For one pair of running sunglasses, the top pick is the SWANS Airless-Core2 photochromic mirror lens model (JPY 20,350). It weighs 20 g and blocks 99.9%+ of UV. I compare four 2026 releases on weight, how well they stay put, and lens type.
The Shoe Nerd's top pick
If I had to pick one, I'd pick the Airless-Core2 photochromic. On a run, the light changes between sun and shade many times. The photochromic lens moves its visible light transmittance (VLT) from 53% to 10% with UV, so you don't swap lenses. It weighs 20 g and has anti-slip rubber at the temple tips. On runs long enough to sweat, I check weight and how well they stay put first.
Key points
- The 20 g Airless-Core2 comes in 3 types: photochromic JPY 20,350, polarized JPY 17,600, night JPY 14,300
- BODYMAKER is the lowest-priced at JPY 1,490: the AG046 (photochromic, about 18 g) and AG047 (polarized, about 20 g)
- Rakuten reviews are still few (Core2: 1, 1 and 0), because these are new releases from July and April
How should you choose running sunglasses?
Three things decide it: light weight, staying put, and a lens that matches the time of day you run.
This list includes only 2026 releases: the SWANS Airless-Core2 (April) and the new BODYMAKER models (July).
Scroll the table sideways →
| Model | Lens | Price | Weight | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airless-Core2 Photochromic | Photochromic, mirror | JPY 20,350 | 20g | April 2026 |
| Airless-Core2 Polarized | Polarized, mirror | JPY 17,600 | 20g | April 2026 |
| BODYMAKER AG046 | Photochromic | JPY 1,490 | About 18 g | 7/2026 |
| Airless-Core2 Night | For night use | JPY 14,300 | 20g | April 2026 |
#1 Airless-Core2 Photochromic | One pair from morning to evening
20 g, with visible light transmittance (VLT) moving from 53% to 10%. It blocks 99.9%+ of UV. The price is JPY 20,350.
The frame holds the lens only at the center, which is said to suit a range of face widths. Anti-slip rubber sits at the tips of the temples.
One thing to watch: it is the priciest of the 3 types, JPY 6,050 more than night (20,350 − 14,300). Details are in the Airless-Core2 article.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
SWANS Airless-Core2 Photochromic Mirror Lens Model
Lowest price on Rakuten is JPY 14,709 (as of 10/20), ranging up to JPY 20,350 depending on the shop. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten Ichiba#2 Airless-Core2 Polarized | For cutting glare
VLT 12%, polarization 97%+. The lens cuts glare off water and roads. The price is JPY 17,600, JPY 2,750 less than photochromic.
The lens tint doesn't change. It suits runs on sunny roads or along rivers and the coast. On shaded roads, the tint feels dark.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
SWANS Airless-Core2 Polarized Lens Model
Lowest price on Rakuten is JPY 13,728 (as of 10/20), ranging up to JPY 17,600 depending on the shop. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten Ichiba#3 BODYMAKER AG046 | Photochromic, 18 g for JPY 1,490
A photochromic model released in Jul 2026. At about 18 g it is the lightest of the 4 here, at JPY 1,490. The gap to the Core2 photochromic is 20,350 − 1,490 = JPY 18,860.
It reacts to UV and goes from clear to smoke in seconds. The nose pads adjust and have an anti-slip finish. The same line has a polarized AG047 (about 20 g, JPY 1,490).
One thing to watch: the product page doesn't show UV blocking or VLT numbers. If you choose by numbers, SWANS is easier to compare. It is sold through BODYMAKER's official online shop, and I found no Rakuten listing (Oct 20).
#4 Airless-Core2 Night | For running in the dark
VLT 82%, so it barely darkens. It is a lens for dusk, rain and night light. The price is JPY 14,300, the lowest of the Core2's 3 types.
One thing to watch: it is not meant to soften strong sun. If you run in the day, pick photochromic or polarized.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
SWANS Airless-Core2 Night-Use Model
Lowest price on Rakuten is JPY 10,499 (as of 10/20), ranging up to JPY 14,300 depending on the shop. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaHow do the Rakuten review counts compare?
| Model | Reviews | Rakuten listing |
|---|---|---|
| Airless-Core2 Photochromic | 1 review | Yes |
| Airless-Core2 Polarized | 1 review | Yes |
| Airless-Core2 Night | 0 reviews | Yes |
| BODYMAKER AG046 | None | Not found |
These are new releases, and sales figures aren't in yet. I ranked them by the official weight and lens figures.
Which one suits you?
- One pair from morning to evening: Airless-Core2 Photochromic
- To cut strong sun and glare off water: Airless-Core2 Polarized
- To start cheap, or put lightness first: BODYMAKER AG046
- Running early or at night: Airless-Core2 Night
New releases are collected in the release calendar.
FAQ
What are the best running sunglasses?
If you want just 1 pair, the SWANS Airless-Core2 photochromic mirror lens model (JPY 20,350, 20 g). Its visible light transmittance (VLT) moves from 53% to 10%, and it blocks 99.9%+ of UV.
Photochromic or polarized: which is better for running?
Choose photochromic when the light changes a lot, and polarized when you want to cut strong glare. The Core2 photochromic is JPY 20,350 and polarized is JPY 17,600.
Which running sunglasses are the lightest?
Among the four here, the BODYMAKER AG046 is lightest at about 18 g. All three SWANS Airless-Core2 types weigh 20 g.
Gear in this article
Ads and images: Rakuten IchibaSources
- SWANS official Japan: Airless-Core2 Photochromic Mirror Lens Model (SACR2-1066Z)
- SWANS official Japan: Airless-Core2 Polarized Lens Model (SACR2-0751)
- SWANS official Japan: Airless-Core2 Night-Use Model (SACR2-0121)
- BODYMAKER announcement (Aug 17, 2026): 3 new models of next-generation photochromic sports sunglasses
- BODYMAKER official shop: UV photochromic sunglasses 26A (AG046)
- BODYMAKER official shop: UV polarized sunglasses 26B (AG047)
- Ure-pia Soken: Just 1 Pair for Driving and Running. SWANS's New Sunglasses (Jun 24, 2026)
