Article by John Tribbia
Adidas DUNAMIS EVO Sunglasses Review ($267)
The Adidas DUNAMIS EVO sunglasses are here to announce your arrival, a pair so bold they might initially induce a bit of self-consciousness, especially for those of us more accustomed to understated gear on our runs. I'll admit, pulling these out for a casual trot around the neighborhood felt a bit like showing up to a casual coffee meet-up in full race kit.
Specifications
List price: $267
Weight: 28g / 1oz
Category: 3
Arm colors: Antique Black / White
Lens color options: Smoke / Brown / Green / Violet / Roviex
Materials: Nylon-injected arms, super-light polycarbonate lenses
Size (lens): 148mm x 51mm
VLT: 14%-15%
Extras: Large semi-rigid, zipped case plus lens wipe
Once I got over the initial shock of seeing myself in the mirror - “Did I suddenly become an Olympian?” - the performance aspects of the DUNAMIS EVO started to win me over.
Construction & Design
Adidas has collaborated with Italian eyewear specialists Marcolin on the DUNAMIS EVO, and the result is a minimal frame, visor-style design that provides a truly panoramic view. Less frame means fewer obstructions, which is fantastic for maintaining awareness of the trail or road ahead. The lens itself is a single, wide wraparound, available in a range of colors.
The Category 3 lens boasts a VLT (Visible Light Transmission) of 14%-15%, providing ample protection from bright sunlight. While not polarized, the lens is designed to enhance color perception and reduce glare.
I found the clarity to be excellent, particularly on sunny days, and the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating kept the lens remarkably clean, even after a muddy trail run.
The bottom of the lens features a subtle “spoiler” that flares out slightly. While Adidas may suggest it's for aerodynamics, I felt like it’s more about comfort and ensuring the glasses sit properly on the face.
The arms feature large vent windows near the temples, a crucial feature for preventing fogging during high-intensity activities.
A contoured, rubbery grip pattern runs along the arms, providing a secure fit. Adjustable rubber buffers on the bridge ensure comfort, even after extended wear.
Performance
I put the DUNAMIS EVO through a variety of activities, including trail running, road running, and even a bit of road riding. The first thing that struck me was how ridiculously lightweight these sunglasses are. At just 28 grams, they virtually disappear on your face.
The coverage is outstanding. The large lens provides ample protection from sunlight, wind, and debris.
On the trails, this meant fewer distractions and increased confidence navigating technical terrain. On the bike, the unobstructed view was a major asset, allowing me to spot hazards and maintain awareness of my surroundings.
Fit is crucial for performance eyewear, and the DUNAMIS EVO delivers. The rubbery grips on the arms and the adjustable nosepiece kept these sunglasses firmly in place, even during intense activity. I experienced virtually no bounce while running, even on rough trails. They also played well with various hats and helmets, sitting comfortably without causing pressure points.
I found the ventilation system to be effective as well. Even during hot and humid runs, I experienced minimal fogging.
The lens shading is subtle but effective, taking the edge off bright sunlight without overly darkening the view.
I did notice a very slight amount of distortion at the extreme lower edge of the lens while running. While not a major issue, it’s something to be aware of. The large size of the lens also means they take up a fair amount of real estate on your face, which ultimately comes down to a matter of preference
Overall Conclusions
The Adidas DUNAMIS EVO sunglasses are a high-performance option for serious athletes. They excel in key areas like coverage, fit, weight, and ventilation. While the price tag is undeniably steep, the quality and performance justify the investment for those seeking top-of-the-line eyewear.
If you're looking for a pair of sunglasses that can keep up with your demanding training schedule and make you look fast (or at least feel fast), the DUNAMIS EVO deserves a serious look. Just be prepared for the attention you’ll get.
Adidas Dunamis EVO SHOP HERE
John Tribbia (5' 6", 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/trail runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Feet, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Even though he competes less frequently these days, you can still find John enjoying the daily grind of running on any surface, though his favorite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has won races such as America's Uphill, Imogene Pass Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Series; and he's held several FKTs on several iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah. If you follow him on Strava, you'll notice he runs at varying paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile before the break of dawn almost every day.
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