Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Running Visor?

Page Coleman
Page Coleman

A running visor is a crucial piece of running gear that can make jogging safer and more comfortable. Some factors to consider when choosing a running visor include fit and fabric. Other factors include sun protection levels, reflectivity, color, price, and washing instructions.

Your jogging visor can provide protection from the sun for your face and eyes. Though untreated fabrics provides some level of protection, you can also find visors that are treated to provide higher protection. This may be especially important if you run during midday, don’t want to wear sunscreen, are fair-complexioned, or otherwise concerned about sun exposure.

Running visors should protect eyes from sunlight without obscuring vision.
Running visors should protect eyes from sunlight without obscuring vision.

A sun visor shields your eyes and face from the sun and can also absorb sweat and prevent it from getting into your eyes. You may want to look for a visor that has a moisture wicking band. Other features to look for include fast drying fabric and black fabric on the underside of the rim to reduce glare.

Running will be more enjoyable when your visor feels light and fits comfortably. Look for lighter weight, adjustable visors. A few ounces in weight may make a difference during longer runs. The visor should be snug enough to stay on, but it will quickly become uncomfortable if it is too tight.

Individuals who jog along beaches may benefit from wearing a running visor.
Individuals who jog along beaches may benefit from wearing a running visor.

Consider how you will use your visor. When running in warm, sunny weather, a white or light colored visor will feel cooler. If you are running when it is cool, you may prefer a darker color that absorbs more heat. Many running visors are reflective, which can help you be more visible to vehicles if you run at night.

Visors come in men’s and women's sizes and styles. Men and women may both prefer visors that have been designed for their gender. Women with long hair may appreciate visors that accommodate ponytails. If you enjoy wearing matching outfits when jogging, choose a visor that best matches most of your running attire.

The price of a running visor will vary depending on its features. Although they are relatively inexpensive, if you are on a tight budget you may need to look for visors that are affordable for you. To find a quality visor at a good price, look for seasonal closeout sales.

Your jogging visor will absorb sweat as well as body and hair oils, so it is important to wash it frequently. Check for care instructions, and you may want to choose a running visor with care instructions that you prefer. Some people may want only machine washable running visors, and others may be willing to hand wash them.

Discussion Comments

Animandel

@Sporkasia - I disagree with what you said about the visor being cooler than a ball cap. I wear my son's baseball cap when I go walking and the cap keeps my head cooler because it blocks the sun. With the visor, the sun is shining directly on the top of my head and there is no protection other than my hair.

Sporkasia

I normally run with a ball cap on my head, but one day I left the cap at home and I borrowed one of my friend's visors. I was surprised at how much cooler the visor was compared to the ball cap. The hole in the top of the visor allows more heat to escape and since we lose most of our body heat through our head, there was a noticeable difference.

I am now researching to find the perfect visor for running on those hot days. I'm going to stick with the ball cap when the heat isn't a concern.

Feryll

I could use one of the running visors that soaks up the perspiration and keeps it out of my eyes. I like running in the midday sun because it's more of a challenge and running at the hottest part of the day also helps increase my endurance. Of course this means I sweat a lot.

I also wear sunglasses to protect my eyes and often times the sweat ends up running down my face and into my eyes. Once this happens, I spend the rest of the run with burning eyes and smudged sunglasses from where I tried to wipe the water from the lenses.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Running visors should protect eyes from sunlight without obscuring vision.
      By: Deklofenak
      Running visors should protect eyes from sunlight without obscuring vision.
    • Individuals who jog along beaches may benefit from wearing a running visor.
      By: Marco Antonio Fdez.
      Individuals who jog along beaches may benefit from wearing a running visor.