Best running sunglasses for small faces: Tifosi Navar review

By Henry Howard

Finding the right pair of running sunglasses is harder than it sounds.

Too heavy, and they bounce with every stride. Too big, and they slide down your nose the moment you start to sweat. Too stiff, and they pinch after the first mile.

For runners, especially those with smaller faces like me, the search for a quality pair can feel endless.

Enter the Tifosi Navar. Weighing just 25 grams, the Navar comes with Grilamid TR-90 frames, and shatterproof, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses.

These sport sunglasses from Tifosi Optics hit a sweet spot that not many frames in their price range can claim: they are feather-light, genuinely stay put and offer serious sun protection without asking you to spend serious money. During one of my first runs with the Navars, I completely forgot I was wearing sunglasses due to their comfort and lightness.

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Over the years, I have reviewed more than a dozen sunglasses for athletes for at least a half-dozen brands. Throughout this research and testing, I have become a big fan of Tifosi Optics. Among previous models I have tested are the:

• Tifosi Moab Lite, which is among the best sunglasses for cyclists. 

• Tifosi Moab, the original offers a bold shield styling and performance-first design.

• Tifosi Vogel XC, perfectly designed with smaller face profiles in mind.

Tifosi Navar review: Best running sunglasses for small faces

The fit is a standout feature for runners with smaller or narrower faces. In fact, I could call these the best running sunglasses for small faces.

The L-XL sizing and Tifosi Glide system work together to create a secure, anti-bounce fit that doesn’t rely on a death grip to stay in place. The frame slides on smoothly and holds steady whether you’re cruising an easy long run or pushing through a tempo effort.

Comfort comes from the Grilamid TR-90 frame — the same lightweight, flexible material Tifosi uses across its sport line — paired with hydrophilic rubber nose and ear pieces that actually grip better as you sweat. No more reaching up to nudge your sunglasses back into position at mile four.

And sun protection? The Navar delivers 100% UVA/UVB protection through shatterproof, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses, so your eyes are covered no matter how bright the course gets.

For those who want a reliable, comfortable, protective pair of lightweight running sunglasses

without overthinking it, the Tifosi Navar belongs at the top of your list. Here are five reasons why.

Five reasons to try the Tifosi Navar sunglasses 

• Very comfortable: The Grilamid TR-90 frame, standard for Tifosi Optics sunglasses, is lightweight and durable for all-day comfort. 

• Sun protection: We know the importance of UV protection sunglasses for runners. These offer 100% UVA/UVB protection from harmful ultra-violet rays. The lens is made with shatterproof polycarbonate, ensuring crystal-clear vision even in the toughest environments. 

• Lightweight: The frames only weigh 25 grams. 

• No slip: The hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces provide a no-slip grip – even when you get sweaty. 

• Protective case: The sunglasses come with a zippered hardshell case. This is incredibly handy and keep the sunglasses safe if you are packing them for a trip or just storing them between uses.

Tale of the tape: Tifosi Navar

• Frame: Light and durable Grilamid TR-90

• Lens: Like other Tifosi frames, these come with shatterproof and scratch-resistant polycarbonate interchange lenses that adapt on the fly to light changes.

• Features: Adjustable nose and ear pads, hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pads that increase grip the more you sweat.

• Weight: 25g

• Included: Zippered hard shell case and microfiber cleaning bag.

Learn more at Tifosi Optics.