Photochromic Sunglasses

Photochromic lenses contain molecules that react to UV light. In full sun they darken to reduce glare and eye strain. In low UV conditions, such as shade, tree cover, overcast skies or early morning, they lighten to let more light in so you can see terrain clearly.

Every BOLD photochromic lens is lighter in low light and tinted in sun, non-polarized and UV400. All seven models use a lightweight TR90 frame and a one-piece polycarbonate shield lens.

How to choose a pair

Start with fit. Zippy and Emerald are standard fits with a 5.47 in frame. Drift and Glow are standard fits with a 5.71 in frame. Flash is our wide fit (5.83 in), Wavelength is a wraparound shield (5.87 in) and Slayers is our oversized fit (5.91 in). Wear prescription glasses? Drift, Glow and Flash are compatible with a prescription insert. Our guide to sunglasses for your face shape helps with fit, and every pair has free 30-day returns.

Photochromic or fixed tint?

Choose photochromic if: your activity involves variable light, you don't want to carry or swap lenses, or you ride/ski across multiple conditions in a single session. Choose fixed lens if: you have one specific, predictable condition (always bluebird, always flat light) and want maximum optical performance for that exact scenario. Not sure? Read the full photochromic vs fixed tint comparison or shop fixed-tint sport sunglasses.

Every BOLD photochromic lens is 1.8 mm polycarbonate in a TR90 frame, with 0.00% UV transmission measured from 280 to 400 nm in lab testing. Lenses are certified to ANSI Z80.3:2018 and ISO 12312-1:2022 and drop-ball tested for impact resistance under FDA 21 CFR 801.410. Free U.S. shipping, 30-day returns and a 1-year warranty.

Are photochromic sunglasses any good?

For sport in changing light, yes. One lens covers early starts, tree cover and open sun, so you are not carrying a second pair or swapping lenses mid-ride. If you are always in steady, bright sun, a fixed tint is simpler and costs less.

What is better, polarized or photochromic?

Photochromic means the lens changes tint based on UV light. Polarized means the lens has a filter that reduces horizontal glare from reflective surfaces (water, snow, pavement). These are different technologies: some lenses are both, some are only one. BOLD photochromic lenses are not polarized, which is intentional for trail and mountain use where polarization can reduce visibility on wet rocks and ice. More in polarized vs photochromic sunglasses.

What are the disadvantages of photochromic sunglasses?

Two to know. They are not for driving at night or in twilight. And they cost more than a fixed tint. For steady full sun, a fixed tint is the simpler choice.

Are photochromic sunglasses good for cycling?

Yes. Photochromic sunglasses are ideal for cycling precisely because road and trail conditions change constantly. When you move from open sun into tree cover or a tunnel, the lens adjusts automatically. BOLD's cycling frames like the Drift and Zippy are designed to stay in place at speed and provide full peripheral coverage.

Do photochromic sunglasses work for skiing?

They work well for skiing on days with variable cloud cover, tree runs, or long lift rides followed by open groomer runs. For dedicated ski goggle replacements in heavy snow or storm conditions, ski goggles provide better face seal. For spring skiing, resort laps, or ski touring where conditions are moderate, photochromic sunglasses perform well. For goggles that change tint too, see photochromic ski goggles.

Can I drive in photochromic sunglasses?

In daylight, yes. They are not suitable for driving at night or in twilight, because a category 2 lens is too dark for low light behind the wheel.

Can I get photochromic sunglasses with my prescription?

Drift, Glow and Flash are compatible with a prescription insert. Zippy, Emerald, Wavelength and Slayers are not.

Shop BOLD photochromic sunglasses

• Drift (standard fit, 5.71 in frame, prescription-insert compatible). Our best-selling photochromic model, for MTB, gravel and skiing.
• Glow (standard fit, 5.71 in frame, prescription-insert compatible). The same frame width as Drift, with different styling.
• Slayers (oversized fit, 5.91 in frame). Our biggest frame, for larger faces and the most coverage.
• Flash (wide fit, 5.83 in frame, prescription-insert compatible). Photochromic in a wide fit.
• Zippy (standard fit, 5.47 in frame). Compact sport frame. Strong choice for cycling and running where a lower-profile frame helps.
• Emerald (standard fit, 5.47 in frame). Sport-to-everyday crossover. Slightly more refined profile without sacrificing coverage.
• Wavelength (wraparound shield, 5.87 in frame). Built for endurance cycling and trail running.

Run Rabbit Run editions of Drift and Glow are in the grid too, and in the Run Rabbit Run collection.

Best for cycling, skiing and trail running

Photochromic sunglasses earn their value most in activities where conditions change mid-ride or mid-run. Cycling sunglasses need to handle bright open road and shaded forest sections without you reaching for a lens swap. Skiing sunglasses face dawn-to-midday UV swings and transitions between open runs and tree lines. Trail runners moving from exposed ridgelines into canyon shade have the same problem. Fixed-tint lenses force you to choose one condition and accept the tradeoff everywhere else. Photochromic lenses don't.

Learn more: how photochromic sunglasses work, the best photochromic sunglasses for mountain biking and UV400 explained.