Goggles for Swimming

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Swimming is an activity that requires few must-have equipment. Second to a swimsuit, goggles are the most important tool to get the most out of your swimming experience!

Goggles allow you to see underwater, helping you navigate while lap swimming or playing in the water.

Since there are plenty of companies that make goggles, choosing a pair can be difficult and overwhelming. There are almost too many options available on the market.

In order for you to make an informed decision when buying goggles for swimming, use our Athlete Approved guide to determine the best pick for you!

Our Athlete Approved guide to using goggles for swimming includes:

BEST LAP SWIMMING GOGGLES: Speedo Vanquisher 2.0

The Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 are the perfect goggles for lap swimmers. These are one of the most popular training goggles found on any pool deck.

Speedo has updated the Vanquisher goggles with a sleek and low profile fit, making these comfortable goggles our top pick for swimming laps. The 4 interchangeable nose pieces ensure that you have the best fit.

These goggles have wide panoramic lenses and cushioned silicone seals. The anti-fog coating prevents the condensation of water – so all you see is clarity.

Pick up a pair with a mirrored lens for outdoor lap swimming. The UV protected polycarbonate lenses block the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

There is also a junior size for young adult lap swimmers ages 6 – 14.

BEST BEGINNER GOGGLES FOR SWIMMING: Aegend Swim Goggles

Aegend Swimming Goggles are made with high quality, flexible silicone to fit the varied facial shapes of the diverse population of beginner swimmers.

The frame is flexible and holds its shape perfectly while you swim. If you have an especially hard time finding a pair of goggles that doesn’t leave your nose marked or forehead sore from pressure, then these are for you!

The polycarbonate lenses stay strong even in tough conditions, including long hours in chlorinated water! They are also anti-fog (it is best not to touch the inside of the lenses with your fingers).

They come with a solid carrying case to protect between use.

If you are looking for a pair for indoor and a pair for outdoor, or just different colors, then check out this deal on amazon for two pairs!

BEST RACING GOGGLES FOR SWIMMING: Speedo Speed Socket 2.0

The Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 goggles are our top pick for racing. These are an updated version of one of Speedo’s most popular goggles.

Have you had nightmares about having your goggles fall off after your dive to start a race? The Speed Socket 2.0 will put those worries to rest! They have a soft sealing gasket and silicone double headstrap to ensure a secure fit. When tightening up for a race, they remain super comfortable.

With a wide peripheral view, anti-fog lens, and UV protection, these goggles are an essential purchase for competitive swimmers.

These goggles come in a variety of color combinations.

BEST OPEN WATER/TRIATHLON GOGGLES: Aqua Sphere Kayenne

The Aqua Sphere Kayenne Goggles are amazing for open water swimming. They are designed to give you a broader and clearer view of your surroundings while swimming.

Aqua Sphere’s patented curved lens technology, polarized lenses, and anti-fog treatment together provide the ultimate swim goggles for those who are looking to be able to see more clearly without distortions.

The stabilizing nose bridge will ensure that these goggles stay comfortable on your face. The durable strap also means they can withstand materials better than other types of straps over time.

They come in clear, polarized, smoke and mirrored lenses.

BEST LOOKING GOGGLES FOR SWIMMING: Swedish

Swedish Goggles have a simple and chic look. In the swimming world, they are a cult classic!

Swedish Goggles are unique due to the lack of a silicon seal around the eye gasket found on most pairs. The comfort of these is up for debate. While some swimmers rave about their perfect fit, others feel the goggle digs into their eye socket.

These goggles come unassembled. Part of their allure is piecing the two eye cups together with the blue nose piece consisting of a small string that fits through a rubber tube. Or some swimmers cut the latex strap and use that as a nose piece instead. Whatever style you choose, come prepared with scissors, tweezers, and a steady hand!

Be on the look out for the impersonators. Go for the original made by Malmsten AB since 1970!

BEST HIGH-END GOGGLES FOR SWIMMING: Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe

The Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe Goggles are pricey, listed over $50. However, they are worth every penny is you are looking for a high-end goggle. They are an advanced racing and training goggle designed with an unrivaled fit.

Featuring Arena’s Swipe Anti-Fog Technology, your lenses will fog up less and return to their original anti-fog condition more quickly. Activate by gently swiping the inner surface of the goggle lens with your finger while the goggle is underwater.

The Cobra Ultra Swipe Goggles are drop dead gorgeous. With varying colors and tints, you will surely stand out with a pair of these.

BEST BUDGET GOGGLES FOR SWIMMING: Speedo Sprint

The Speedo Sprint Goggles are perfect for swimmers of all types. This goggle is time tested and has been around for years!

The unique feature of these goggles is the soft neoprene foam. It creates a seal that is second-to-none in comfort. They contour easily and dependably to faces of various shapes.

The clear, wide lenses provide effective anti-fog capabilities and UV protection for a safe underwater view that’s great even on sunny days at the pool.

Do not allow the sprint name to intimidate you. While these can be great for racing, we love them for casual swimmers too.

BEST KID’S LEARN-TO-SWIM GOGGLES: Frogglez Kids Swim Goggles

The Frogglez Kids Swim Goggles are our best choice for children learning how to swim. They have multiple features that have been perfected to provide kids with a comfortable and easy-to-put on goggle.

They’re the perfect fit for squirmy pool patrons. They come equipped with a soft, neoprene split strap that makes them simple to put on before diving in!

The Frogglez Goggles offer cushion and comfort while creating a watertight seal around the eye area. Plus, buoyancy prevents them from getting lost on the bottom of the pool!

They have UV protection and anti-fogging features too so your little minnow will be safe in more ways than one during your aquatic fun.

These are offered with a tinted, clear, and mirrored lens. The colors and patterns will make your child excited to get their hands on these!

BEST KID’S RECREATION SWIM GOGGLES: Finis Fruit Basket

Finis knows kid’s goggles! Our choice for the best rec swim children’s goggles are the Finis Fruit Basket scented goggles.

Your child’s next favorite goggles come in a variety of eye-popping colors and smells – including peach, grape, and watermelon.

In addition to their unique scent, they also work great! The Fruit Basket Goggles features a comfortable dual silicone strap that makes it easy for little swimmers to take off the goggles by themselves.

For kids age 3-8, these water tight goggles feature soft silicone gaskets for sensitive skin on faces. These goggles will keep your little swimmer excited to go to the pool!

How to Pick the Right Pair of Goggles for Your Swimming Needs

With hundreds of goggles on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which pair is best for you. The first question you should ask yourself when selecting a pair is what are you looking to use them for? This will help you narrow down your selection.

For example, if you are a beginner to intermediate lap swimmer, keep it simple with the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0.

Are you swimming outdoors in the bay, lakes or oceans? Then use the Aqua Sphere Kayenne Goggles.

Do you need any old pair for some backyard fun? Then go with the Speedo Sprint Goggles.

Also keep in mind how much you would like to spend. Goggles typically cost between $10 – $30. You can seek out higher end $50+, but those won’t make our Athlete Approved list (except for the Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe)!

Goggles are one of the more versatile swimming accessories, so don’t be afraid to use the same pair across multiple swim activities.

How to Care for Swim Goggles

Depending on how often you use your goggles, they should last between 6 months to a year. To make sure yours lasts as long as possible, follow these four simple steps:

  1. Rinse your goggles in fresh non chlorinated water after every use
  2. Store them in a safe place to avoid damage from dust and dirt (aka not in your zipped up swim bag for an extended period)
  3. Keep out of direct sunlight when not in use
  4. Avoid touching the inside of the lens to preserve the anti-fog
  5. While goggles look like the perfect carrying case for earplugs, do not store them inside of your goggles between swims

The Difference between Tinted, Mirrored, Polarized, UV Protection, Colored Lenses Swimming Goggles

Who knew a pair of goggles could have all these fancy features… but what do they all mean!?

  • Tinted: Blocks the sun through a dark tint.
  • Mirrored: In addition to making you look intimidating, they also provide a darker view on sunny days like tinted goggles.
  • Polarized: Filters sunlight reflecting off lakes/oceans. Best for open-water swimming. These are the most effective for blocking glares.
  • UV Protection: This refers to a goggle’s ability to filter harmful UV rays.
  • Colored: Increase the contrast in low light conditions. Ideal for indoor swimming.

Replacement Goggle Strap

Popularized in the late 90’s, bungee cords are your go-to goggle strap replacement.

They have tapered ends to easily fit onto just about any goggle.

The cord locks make adjusting your tightness no problem.

How to Prevent Goggles from Fogging

The last thing you want to do in the middle of a long swim is worry about whether or not your goggles will allow you to see. Use these tips to prevent fogging from happening.

  • Rub a small amount of spit into your goggles. While this may not be the most appealing method, it works. And hey, chlorine kills the germs right?
  • Use an anti-fogging wipe prior to your swim. We recommend Foggies Anti-Fog Cleaning Towelette.
  • Take proper care of them! Click here to read above.

Conclusion

Goggles are a must have tool for any swimmer! They allow you to see underwater, drastically improving your swimming experience.

With so many different types of goggles available for all sorts of needs, this guide will help you figure out the best fit!

We would love to know if you have a pair to recommend to us. Let us know if you agree with our Athlete Approved goggle picks for swimming. Post in our comments and on social media!

*Equip yourself for success with our Athlete Approved Guide to Lap Swimming Equipment!*

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