brands from Tom Ford to Skechers.
They’re one of the middle-weight manufacturers, and they’re nowhere near as big as EssilorLuxottica, which owns and manufactures for Oakley. Marcolin is known for its quality and attention to detail.
What Real Users Say
Numerous customers and reviewers say that Adidas sunglasses perform well for sports and have good-quality lenses. They do cost more than some other brands, but they’re still relatively affordable compared to high-end designer sunglasses.
Redditors have noted that Adidas has swapped its manufacturers a few times over the years, which has affected its quality and consistency. But overall, the sunglasses do what they’re supposed to and perform in active situations.
Find Yourself a Bargain
The latest Adidas collection retails for around $150 to $200, but you can find other models that are under $150 on EZContacts.
These men’s wraparound Adidas sunglasses offer 360-degree protection with mirrored lenses. The lightweight frame makes them ideal for sports like running. They also look similar to some of the newer models.
These unisex sunglasses are more casual and feature a more everyday, wearable shape. They’re great for activities like light jogging and driving.
For really serious sports activities, the Adidas Dunamis Pro offers a shielded wraparound shape with nose grips, perfect for strenuous running.
TL;DR
Adidas Sport has been making eyewear for a few years, but it’s hit its stride with its latest collection, “Power Your Vision.”
- The collection includes superior vision enhancement that’s meant to improve your field of vision as well as enhance your light and shadow perception.
- The range includes styles such as Kentro and Alkator, which feature wraparound lenses and improved lightweight, yet stable frames.
- Adidas is a brand known for its sneakers and sportswear, so it makes sense that they are now focusing on next-level eyewear.
- It remains to be seen if they can compete with the likes of Oakley, but through their manufacturing contract with Italian company Marcolin, they are headed in the right direction.
