Article by Jen Schmidt
SunGod Courtney Dauwalter Classics ($115, £90)
Features
100% UV protection
8KO polarized lenses
Lightweight at 26 g
Interchangeable lenses
Pop-Lock ™ screwless hinges
Certified full-frame impact resistance
Who doesn’t want to be like Courtney Dauwalter? With the new release of the Courtney Dauwalter Core Series of the SunGod Classics4, we can all channel her a bit more on the trails. SunGod’s performance sunglasses have appeared on the faces of many well-known runners, including both UTMB champions this year, and blend performance with style.
A certified B Corp working towards net zero carbon emissions, SunGod also puts strong emphasis on sustainability in its products. A lifetime guarantee ensures that they will repair your broken sunglasses free of charge to keep the product from being discarded.
Pros
Promising durability for both frame and lenses so far
Lifetime guarantee
Polarized lenses protect eyes but still give good visibility
Great colorway
Wayfarer style is attractive enough to wear beyond the run
Cons
Nose bridge not adjustable and will work best on medium to wide noses
Slips on the run on small noses
Front-only design lacks protection from angled light
Fit
The Classics are marketed as unisex glasses for medium-sized faces, and the frame was consistent with that sizing. The temples fit me comfortably, if slightly loosely, and the slightly angled temple tips contribute to keeping the sunglasses in place. With a narrower nose bridge, I had a little more trouble with the fit with the wide-angled nose pads. Because the nose pads are integrated in the frame and not adjustable, they will work best on medium-to-wide noses.
Aesthetics
The lenses are sized well to block out light coming in from the front, but don’t provide protection around the sides. That’s certainly a matter of personal preference, and they worked perfectly as casual-wear sunglasses even if I prefer more of a wraparound design for running.
I loved the special Courtney edition colorway, with its mirrored blue lenses and leopard-printed temples (a nod to her leopard hallucinations?). If blue isn’t your color, though, the Classics are available in 10 other colorways plus a “Build Your Own” customizable option.
Performance
The 8KO polarized Advanced Nylon lenses have a very effective anti-glare filter, yet maintain good visibility when running in and out of shadows on the trails. The lenses didn’t scratch at all during initial testing, and while the frame is lightweight, it’s clearly high-quality and certified for impact resistance.
It can be hard to find sunglasses that fit narrow nose bridges, and the Classics did slip significantly for me on the run, but they will fit medium or large nose bridges well. I didn’t have any issues with slippage during casual wear, so I’ll continue to wear them around town.
The glasses come with a leopard-printed microfiber pouch for cleaning and storage, but you can optionally add a hard case or custom accessories for a small fee.
Conclusions
The Courtney edition of the Classics4 is an attractive, well-made pair of sunglasses that will work equally well for performance (depending on nose size) and casual wear. While $115 might seem steep at first for a pair of sunglasses, the combination of 100% UV protection, strong sustainability credentials, and lifetime guarantee makes the price much more reasonable.
Our review of the Sungod Forty2s HERE
Sungod and Courtney Classics
Comparisons
Tifosi Shumo ($39.95)
The Shumo has a very similar fit, comes in multiple colorways, and also works better on bigger noses or for casual wear. It comes at a lower price point but doesn’t have the same sustainability credentials or lifetime guarantee.
Smith Optics Pinpoint RX ($278)
For those who need prescription lenses, the Pinpoint RX comes in a similar style to the SunGod Classics. Our reviewer loved the Chromapop lenses in these more premium glasses.
Astro Climb Torrey Pines Sport ($38)
Our reviewer found these glasses to be versatile and noted that they didn’t slip at all. Again, though, for a lifetime guarantee, recycled materials, and a company with net zero carbon emissions, look to SunGod.
goodr BFG ($25)
One of the most commonly spotted brands among runners, goodr glasses come in a wide variety of colorways at a bargain price point. However, durability isn’t nearly as strong as for the SunGod Classics.
Tester Profile
Jennifer Schmidt found trail running in her mid-20's and began dabbling on the roads a few years later. Trail 50k's are nearest and dearest to her heart, and she recently took the win at the 2025 Way Too Cool 50k and placed sixth at the 2025 Black Canyon Ultras 50k. These days, you can find her primarily on the sweet California singletrack around Auburn, chasing competitive and personal goals over a variety of surfaces and distances. Depending on the season, she also competes in the USATF road and XC circuits for Sacramento Running Association's racing team, with a marathon PR of 2:41.
Sungod and Courtney Classics
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