Julbo Venturi Photochromic Sunglasses

From Julbo, a French company that’s been making mountain eyewear for more than 125 years, the Venturi sunglasses offer visibility and comfort across all kinds of terrain. The 3D Fit nose adjusts to every nose shape and size, and the curved arms—complete with grip sections—ensure a snug fit all day long. Along with excellent venting and a wide field of vision, the glasses provide a clear view thanks to their flash-coated or photochromic anti-fog lenses (your choice). The Spectron 3 CF category-3 lenses are great for just about any activity, while the Zebra Light lenses (category 1–3) are especially well suited for trail running, mountain biking, and more. Learn more about the lens categories here, and read one runner’s impressions in this review.

Named for its founder, Jules Baud, Julbo has its roots in the Jura region of France, dating all the way back to 1888. Baud started out designing optical eyewear, and at the request of crystal hunters braving the mountains of Chamonix, began making protective sunglasses for the most extreme conditions. In the 1950s, the company revolutionized the market with the Vermont glacier goggles, built for mountaineers conquering the highest peaks in the world. And that’s exactly where Julbo tested its products—on 8,000ers like K2, Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak, and Nanga Parbat, among others. In the ‘90s and early aughts, Julbo expanded its line to include a wide range of sports and terrains, and today it even makes eyewear for children.