Swimming goggles selection guide
Swim goggles are our most popular equipment category, and for good reason, as they make swimming enjoyable. Choosing the right swim goggles can feel difficult, as there are many different options available.
The shape of your face, the intended use of the goggles, and their design greatly influence which swim goggles are best for you. In this article, we'll discuss how to choose and test suitable swim goggles, and we'll present our most popular goggles by category.
Also, at the end, check out tips on how to properly care for and store your goggles so they remain in the best possible condition.
Frequently asked questions about swim goggles:
- How do I know if the swim goggles fit my face correctly? Place the goggles on your forehead without the strap and gently press the silicone seals onto your eyes, holding them by the frames. If the silicone seal adheres like a suction cup to both eyes and the goggle does not press uncomfortably against your face, the model is suitable for you. If there is no suction cup effect or the goggle feels uncomfortable, you should try another model or change the nose bridge.
- What goggle fit is right for me – large, medium, or small? Large-fit goggles are best suited for open water and fitness swimming, as they distribute pressure over a wider area but are not suitable for diving practice. Medium-fit goggles work well for fast-paced training swims and for beginner competitive swimmers. Small-fit goggles fit snugly close to the eyes and are best suited for competitive swimmers who need the goggles to stay in place during dives and turns.
- Which swim goggles are suitable for competitive swimming? For competitive swimming, we recommend low-profile, snug-fitting models such as the Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe or Speedo Fastskin Hyper Elite. These models feature a wide field of vision, UV protection, and a durable anti-fog treatment, and come with multiple interchangeable nose bridges for a customized fit.
- Which swim goggles are suitable for training? For training, models like the Speedo Vanquisher 3.0 or AirSpeed work well, combining a softer fit with good visibility. AirSpeed is especially suitable for narrower faces and is a popular choice for women.
- Which swim goggles are suitable for open water and fitness swimming? For open water and fitness swimming, we recommend AquaX goggles or the Arena The One model. These feature soft silicone cushioning, a wide field of vision, and a good fit for various face shapes, making them comfortable even during longer swims.
- How do I prevent my swim goggles from fogging up? Do not touch the inside surface of the lenses unnecessarily, as this will wear off the pre-installed anti-fog coating. When the coating wears off over time, renew it by spraying anti-fog spray into the goggles at home before use, when there is no moisture on the lens surface yet.
- How do I store swim goggles correctly? Always store your goggles in their designated protective pouch or case. This prevents scratching and significantly extends the lifespan of the goggles.
Swimming goggles testing
Before we get into the different types of glasses, it's important to know how to fit glasses on your head and ensure they fit your face.
How to test glasses
► Place the glasses on your forehead and pull the silicone straps into place behind your head. Please note that the straps should not be so tight that they squeeze your head. So loosen the straps if necessary.
► Then place the glasses on your eyes and gently press the silicone seals into place by holding the frames.
► Now slowly pull the glasses away from your eyes, still holding onto the frames of each lens.
Glass is right for you when
1. The silicone seal adheres to each of your eyes like a suction cup.
2. The glasses don't weigh down your face, but sit comfortably on the skin around your eyes.
Test another glass model if
1. You won't get the suction cup effect at all.
2. The glass presses on your face very uncomfortably.
Additional notes
► If you only get a suction cup around one eye, try changing the nose bridge if your glasses have this option. An incorrectly sized nose bridge can cause a suction cup to only form on one eye at a time.
► If you are looking for very comfortable glasses, it is good to note that the further the swimming glasses sit from the sensitive skin around the eyes, the softer and more comfortable they will be.
Choosing a suitable swimming goggle model
Glasses with a great fit and soft silicone padding
Glasses with a great fit and soft silicone padding
These glasses usually sit on the bones of your eyes, away from the delicate skin around your eyes. This provides comfort to the wearer, as the pressure from the glasses is distributed over a larger surface area. However, because the glasses are large, they are not ideal for jumping exercises, as the risk of the glasses spinning out of place during jumping increases with the size of the glasses.
Who: These goggles are great for open water swimming and fitness swimming. They are a great option for those who value comfort and also like the larger field of vision that goggles provide. The goggles are often available in unisex models, as well as for narrower faces, as these goggles do not have a replaceable nose bridge (see Arena Air-Bold, which offers a great fit and also replaceable nose bridges).
Glasses with a medium fit and reasonable silicone padding
Glasses with a medium fit and reasonable silicone padding
These glasses sit either partially on your eye bones or slightly inside them. The glasses have moderate silicone padding, so they are comfortable even during longer swimming sessions. Glasses with a smaller fit often also have a two-piece silicone strap, which helps the glasses stay in place better even during jumps. In addition, these glasses also have interchangeable nose bridges, which allow you to adjust the model to fit your face.
For whom: The goggles are a great option for faster training swims, for beginner competitive swimmers, for jumping exercises, and as good general-purpose goggles for a variety of uses.
Glasses with a small fit and minimal silicone padding
Glasses with a small fit and minimal silicone padding
The glasses sit close to your eyes, usually well inside your eye bones. This allows the glasses to protrude as little as possible from your face, allowing them to stay firmly on your head even during the wildest jumps and turns. In addition to the minimal fit, these glasses often also have the smallest silicone padding to ensure a snug fit. This can add a little pressure around the eyes during longer workouts. You will also find interchangeable nose bridges on these glasses to ensure a personalized fit.
Who: The best option for competitive swimmers, as well as those who want a tight and well-fitting goggle. These goggles often have the best adjustment options for different faces.
Our choice for competitive swimming
Arena Ultra Swipe - a favorite of competitive swimmers
The flagship model of Arena's Cobra family , the Cobra Ultra Swipe swimming goggles, is a favorite of many competitive swimmers, both for competition and training.
The swimming goggles are low-profile and have a wide field of vision and a UV-protected polycarbonate lens.
New in the swimming goggles is SWIPE technology, which renews the anti-fog treatment, making it last up to 10 times longer than traditional anti-fog treatment.
The swimming goggles come with 5 interchangeable nose bridges, which allow you to individually adjust the fit of the goggles to each face.
The swimming goggles are available in many different colors, see the models here.
Speedo Fastskin - developed with the world's top swimmers
Speedo Fastskin is a product line developed with the world's top swimmers. Speedo Aqualab works with Team Speedo athletes, including Adam Peaty, to create optimal training equipment for swimmers. The result is the Fastskin line of gear, which includes goggles and equipment.
Speedo's Fastskin Hyper Elite goggles are low-profile and feature a dynamic design that minimizes water resistance and ensures maximum speed. The goggles feature Qfit™ technology, which allows the goggles to be customized to fit you.
Fastskin Hyper Elite goggles are available in both mirrored and non-mirrored versions and in different colors. See the available models here.
Our choice for training swimming
Speedo Vanquisher 3.0 - an excellent model for active swimming
Speedo Vanquisher 3.0 racing goggles are designed for tough use. They offer top-notch performance in both training and racing. The soft seal fits snugly on the face for added comfort.
The Anti-Fog treatment of the goggles ensures clear vision throughout your workout. The low-profile, close-fitting design and two-piece silicone strap keep the goggles in place even during fast strokes.
The package includes 4 Slide & Lock nose bridges to ensure a personalized fit. An excellent choice for targeted training swims.
Check out all Vanquisher 3.0 colors here.
FOR WHOM?
The model is suitable for all ambitious trainers and active swimmers who need a soft but close fit. Anti-Fog and UV protection ensure clear visibility even during longer swimming sessions.
AirSpeed - for narrow faces
Innovative and very comfortable swimming goggles for beginner competitive swimmers, training swimmers and fitness swimmers. AirSpeed fits very well on narrow faces and is therefore a favorite goggle especially among women.
The wide lenses allow for a wide field of vision and the honeycomb-like seals on the lenses help direct pressure only where it is needed, making the goggles comfortable to wear even during longer workouts.
Three interchangeable nose bridges and a two-piece tension strap ensure a personalized fit. The lenses have anti-fog and UV protection.
You can find all of our AirSpeed goggles here.
FOR WHOM?
Air-Speed Mirror goggles are designed for active and competitive swimmers with narrow faces who want larger lenses than most competitive goggles. The larger lenses provide increased comfort around the eye.
Our choice for open water and fitness swimming
Orca Killa 180 - an open water swimmer's favorite
Orcan Killa 180 are a popular goggle for open water swimming year after year, but they are also great for the pool. If you are looking for a soft and well-fitting goggle,
Combining both comfort and streamlined design, this Killa 180 is the absolute number one.
The goggles feature an ergonomic 3D silicone pad designed to fit the face to reduce pressure on the eyes. A convenient adjustment mechanism makes it easy and quick to adjust the goggles in open water. A highly durable anti-fog treatment keeps the goggles clear in all weather conditions.
Swimming goggles are available in both mirrored and non-mirrored versions. Mirrored lenses are good in sunny weather, reflecting light and keeping the field of vision clear.
See available colors here.
Arena The One - the sure choice for fitness swimmers
Arena The One goggles are often the safest choice for recreational swimmers. The streamlined The One goggles are designed to fit a variety of faces. The fit of the goggles is based on product development results from the structure of different face shapes. Based on these results, The One goggles are designed with Arena's unique Orbit-Proof technology. The area around the eyes is the most important part of the face when designing goggles that do not leak. The seals of the One goggles are designed so that the wider seal covers a wider area of skin around the eyes. The wide-angle polycarbonate lenses provide the best possible underwater view forward and to the edges of the field of vision.
In addition to unisex swimming goggles, The One series also includes a separate version for women and children, as well as a swimming mask.
See available The One models and colors here.
Speedo Biofuse 2.0 - for the fitness swimmer with an excellent fit
Speedo's best-selling Biofuse swimming goggles have been updated to an even better 2.0 version.
Biofuse 2.0 swimming goggles are the first to use biosynthetic materials in the frame and lenses.
• Very soft seal
• Flexible and snappy frame
• Patented adjustment button on the silicone strap
• Renewed lens shape
• Well-fitting and low-profile design
• Anti-Fog technology reduces lens fogging, UV400 protection
Swimming goggles maintenance
Preventing fogging
Almost all of our glasses already have an anti-fog coating, which significantly increases the comfort of wearing them. This is why it is important not to touch the inside of the glasses unnecessarily, as this can accidentally wipe off this important coating.
(Competition series glasses may use Swipe Antifog technology, where the instructions say to wipe the inner surface to reveal a new coating. However, this does not apply to other glasses.)
At some point, however, all good things come to an end and the anti-fog treatment will eventually wear off the glass. In this case, the best maintenance measure is to spray the glasses with Arena or Speedo anti-fog spray, which will renew the anti-fog coating on the glasses. It is best to spray the spray on the glasses at home, when there is no moisture on the surface of the glasses yet.
Glasses storage
Glasses should be stored in a protective bag or case designed for them. This will prevent the glasses from getting scratched and worn out to the point of being unusable. You can view the best way to protect your glasses, i.e. cases , here.
