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Best Basketball Glasses and Goggles for 2022

By: Author Andrew Herig

Posted on Published:

Best Basketball Glasses and Goggles for 2022

Best Basketball Glasses and Goggles for 2022

Basketball, as a physical, full-contact sport, can sometimes lead to injury.  Whether an ACL tear, a sprained ankle, or a broken finger, basketball and injuries are, unfortunately, a part of the game.  However, there are steps and specialized equipment that many basketball and NBA players take to limit the occurrence of sports related injuries.

And when discussing and analyzing eye related injuries, the single best form of protection against injury are sports goggles.  These goggles not only help prevent sports related injuries but also have an added bonus of providing a higher quality of vision while on the court. 

That is why, below, we are going to look at and discuss the best basketball glasses and goggles for 2022.  These glasses and goggles will provide you with protection from an errant pass or flung elbow, while still maintaining proper and enhanced vision capabilities.

Benefits of Wearing Sports Goggles

Sports goggles and glasses have long been worn by athletes and players in the NBA.  From Horace Grant to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, these players wore protective sports goggles to provide their eyes with additional protection and safety while on the court.

And while the benefits of wearing sports goggles are plenty, perhaps the main reason for their use is due to the simple fact that sports goggles offer an additional layer of eye protection for players on the court.  Whether from an errant pass, a thrown elbow, or an accidental poke from a finger, sports goggles provide a necessary level of protection to the eyes.

However, an added benefit to wearing sports goggles while on the court is that many of them now come with prescription lenses.  This means that you will still be able to see clearly and fully while on the court and will have better accuracy in your rebounding, passing, and shooting abilities.

How Much do Sports Goggles Cost?

Sports goggles, generally, range in price from $20 to over $200.  And while you may be tempted to dole out a couple of hundred dollars for a high-end pair of sports goggles, it’s not necessary to do so.  Generally, all sports goggles provide the same level of protection and safety while on the court and there are few differences between the high-end options and the low-cost ones.

However, if you are considering outfitting your sports goggles with prescription lenses, then do expect to pay a bit more for the luxury.  Due to the custom outfitting and additional prescription lenses needed, these goggles tend to range in price between $100-$200.

Key Features of Sports Goggles

Sports goggles, unlike regular glasses or sunglasses, have a few key differentiating factors which help to provide overall eye protection while playing a sport.  Sports goggles are designed in a variety of manners and shapes to suit the specific needs of a respective sport, whether it be basketball, football, hockey, or baseball.

In addition, sports goggles have protective lenses, typically made from polycarbonate, which is a durable and impact-resistant material that allows for repeated hits and impact without damage.

In addition, the frames are typically designed with rubber padding at every point that connects to your face, ensuring that your eyes are fully protected and are safe from repeated and accidental hits and impact.

Similarly, most sports goggles feature an elastic, stretchable material which can be customized behind the head.  This allows for an individual player to ensure proper fitting across their eyes and a secure fit over the nose.

Famous NBA Players Who Wore Sports Goggles

While the use of sports goggles is gaining in popularity across the country, their use is somewhat limited in the NBA.  Whether due to the increased proliferation of contact lenses or the simple fact that many of these players played without the use of sports goggles growing up, there are still a few top players who were well-known for the goggles they donned during the game.

  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – the all-time points leader, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was well-known for his use of sports goggles while on the court.  Beginning his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he would bring home a championship title, Kareem would finish his career with the Los Angeles Lakers and was a highly efficient scorer with his famed sky hook shot.
  • Horace Grant – perhaps even more famous than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Horace Grant was well-known for his use of prescription sports goggles in the NBA.  However, unbeknownst to many, Horace Grant was legally blind, and the use of prescription sports goggles was more of a necessity.  However, despite getting Lasik eye surgery, Horace Grant would continue to wear his famous goggles to serve as a role model to kids who wore glasses.
  • Hakeem Olajuwon – nicknamed “The Dream”, Hakeem Olajuwon had one of the most storied NBA careers.  A 2x NBA champion and 2x NBA Finals MVP, Olajuwon frequently wore goggles while playing basketball to provide better protection for his eyes, particularly downlow and in the paint.

Best Basketball Goggles

  • PELLOR Safety Goggles – the PELLOR Safety Goggles is our top pick for the best sports goggles for basketball in 2022.  Featuring a silicone pad around the frame of the glasses and the nose pad for added comfort, the goggles are both windproof and fog proof.  This means you won’t have to worry about the inside of the goggles getting fogged by your breathing, which can negatively impact your play.  In addition, the adjustable strap is made of high-quality nylon, making it easy to both detach and adjust as needed.  The package comes with both a glasses case and bag, making transportation even easier.
  • mincl Basketball Sports Glasses – long gone are the days of overly large basketball goggles.  With the mincl Basketball Sports Goggles, you can get the eye protection you are looking for, in a fashionable and chic manner.  Sized perfectly for basketball, these goggles fit nearly perfectly straight out of the box and are small in size, ensuring eye protection without covering your entire face.
  • Pyramex Cappture Over Prescription Safety Glasses – another great option, the Pyramex Cappture Over Prescription Safety Glasses are not only sleek in design but also allow for wear over your prescription glasses.  If you are looking for a quick solution to wearing basketball goggles but need to continue wearing your daily glasses, then these are the perfect goggles for you.