At Last, Sunglasses to Go the Distance

Many long-distance runners do not wear sunglasses, Adidas found, because the shades begin to irritate their faces after more than 10 miles. The company’s new gazelle line--which will officially launch at the Boston Marathon in April but which debuts in stores today--has been engineered to solve that problem.

Naturally, they’re super-lightweight, with polymer frames and optically correct polycarbonate lenses. Adidas claims the human body can become fatigued from constant changes in pupil dilation. So gazelles offer light stabilization technology lenses, which minimize dilation by keeping a steady level of light coming through the lens to the eye despite the changing conditions runners might encounter. The lining on the earpieces is made from Pebax, an ultra-soft, irritation-free substance. The nose bridge, made of soft silicone, has two adjustable positions for a better, more comfortable fit, and the frames offer three adjustments on the temples as part of a patented fit system. These unisex models, which retail for about $130, are the first running-specific sunglasses from Adidas, and they’re color-coordinated with the company’s Tyranny shoe. Each pair of shades comes with two sets of snap-in lenses--one featuring light stabilization technology, the other matching the frame.

Gazelle sunglasses are available at Sunglass Hut and sports stores. For information, (800) 223-0180, Ext. 248.