Swimming Goggles

Swimming goggles are essential for swimming, and finding the right pair can elevate one’s swimming experience. Below we will cover the types, parts, and brands you should know alongside important considerations before purchasing a pair.

What are goggles used for in swimming?

Swimming goggles play an important role in one’s swimming performance. They help swimmers see better underwater and protect their eyes from irritation. Seeing better underwater allows swimmers to be aware of their surroundings, such as other swimmers or the upcoming pool wall. It also makes swimmers feel comfortable and safe underwater. Their enhanced vision allows them to swim for longer periods of time and move easily underwater. 

Protecting your eyes from irritation is important as pools/fresh bodies of water are treated with many chemicals and may contain bacteria and other substances. These chemicals can cause your eyes to get itchy and red, or cause blurry vision and infections. Wearing swimming goggles prevents any harm to your eyes. Goggles overall improve a swimmer’s performance as they have a clear vision underwear, making them feel confident in their swimming abilities and direction.

Things To Consider

When looking for a swimming goggles, you'll want to consider the following:

• What will you be using the goggles for?
• Do you swim competitively or just for fun?
• How much do you have to spend on swimming goggles?
• Do you have a favorite brand or color?

Types

The three main types of swimming goggles include leisure/frame, competition, and Swedish goggles.

Leisure Goggles (Frame Goggles)

Leisure goggles (frame goggles) have a flat lens fitted into the socket of the surrounding frame, which is usually made of silicon gasket. The frame and nose bridge of these goggles are usually one unit in which you cannot adjust the nose width. These are viewed as one of the most comfortable goggles, serving as a good fit for any beginner swimmers.

Competition Goggles

Competition goggles have rounded lenses and superior visibility. The nose bridge on competition goggles is adjustable, allowing swimmers to choose from a single adjustable bridge or different bridge sizes. Competition goggles are comfortable for longer periods of time and can tolerate rougher waters.

Swedish Goggles

Swedish goggles are usually smaller, and the frame and lenses are made of one single plastic piece. Since they come in one size, it can take swimmers a while to get used to them. The visibility ranks the highest out of all goggles and are most effective once swimmers have them fitted properly.

Parts

The main parts of a pair of swimming goggles are the lenses and straps.

• Lenses: Lenses come in different tints, and it is up to the swimmer to decide which they feel comfortable with. Blue, yellow, and amber lenses are helpful for improvised visibility in pools. For winter swimming, clear lenses work the best. Corrective/prescription lenses are also offered to improve eyesight underwater.
• Strap: Most goggles use an adjustable buckle system to change the length when needed. There is also a push-button system that allows swimmers to quickly loosen their strap and tighten it.

Brands

The top three brands for swimming goggles are Speedo, Arena, and TYR.

• Speedo: While Speedo is best known for their swimsuits, they also make goggles for adults, kids, and racing. They offer a range of goggles including leisure, competition, and Sweedish goggles. 
• Arena: Arena carries a wide range of goggles, goggle cases, and strap kits, Their goggles are designed to have anti-fog protection and offer maximum stability. 
• TYR: TYR sells many types of goggles including adult, kids, racing, and triathlon goggles. They have built goggles to meet the needs for triathletes and swimmers at all levels.

Considerations

Some important considerations when buying swimming goggles are durability, cost, and comfort.

Durability

Durability of swimming goggles depends how often they are used, the materials they’re made of, and exposure to chemicals. The longer the goggles are used underwater, the higher the probability that the lenses will wear out. To maintain their goggles for longer, swimmers should wash them with fresh, clean water and leave them out to air dry.

Cost

The cost of swimming goggles depends on the type and brand. Leisure goggles start at around $10. You can expect to pay around $20 for competition goggles. Swedish goggles can start as low as $5. Certain models with higher quality materials can cost more.

Comfort

Goggles are comfortable if swimmers choose the right pair for their face and what suits them the best. Swimmers should focus on the way goggles fit around their nose and eyes. Some goggles have nose bridges that adapt to the face with softer materials whereas others have adjustable nose bridges.

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