Whether a casual or competition swimmer, you know the importance of a good pair of goggles.
The right pair of goggles, that fit your face well, providing a comfortable seal and clear visibility, can enhance your swimming experience dramatically.
Finding the right pair, however, can be a challenging task. There’s a huge amount of information to wade through and many products on the market, both good and bad.
We’ve prepared this buyer’s guide to help you navigate through the world of goggles and hopefully guide you in the right direction in terms of finding the best pair for your needs.
Looking for kids’ goggles? Click here to skip to our top picks for kids.
Our top pick: Speedo Futura Biofuse Flexiseal
Pros: Very comfortable, good seal, affordable
Cons: More drag than competition goggles
The latest model of Speedo’s best-selling goggles, the Futura Biofuse Flexiseal, utilises a very-soft, super flexible frame to maximise comfort and fit. A silicone gasket provides a very comfortable and leak-free seal around the eye, while an anti-fog solution injected into the lens enhances visibility.
The speed fit adjustment means the size can be easily adjusted while on the head, and a split strap ensures they stay in place while in use.
Popular with casual, fitness, and competitive swimmers alike, the Futura Biofuse provides the perfect balance between comfort and performance.
Runner up: Aqua Sphere Kayenne Goggles
Pros: Great eye seal, comfortable, UV and anti-fog protection, affordable
Cons: More water resistance due to size
A favourite of open water swimmers and those who prioritise wide vision and comfort, the Aqua Sphere Kayenne is well set as the go-to goggles for many swimmers.
With their oversized lens, the silicone suction provides a comfortable, solid seal around the eye.
The Kayennes come with UV protection and anti-fog treatment and are also available in a mirrored lens version.
Best value: Aegend Swim Goggles
Pros: Comfortable, affordable, UV and anti-fog protection, quick release strap, option for mirrored lenses
Cons: Some people find the nosepiece uncomfortable
One of the most popular goggles in the world, Aegend goggles are another great all-around option.
This style comes with dark grey lenses meaning they will provide protection against glare, be it indoor or outdoor.
They also are fully UV protected, come with an anti-fog coating, and are shatterproof.
Further, a quick-release button separates the straps to make taking them off a breeze.
Best competition goggles: Speedo Fastskin Speedsocket 2
Pros: Hydrodynamic, mirror lens, carry case, interchangeable nose bridge
Cons: Expensive, may be too low profile for some people
An iconic, high-end goggle from speedo, designed for use in competition racing.
Hydrodynamic mirror lenses provide superior peripheral vision, meaning you have a better view and awareness of competitors around you, with less head movement.
The silicone strap is designed for minimum drag, while also minimising pressure on any one point of the head.
Three different-sized nose bridges allow the user to customise these goggles to get the best fit.
Best goggles for kids: Speedo Futura Biofuse Junior
Pros: Comfortable, affordable, UV Protection, anti-fog
Cons: Could be more durable
The junior version of Speedo’s most popular goggles, the Futura Biofuse Juniors offer all the benefits of the adult version including UV and anti-fog protection but are designed specifically for a smaller face.
The soft, split silicone straps assist with finding a comfortable fit, while the wider gasket design of the Futura means these are more versatile in terms of face shape and size than other options.
Also great: Aqua Sphere Seal Kid 2.0
Pros: Great seal, comfortable, affordable
Cons: Less suitable for competition swimming
More of a mask/goggle hybrid in design, the Seal Kid 2 from Aqua Sphere provides unparalleled comfort and seal for smaller faces.
Designed for kids as young as 3, these goggles use a curved lens to maximise vision in the water.
Further, the Seal Kid 2s are treated with UV, anti-fog, and anti-scratch protection.
Swimming Goggles Buying Guide
Whether you are swimming for fitness, training for a triathlon, or teaching your kids to swim, there are a few key considerations you should keep in mind when you are in the market for goggles.
Lens colour
Goggles come with a variety of different lens types, each suitable for different environments.
If you expect to spend most of your time swimming indoors, or in low light, then you may want to opt for a clear or light-coloured lens.
If you will be swimming outdoors, particularly if you are fond of backstroke, you may wish to go for a darker lens, or even mirrored or polarised lenses.
It’s also important to check that your goggles have UV protection.
Anti-fog
Goggles from all good brands, like those included below, now come standard with anti-fog treatment.
This doesn’t mean you’ll never face issues with fog, however. If you do, there are anti-fog sprays available.
Try not to touch your lenses too much as the anti-fog coating does wear down over time.
Gasket
The gasket is the material that seals the lens around the eye. Silicone is the most popular gasket material as it provides reliable seal, as well as being comfortable and durable.
Other types of gasket style include “Sweedish” goggles with no gasket at all, often preferred by competitive swimmers due to the low water resistance, and the less popular foam gasket.
Open water or pool
Open water swimmers and triathletes generally opt for goggles with a wider field of vision, such as the Aqua Sphere Kayenne.
Pool swimmers will usually go with slightly smaller goggles to reduce water resistance.
Most products reviewed in this article are generally considered pool/all-purpose goggles.
Verdict
As you can see, there are several great options on the market, and if you go with any of the above, we’re confident you’ll have a good experience.
However, goggles are a very personal thing due to different-sized faces and preferences, so be sure to do your research and pick the best goggles that suit your needs.
In terms of our favourite product on the market, we would go with the Speedo Futura Biofuse due to their reliability and comfort.
FAQ
For his first four Olympics, Michael Phelps wore Speedo Fastskin Speedsocke goggles, which feature on our list. After that, he partnered with Aquasphere to create MP goggles brand and he wore the MP Xceed in competition.
Swimming goggles that are popular with Olympic swimmers include the Speedo Vanquisher and models from TYR and Arena.
