Do you feel uncomfortable wearing your sunglasses during sports? Whether you're on the field, at the gym, or enjoying outdoor activities, an ill-fitting pair of sunglasses can be a major distraction. In this article, we’ll explore how sports sunglasses rely on multiple pressure points for stability, why ergonomics and material choice are critical.

Understanding the Fit: The Role of Pressure Points

When sunglasses rest on your face, they are supported by three key areas:

• ⁠Nose/Bridge: Serves as the central anchor.  
• Ear Rears: Helps to distribute the weight from behind your ears.  
• Sides of the Head: Some designs, especially those with sporty looks, apply pressures along the temple or side of your head for additional stability.

Striking the right balance among these contact points is essential. Here's why:

• Excessive Pressure on One Area: If sunglasses rely too much on one point (for example, the nose), that spot endures an excessive burden. This can lead to discomfort, and eventually, the sunglasses might slide down during sports. 
• Insufficient Pressure: Conversely, if the support is not evenly distributed, your sunglasses might feel loose or unstable. A poor fit is often evident if the sunglasses touch your cheeks or if you have to constantly adjust them.  

For a pair of sports sunglasses to fit perfectly, the design must ensure that the weight is evenly shared across all three pressure points. This is where ergonomic design comes into play.

Ergonomics: The Art of Balanced Weight Distribution

Ergonomics is critical when designing sports sunglasses. It’s all about ensuring that the pressure points on your face share the weight of the sunglasses evenly. Consider these points when choosing your eyewear:

• Even Weight Distribution: The sunglasses should not impose an undue burden on your nose, ear rears, or the sides of your head.  
• Comfortable Support: If you feel that one particular area is overburdened, it’s a sign that the design may not be suited to your facial structure.  
• Natural Fit: Ideally, the sunglasses should not sit on your cheeks. A design that distributes pressure across multiple points can provide a secure yet comfortable fit, ensuring that the sunglasses stay in place during vigorous sports.

2nu addresses these challenges with its FlexLock ™ design. This design strategically utilizes multiple points along the head to secure the sunglasses, eliminating the discomfort caused by uneven weight distribution. FlexLock ™ minimizes pressure overload on any single point, ensuring that your sunglasses remain comfortably in place — even during high-intensity activities.

Materials: Building the Foundation of Durable Sports Sunglasses

The choice of materials is equally critical in sports sunglasses design. Here's a breakdown of the common materials, including their advantages and limitations:

Polycarbonate

• Pros:
  • Affordable, polycarbonate is often used in entry-level sunglasses.  
  • Provides decent durability for casual activities.  
• ⁠Cons: 
  • Less durable compared to TR90, with a shorter lifespan when exposed to rigorous sports conditions.  
    
  • Lacking flexibility leads to discomfort and pain caused by prolonged pressure during extended use.

TR90

• Pros:
  • Highly durable and rigid, TR90 is commonly used in sports sunglasses.
  • Lightweight compared to polycarbonate, making it better suited for extended use. 
• Cons:
  • Requires heat treatment for adjustments, which can be inconvenient.

  • Better than polycarbonate but still lack flexibility which leads to discomfort and pain caused by prolonged pressure during extended use.

Metal

• Pros:
  • Easily adjustable without the need for heat.  
• Cons:
  • Heavy, making it less ideal for high-performance sports.
  • Not as durable unless paying for premium metals.

2nu’s FlexFoam

2nu has revolutionized sports eyewear with its proprietary FlexFoam™ material. Here’s why FlexFoam is a game changer:

1. Durability: Offers strength on par with TR90, ensuring that your sunglasses stand up to rigorous use.  
2. Adjustability: As easy to adjust as metal, but without the weight penalty. 
3. Lightweight: Lighter than TR90, reducing the burden on your face during extended use.  
4. Bonus Feature: FlexFoam ™ floats on seawater, making it ideal for water sports and active outdoor adventures.

The 2nu Difference: FlexLock™ and FlexFoam™

2nu's innovative approach to sports sunglasses combines both ergonomic design and state-of-the-art materials. With the FlexLock™ design, the sunglasses are engineered to cater to the facial contours of most users. By distributing pressure over multiple points, they prevent excessive stress on the nose, ear rears, or sides of the head. This balanced approach ensures that the sunglasses fit securely and comfortably, reducing the risk of them sliding down during sports.

Coupled with FlexFoam ™ materials, 2nu’s frames are not only lightweight and durable but also offer superior adjustability. This combination allows athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to focus on their performance without being distracted by poorly fitted eyewear.

Conclusion

Comfortable sports sunglasses are essential for any active lifestyle. The right balance of ergonomic design and innovative materials not only enhances your performance but also ensures that your eyewear remains secure and comfortable, no matter how intense the activity. 

Upgrade your gear today and experience the ultimate in ergonomic design and material innovation — because when your sunglasses work as hard as you do, nothing can hold you back.