Article by Sam Winebaum
Ombraz Refugio Armless Sunglasses ($195)
Sizes: Regular, XL ( have the XL)
Frame Colors: Charcoal, Tortoise
Len Colors: Grey + Silver Mirror, Grey + Black Mirror, Brown + Copper Mirror
Ombraz has pioneered “armless” sunglasses since 2018. Eliminating traditional temples and replacing them with dual adjustable cords has many advantages:
high adjustable and comfortable fit,
always secure and less chance to lose sunglasses,
easy to remove and hang around the neck or up on a hat,
and for me the best solution yet as I wear shades over my prescription eyeglasses
Ombraz uses TR-90 aerospace grade nylon for the front frames, marine grade cords from 100% recycled materials and non polarized Zeiss lenses.
The lens and frames are made and assembled in Italy using 100% renewable energy and 90% reduced water over usual processes, leading to one of the lowest carbon impacts in the sunglasses industry.
The Refugio is their biggest frame size to date with my sample the XL version, a smaller size is also available . My sample at 31g is remarkably light for such giant glasses. My Julbo Destiny Reactiv, my other go to over glasses, weighs 24g including an essential add on wire cord keeper, without it I have lost a pair. The are smaller in coverage area. Of course no extra cords needed with the Refugio. Built in and also the keeper will never ever come off the "arms"!
They have a giant unobstructed field of vision with no frame lines ever seen and no “doubling “of edges in sight when I wear them over my prescription eyeglasses.
The styling for sure is “big”, bold and on trend but for me the big advantage is a perfect, no slip or bounce fit over my specs (as shown above) with very little light leakage from the sides or top. Shown below the look without my eyeglasses on.
I cannot overstate how convenient the cord system is. Highly adjustable for a precision fit, you tuck the cords behind your ears, situate them towards the top of the nape of the neck and easily tighten and loosen the dual cords by pulling the dual crimps which slide easily and stay put no matter what. Given the versatility of the cord system, they can also be worn with hats and helmets.
The Copper Mirror Zeiss lenses have excellent optics and all the usual protection along with scratch and smudge resistance. I personally prefer a bit more visible light transmission than here, and photochromic lenses (potentially coming soon), as I am often trail running in and out of shade but along the coast, in bright sun with no shade, the lenses have been great and when I get back to snow and bright reflected light will be even better.
Given Refugio’s any and all adventure focus, including big mountain and on the water ones, the Refugio even has optional side and nose shields available.
I have run, hiked, worn sound town and driven with the Refugio for almost 2 months in test. I have been delighted with the visual performance of these giant shades and the game changing (for me) ability to seamlessly go over my eyeglasses with a perfectly secure fit and unimpeded view.
The Refugio is available at Ombraz Monday July 14
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
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