Pickleball is experiencing a surge in popularity, with players of all ages flocking to gyms nationwide. Each strong swing and fast volley adds excitement to the game — and increases the risk of eye injury.
You want to stay safe, but too many manufacturers use a “unisex” design that’s right for men but often too big for women. Wear them on the court, and you might struggle with nose slippage, side gaps, and tangles in loose hair.
Models for women should provide maximum protection and clarity while also fitting well on smaller and narrower faces. The best pickleball safety glasses for women combine fit and safety with a style that looks great on and off the court. Read on for your list of must-haves when shopping for sports safety glasses, plus four models that check all the boxes.
The best women’s safety glasses balance protection, visual clarity, and style. Use these five points as a checklist to select the best model for your needs.
In the heat of competition, you can’t afford the distraction of safety worries. Opt for glasses with the safety marking “Z87” — short for ANSI Z87.1, the current standard from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Ideally, look for ASTM F803, the strictest designation for protective equipment in high-impact sports.
Be ready for the hardest hits with shatterproof lenses, made from polycarbonate or an equivalent material. You’ll also want a wraparound design or built-in side shields to protect yourself from stray balls — and the dust you kick up as a power player.
Everyday eyeglasses and pickleball aren’t a match, but don’t worry — there are plenty of prescription pickleball safety glasses for women. Start with an “Rx-friendly” frame that fits prescription lenses, and order lenses to your specifications.
Keep your field of vision clear with scratch resistance, and always request an anti-fog coating. You’ll thank yourself when hard play makes the gym air humid.
When your glasses arrive, make sure they don’t distort your view, especially if you have a strong prescription. You need your depth perception when balls start flying fast.
Stay comfortable through long tournaments and multi-match evenings with glasses sized for a woman’s narrower face. Look for narrower bridges and rubberized nose pads that help glasses stay on, even when you sweat. Choose lightweight frame materials, such as a nylon blend — nothing slows you down like heavy safety glasses weighing on your nose or ears.
Finally, try on your glasses before committing. RX-Safety lets you return all non-prescription products, including prescription-ready frames, within 30 days. Try on your glasses as soon as possible to make sure the nosepiece won’t slip, and the arms don’t bump against your temples or headwear.
Pickleball safety glasses should enhance your game, not interfere with it. Be ready for any setting with ventilation slots that prevent fogging and interchangeable lenses or shields for various light conditions. If you typically play in one setting, such as outdoors versus indoors, choose the right lenses:
Peripheral vision matters, too, so opt for a moderate wrap angle around the face. It will help you see fast-moving balls at the corners of your vision.
With today’s fashion-forward pickleball safety glasses for women, there’s no need to sacrifice style for safety. Shop around for sleek glasses with minimalist frames and softer lines, with options in the colors you love. If you would wear it off court on your way to the gym or in warm-ups, the style gets extra points.
If you’re ready to start shopping, here are four pickleball safety glasses that fit women well.
If you play hard and often, the RX Q100 safety glasses are a great choice. They’re ANSI Z87+ compliant and comply with EN 166, the stringent European standard for high-impact protection.
RX Q100 glasses are comfortably lightweight without sacrificing durability, letting you play for hours. The streamlined design will have you putting them on as you head out the door, not even worrying that you have to walk six blocks to the court.
Style-conscious women will appreciate the sporty style, but be cautious about fit. If your face is narrower, you may need adjustable nose pads or smaller temples — the “arms” that hold your glasses in place.
The Wiley X Sleek is slim but powerful. Wiley designed this model specifically for smaller heads, with a low-profile frame that flatters a narrower face shape. Women with fuller faces might find that its wrap angle offers less corner visibility, but it’s ideal for a narrower profile.
Subtle and streamlined enough for casual wear, the Wiley X still offers plenty of protection. It’s ANSI Z78.1+ certified for clarity and high-velocity impact. A removable Facial Cavity™ Seal even protects against dust, wind, and pollen, making it a great choice for outdoor players with allergy concerns.
One of Wiley X’s prescription-ready safety styles, the Sleek model is a convenient option for women who need corrective lenses. It’s elegant enough to wear to and from the court — no need for another pair of glasses.
Oakley sunglasses are some of the most stylish models on the market, and the Latch is no exception. It fits snugly and offers great optical clarity, so you look and perform your best.
The Oakley Latch may not be the best fit for high-level players, since this frame style doesn’t have the ANSI compliance marking. It looks great and functions well in low-intensity recreational play, but if you’re looking for something that stands up to tough hits, you might want to choose one of Oakley’s ANSI-compliant models.
If you’re a rain-or-shine player, you’ll appreciate the Bolle Sport Field Glasses‘ head strap, rubber nose pads, and rubberized temple grips. The silhouette is a bit thicker, so it might fit a bit bigger on smaller faces, but it’s perfect for rougher play or for women who want extra shielding.
The Bolle Sport has a sturdy frame and high wrap angle, giving you maximum protection in excessively windy or bright conditions. No need to shy away from fast-moving, high-flying balls, either, since this model is fully ANSI Z87+, EN166, and ASTM F803 compliant.
To get the right fit, you’ll need to measure your nose bridge, face width, and temple length. The easiest method is to check the size of prescription glasses, which list these measurements on the temple bar. Another option is to measure a pair of sunglasses that fits you well.
After your new glasses arrive, check the fit and security before you hit the court.
If you find yourself squinting, consider switching to lenses with a tint or contrast.
To make sure your glasses stay in good condition, store them in a rigid case and clean them once a week. Rinse with warm water and use a drop of soap to wipe away any dirt. Then, dry and wipe with a microfiber cloth and apply an anti-fog product to make sure you have clear court vision every time you play.
Replace scratched lenses or side shields as needed — if you can’t see clearly or a side shield is damaged, you’re not getting the protection you need on the court.
With a variety of styles available, women who play pickleball don’t need to sacrifice fashion or comfort for protection. Whether you prefer the sturdy Bolle Sport or the light and casual Oakley Latch, there’s something for everyone. Start by checking out these four models. Browse RX-Safety’s sport eyewear collection to see what’s out there, and choose based on your play style. And stay safe out there.
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