Silicone Swim Goggles
Whether you’re training like an Olympic champ or just want to feel more confident in the water, swim goggles are essential. The right pair will stay in place, offer clear vision, and avoid fogging up during your workout.
The smart FORM goggles are an incredible tool for swimmers who love data. Their heads-up display records splits, distance, stroke counts, and more.
Foam Sockets
If you want a pair of goggles that will hold up to the rigours of training and racing, these silicone ones from Speedo are a great option. They have curved hydrodynamic lenses, anti-glare coating and Silicone Swim Goggles a panoramic view of the pool to help you focus on your strokes. Plus they have UVA and UVB sun protection, so you can safely swim outdoors.
A great pick for kids, these goggles are a style icon at our local pool. They have a stretchy fabric band instead of rubber straps, so they’re gentle on delicate hair. Plus, they come in lots of fun colours and prints.
The silicone double-layer gaskets of these goggles are soft and hugs the eye sockets to keep water out without feeling tight or pinching. They have an adjustable nose bridge and seven different nose-pieces for a snug fit. They’re also available with polarized lenses to suit all swim conditions, and photochromatic lenses for use in changing light conditions.
These low-cost goggles are a favourite amongst swimmers because of their comfort and ease of fitting. But during testing they leaked more than other pairs, so we’d only recommend them for recreational swimming. For serious racers, opt for the slightly more expensive TYR Splash. They have a higher nosepiece that won’t press on the face and are less likely to leak.
Silicone Straps
Not too long ago most swim goggles transitioned to silicone straps and then gaskets but there are still a few holdouts that use latex (my favorite training goggles are old-school Swedish style). Silicone is soft and durable, less likely to cause allergic reactions, and it can withstand pool chemicals like chlorine much better than natural rubber.
Silicone straps also provide a more comfortable fit than latex and they are less likely to become stretched or lose their shape over time, as can happen with latex. They are also more flexible than latex, so they can mold to the contours of the head and face for a snug fit without creating a gap at the edge of the frame that would allow water in.
Some goggles have a molded double head strap that prevents the goggle from sliding on the head and gives kids a comfortable, secure fit. Other goggles feature a ratcheted pull strap to set tightness and make it easy for kids to adjust for a perfect fit.
Not all swimming goggles are adjustable, but some come with plastic nose bridges that can be trimmed for a custom fit. Others use a system of grooves that lock into place over the nose for a firm, non-slip fit. And the newest generation of Speedo’s Fastskin goggles uses a new technology called IQ Fit 3D that scans the head and neck for a customized fit to create an incredible seal with no gaps.
Rubber Straps
The rubber straps are flexible enough to adapt to different face shapes, but they are also strong enough that they won’t snap under pressure. This is particularly important when the goggles are being worn during high-intensity swims like sprint intervals, as they will be subjected to much greater stress. The adjustable straps lock into place when fitted to prevent the goggles from slipping, which is often a problem with cheaper, less-sturdy sets.
The TYR Speedple goggles are a popular pair that have earned “best swim goggles” distinctions from many reviewers. They are a good choice for competitive swimmers who want a lightweight set that provides a clear view and offers a secure fit with soft silicone gaskets. However, they didn’t score as well in our comfort test, and they leaked far more than most of the competition we tested. Nevertheless, they are affordable and come with a hardy zip-up case for storage between swims.
These stylish goggles from HUUB are designed for image-conscious triathletes and open-water swimmers who want to feel confident in the water. They have huge Silicone Swim Goggles external soft silicone gaskets that spread out around the eyes to protect the skin and give a sleek look, while their polycarbonate lenses are treated with anti-fog technology. They also feature UV protection, which can help keep your eyes healthy by reducing harmful sun rays.
Lenses
The lenses of a swim goggle are usually made of plastic, which is strong and crack resistant. They are often coated with anti-fog to prevent fogging. Fogging can interfere with visibility while swimming, and it also reduces the amount of light that reaches your eyes.
Some goggles have interchangeable lenses that allow swimmers to match their prescription. These lenses are usually made of shatter-resistant polycarbonate and are available in various tints to reduce glare.
Other goggles have a single lens with a frame that is molded into one complete unit. These are typically more comfortable than traditional goggles and provide a very tight seal. They are also generally less expensive than other types of goggles.
A pair of goggles with mirrored tints helps cut down on sun glare in indoor pools and at beach locations. Polarized lenses are another option that cuts down on glare from reflective surfaces such as sidewalks and concrete.
To keep your swim goggles in top condition, be sure to rinse them with clean fresh water after each use. Soaking in warm fresh water can help dissolve salt crystals and soften the silicone of the strap and gasket. Always dry your goggles completely before storing them in a clean, protective case. Avoid exposing them to petroleum or chemical-based cleaners and disinfectants, as these will damage the rubber and plastic of the goggle frames and lenses.
