THE OAKLEY SUTRO SUNGLASSES ARE THE IDEAL FRAMES FOR THE ACTIVE AMERICAN

Spoiler Alert: These shades pass the speed test.

By Devin Pangaro | August 10, 2023

Personally speaking, I’ve unintentionally destroyed enough knockoff pairs of Oakley shades to know that nothing beats the real thing. You spot the unmistakable “O”, marvel at the expert engineering, try ‘em on for size, and realize that investing in a quality pair of sunglasses is always the smart move. That’s what makes Oakley elite and an essential grab for anyone from professional athletes to uniformed pros.


For the sake of this review, we’re looking specifically at the performance-oriented dynamo known worldwide as the Oakley Sutro Sunglasses. Marketed primarily to cyclists, the versatile Sutro can also be found on the faces of Super Bowl MVPs and Major League All-Stars. If that isn’t enough to get the hype machine going, we’ve gone ahead and taken the liberty of breaking down one of Oakley’s recent best.

SWEAT ALL YOU WANT. THEY WON’T SLIP.

It’s a must really. A non-negotiable need in the eyes and for the eyes of athletes everywhere. No matter what physical activity you’re into, you can’t have your shades slip down your face when the sweat starts to fly. It’s untimely, it’s unwelcome, and it’s always annoying. With the Sutro, you can eliminate perspiration problems from the equation. Incorporating Oakley’s patented unobtaniaum™ technology, the no-slip nosepad and arms retain a secure fit to your face no matter what. It doesn’t matter if you’re on mile 12 of a marathon or completing an epic mountain bike ride on America’s trails.

IT’S ALL IN THE LENSES.

Superior clarity. Unobstructive field of view. Enhanced color and contrast. Anti-fog performance. Got a list of what you want in your lenses, and we’re willing to bet that the Sutro hits them all. The Prizm ™ lenses provide optimal coverage, all the features you need, and the kind of durability that will suit both high-speed and high-impact pursuits of performance glory. Just to rewind it back with a little more depth, the larger design paves the way for improved peripheral vision. A major must-have for cyclists, mountain climbers, and baseball/softball players, 100% UV protection comes standard in every pair.

THEY’RE PROOF THAT SLENDER IS BETTER.

Don’t get us wrong, we love us a beefy pair of shades, but they’re not always ideal for an active lifestyle. In the Sutro, what you have here is a pair that can easily fit under a bike helmet. Engineered to be a lot slenderer than most Oakleys, this edition of the Sutro weighs in at a nimble 32 ounces and the elongated arms contour to the sides of your head for maximum comfort. Composed of lightweight O matter ™ material, the nylon composite is built to both be flexible and long-lasting.

THEY’RE LARGE AND IN CHARGE.

As noted before, these bad boys provide a lot of coverage. At 150mm wide and 55mm tall, they’re made to be noticed, and that isn’t a bad thing. The sheer size helps protect your ocular cavities from every debris imaginable including wind and dust. In fact, the bigger look is less about style and more about making it safer for high-speed activities. Just don’t dare call ‘em goggles.

THEY’RE AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF BOLD LOOKS.

With Oakley, your options are never limited. For the Sutro, you can snag a pair in neutral shades, 90's color splashes, or even 80’s earth tones. It all depends on if you dig the throwback look or something more modern. Performance that pairs up with your style preferences. That’s a good thing, especially if you're trying to avoid looking like Robocop.

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