Our Review of the Top 8: Best Shooting Glasses and Eye Protection for Shooting

In shooting sports, hunting, and law enforcement, it should stand as a truism that you can’t hit what you can’t see – unless, of course, we’re talking about air support, but that’s not the case here. Instead, we have to see what we want to hit. To that end, taking a piece of shrapnel or, worse, a ricochet to the eye would put an end to a range day, and very likely a shooting career. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of eye protection to keep you safe and shooting sharp for years to come.

There are a few things you should look for in a pair of eye protection. First, the lenses should be shatter-resistant: that’s the point, after all. So, sadly, most of your designer shades, as cool as they might look, will not adequately stop shrapnel or rounds. Also, UV protection is a nice benefit, especially in dark lenses: your pupils dilate and, if they aren’t adequately protected, can endure more damage than necessary from the sun.

There are three major types of eye protection out there. Full frames have a frame that wraps all the way around the lens. These offer good protection but are sometimes bulky. Next, half frames only have half a frame, saving weight at the cost of some protection, but they also fog up less. Finally, we have goggles, which are not the most fashionable choice, but offer full protection and generally have a strap to keep them attached to your head.

Top Picks

1. Howard Leight by Honeywell Genesis Sharp-Shooter Shooting Glasses

Product

Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Shooting Sports by Genesis...

Top Overall Pick

• 9-base wraparound uni-lens style offers maximum protective...
• Uvextreme anti-fog lens coating offers superior performance in...
• Soft, adjustable nose piece fingers conform to almost any nasal...
• Clear lens is suitable for most indoor and outdoor shooting...
• Meets ANSI Z87.1-2010 (High Impact) and is certified to the...

Our rating

Details

• 9-base wraparound uni-lens style offers maximum protective...
• Uvextreme anti-fog lens coating offers superior performance in...
• Soft, adjustable nose piece fingers conform to almost any nasal...
• Clear lens is suitable for most indoor and outdoor shooting...
• Meets ANSI Z87.1-2010 (High Impact) and is certified to the...

 First up we have the Howard Leight by Honeywell Genesis Sharp-Shooter Anti-Glare Shooting Glasses. These glasses are meant for both comfort and protection: you probably won’t keep glasses on if they’re not comfortable over several hours. The anti-fog lens coating combines with a ventilation channel to minimize fog and moisture. This is super helpful if you’re shooting in extreme temperatures where things can get foggy. These shooting glasses feature high-impact standards and 99.9% UV coverage to keep your eyes safe. The clear lens is suitable for shooting in most indoor and outdoor environments. Howard Leight Shooting Glasses are ideal for use at the range and as hunting glasses. Plus, all Howard Leight safety eyewear and earmuffs are compatible for use with each other, which is nice if you picked up some of their ear protection from our other recent list. These are a comfortable and cost-effective option with good peripheral vision that will keep you shooting as long as you like. Howard Leight is a safety-minded company, and all of their gear is high quality at a reasonable price. These glasses are no exception.

2. AmazonBasics Anti-Fog Shooting Safety Glasses Eye Protection

Product

Amazon Basics Anti-Fog Shooting Safety Glasses Eye...

Top Overall Pick

• 3-pack of shooting safety glasses provides important eye...
• Clear lens made of strong polycarbonate; ideal for use at an...
• Anti-fog coating helps prevent lens from fogging up―especially...
• Durable, yet lightweight black frame provides a comfortable fit;...
• Measures 6.1 x 5.8 x 1.9 inches (LxWxH); backed by an Amazon...

Our rating

Details

• 3-pack of shooting safety glasses provides important eye...
• Clear lens made of strong polycarbonate; ideal for use at an...
• Anti-fog coating helps prevent lens from fogging up―especially...
• Durable, yet lightweight black frame provides a comfortable fit;...
• Measures 6.1 x 5.8 x 1.9 inches (LxWxH); backed by an Amazon...

Next up we have a really value-oriented option from AmazonBasics, a three-pack of their shooting glasses. This is kind of a new thing for Amazon, as they’ve expanded from just being a retailer to also a manufacturer of their own brand of goods. In this case, we have three black framed, clear-lens shooting glasses. Although these are general-purpose safety glasses, Amazon markets these as shooting safety glasses that come with a fog-proof coating, and they should serve you well for shooting purposes. At a price this reasonable, these would make great glasses for outfitting a class, keeping as range loaners, or keeping as a spare in every firearm case and glovebox. This way, you won’t be tempted to go shooting without eye protection. They may not be fancy or especially cool, but they will protect your eyes for a more than reasonable price, so they are certainly worth a try. Amazon is making all kinds of things, from t-shirts to charging cables. Most of those products present a great value to consumers; these glasses are probably similar if the reviews are any indication.

3. Smith & Wesson M&P Thunderbolt Full Frame Shooting Glasses

Product

Smith & Wesson M&P Thunderbolt Full Frame Shooting Glasses...

Top Overall Pick

• RELIABLE: MIL-PRF 32432 rated with full peripheral eye coverage...
• DURABLE: ANSI Z87+ certified for pivotal impact resistance
• CONVENIENT: Anti-fog lenses allow for use in colder, or changing,...
• VERSATILITY: Non-reflective matte black frames are available in...
• INCLUDES: Hard zippered storage case with microfiber cloth
• GUARANTEED: This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime...

Our rating

Details

• RELIABLE: MIL-PRF 32432 rated with full peripheral eye coverage...
• DURABLE: ANSI Z87+ certified for pivotal impact resistance
• CONVENIENT: Anti-fog lenses allow for use in colder, or changing,...
• VERSATILITY: Non-reflective matte black frames are available in...
• INCLUDES: Hard zippered storage case with microfiber cloth
• GUARANTEED: This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime...

Next, we have an offering from a famous manufacturer of firearms, the Smith and Wesson Thunderbolt Shooting Glasses. These are designed for maximum safety and have a certification to prove it – something to keep in mind when making any decision. Additionally, the lenses are fog-proof and UV treated to keep your eyes not only debris-free but also healthy in general. As far as options go, these come in three lenses: white, smoke, and black. While the clear or smoke would be suitable for indoor shooting, the black is a nice option for people who spend a lot of their shooting time in the sun. These lenses look close enough to normal sunglasses that they could be easily presented as such. Also, they come with a case and a cleaning cloth, so you’re good to go right out of the box. Smith and Wesson stand behind their products, and these glasses should be no different. These are a common sight (I apologize for the pun) on ranges, and there’s a reason for that: they work.

4. Smith & Wesson M&P Harrier Half Frame Interchangeable Shooting Glasses

Product

Smith & Wesson M&P Harrier Half Frame Interchangeable...

Top Overall Pick

• EASE OF USE: Glasses feature 4 sets of lenses (smoke, clear...
• DURABLE: ANSI Z87+ certified for pivotal impact resistance
• CONVENIENT: Anti-fog lenses allow for use in colder, or changing,...
• RELIABLE: UV400 rating to protect your eyes in high sunlight...
• INCLUDES: Hard zippered storage case with microfiber cloth
• GUARANTEED: This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime...

Our rating

Details

• EASE OF USE: Glasses feature 4 sets of lenses (smoke, clear...
• DURABLE: ANSI Z87+ certified for pivotal impact resistance
• CONVENIENT: Anti-fog lenses allow for use in colder, or changing,...
• RELIABLE: UV400 rating to protect your eyes in high sunlight...
• INCLUDES: Hard zippered storage case with microfiber cloth
• GUARANTEED: This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime...

Sticking with Smith and Wesson for a moment, we have a slightly more versatile option with their Harrier Half Frames. While not as protective in the frame as their other glasses, these are a distinct option for folks looking for variety. Similar to their other glasses, the Harrier has an impact and UV resistant lenses to keep you safe. Where they differ is that they are not just glasses. They come with four lenses in addition to the clear: rose, smoke, yellow, and black. They can be switched without any tools, so you can customize your glasses to your environment. These are a great option for people who want one frame to do it all instead of a whole drawer of sun and shooting glasses (guilty as charged on that one). As usual, Smith has included a case to keep everything scratch-free and organized. These are something of an upgrade over the Thunderbolt and should thus do you well in the field or on the range.

5. Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses

Product

Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses ANSI Z87.1+ Safety...

Top Overall Pick

• The Wiley X SABER ADVANCED features a lightweight design,...
• BUILT TO ADAPT TO YOUR EVER-CHANGING ENVIRONMENT, OUR CHANGEABLE...
• UNPARALLELED PROTECTION: Founded on a commitment to protect,...
• LENS TECHNOLOGY: Wiley X sunglass lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB...
• PRESCRIPTION READY: Almost every Wiley X frame can be filled with...

Our rating

Details

• The Wiley X SABER ADVANCED features a lightweight design,...
• BUILT TO ADAPT TO YOUR EVER-CHANGING ENVIRONMENT, OUR CHANGEABLE...
• UNPARALLELED PROTECTION: Founded on a commitment to protect,...
• LENS TECHNOLOGY: Wiley X sunglass lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB...
• PRESCRIPTION READY: Almost every Wiley X frame can be filled with...

The Wiley x Saber Advanced shooting glasses are another half frame option. These massive lenses offer good protection and visibility. Additionally, the glasses are both UV treated and shatterproof; they walk the walk as well as they talk the talk. For those a little more concerned about losing lenses, these cannot be taken apart like the previous option. Instead, you have the choice of four lens colors: clear, smoke, black, and an especially attractive vermillion color. These come with a nylon frame so that if you, like me, forget things in your back pocket before sitting down, you should be in the clear. 

This frame is a good choice for people looking for general shooting glasses. Half frames like this are generally nice and light. The combination of UV coating and shaded lenses means that these are good outdoor general glasses: you might want to keep them on to and from a hunting spot. Many of us have caught a branch to the eye over the years and glasses like the Wiley x Saber might well prevent that from happening.

6. Smith & Wesson M&P Whitehawk Full Frame Shooting Glasses

Product

Smith & Wesson M&P Whitehawk Full Frame Shooting Glasses...

Top Overall Pick

• RELIABLE: MIL-PRF 32432 rated with full peripheral eye coverage...
• DURABLE: ANSI Z87+ certified for pivotal impact resistance
• CONVENIENT: Anti-fog lenses allow for use in colder, or changing,...
• VERSATILITY: Bright white frames are available in smoke mirror...
• INCLUDES: Hard zippered storage case with microfiber cloth
• GUARANTEED: This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime...

Our rating

Details

• RELIABLE: MIL-PRF 32432 rated with full peripheral eye coverage...
• DURABLE: ANSI Z87+ certified for pivotal impact resistance
• CONVENIENT: Anti-fog lenses allow for use in colder, or changing,...
• VERSATILITY: Bright white frames are available in smoke mirror...
• INCLUDES: Hard zippered storage case with microfiber cloth
• GUARANTEED: This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime...

Are boring, black-framed glasses getting you down? Well, Smith and Wesson have the frames for you. These Whitehawk glasses come in a pearly white color that will make you stand out both on the range or, as sunglasses, in the general public. Made with Smith’s usual lenses, these are certified shatter resistant as well as UV treated. In terms of color, you have the choice between mirror blue, mirror clear, and smoke lenses, allowing you to customize your look for conditions as they arise. An anti-fog coating is also included, as is a case and cloth to keep things shiny and white. These are good all-around glasses for on and off the range. Smith is getting into the accessory market in a serious way, and these glasses are a good option if you want reliable frames you can wear around, but will also keep your eyes safe from debris. Tossing a pair of Smith shooting glasses on means that you’ve made a reasonable choice in eye protection.

7. Pyramex Highlander Safety Glasses

Product

Pyramex Highlander Safety Eyewear, Black Frame/Clear...

Top Overall Pick

• Can be worn with inner foam for additional dust protection
• Inner lens clip provides soft foam for comfort fit and extreme...
• Headband provides goggle fit in a stylish glass
• Scratch resistant lens protects against 99.9% of harmful UV rays.

Our rating

Details

• Can be worn with inner foam for additional dust protection
• Inner lens clip provides soft foam for comfort fit and extreme...
• Headband provides goggle fit in a stylish glass
• Scratch resistant lens protects against 99.9% of harmful UV rays.

Most of the glasses on this list try to combine form with function. Thy Pyramex highlander is distinctly focused on function. These UV resistant and scratch-proof lenses provide a full-frame that should keep any debris out of your eyes. Additionally, there is an anti-fog coating that keeps you in the field. Where the rest of the list are normal glasses, these are basically goggles, secured by a strap around the back of your head. Several lenses are available, including amber, silver, and clear. There are also a few frame options: black, red, silver, and lime. These are great glasses if you absolutely need them to stay stuck to your face under any circumstances, but do not expect to win any fashion awards. Goggles are generally super safe. Thus, I recommend them for people who expect adverse shooting situations, or children just getting into shooting. These shooting glasses could also play double duty for yard or other hazardous work where you expect debris.

8. Galeton 9200580 Ranger Safety Goggles

Product

Galeton 9200580 Ranger Safety Goggles with Vented Frame, Fit...

Top Overall Pick

• Extremely comfortable, close fitting with wide viewing area
• Adjustable strap swivels to allow custom fit
• Soft and flexible frame with venting
• Meet ansi specifications

Our rating

Details

• Extremely comfortable, close fitting with wide viewing area
• Adjustable strap swivels to allow custom fit
• Soft and flexible frame with venting
• Meet ansi specifications

Sticking with the goggle form, the Galeton 9200580 Ranger Safety Goggles are massive, but that’s for a reason. In addition to great protection (with a certification) as well as peripheral vision, these lenses add a unique feature to this list: they will fit over other glasses. If you’re one of the many, many people who wear glasses to see normally, this is an invaluable feature in safety gear. Thus, you don’t have to choose between seeing now and seeing forever: you can wear your normal glasses and have these on as well. These are great for adverse conditions and should keep basically everything out of your eyes. The Galeton Goggles are also a great option for military and law enforcement, as well as individuals with other kinds of visual impairments.

Parting Shots

Having looked at this list, you can see that there are a lot of options to keep your eyes protected at the range. Whether it’s full-frame, half frame, or goggles, there is something out there for everyone. A recommendation I have is to not skimp on these: keep a few pairs of cheaper ones on hand in a range bag or your glove box in case you forget your nicer ones, or someone else needs to borrow a pair. Shooting glasses should be a part of your kit just as much as the rifle and some hearing protection. Eyes are sensitive and we only get two, so you should do your bit to keep them intact.

Also, keep in mind that these do not need to be just for shooting. Many of us are also DIYers or do our own yard work. Your eyes don’t know the difference between a case fragment or a wood chip. That said, it’s a good idea to always have safety glasses nearby to prevent anything from happening to your eyes. To lead a full life without impairing your eyesight or keep you from engaging in your hobbies, any of the frames in this list should do the trick.