When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn More.
Not all safety glasses are created equal. They aren’t even all designed for the same purpose.
And that’s something to consider when choosing the gear to protect your eyes from a jobsite hazards.
In this report, we show eight pairs of safety glasses that caught our eyes.
But first, here are some things to consider when choosing a new pair of safety glasses:
- Safety rating: The safety glasses below come with different combinations of safety ratings, something contractors should check closely against their daily tasks.
- Lens protection: Contractors working in humid environments may want anti-fog lenses, while those in frequent tight spaces may want strong scratch protection.
- Frame construction: Contractors should look for frames made of durable material that can handle a fall or impact.
- Comfort features: Many glasses below feature different types of nose and temple padding made of various materials for added comfort on long workdays.
- Color and Style: While it is definitely the least important factor on this list, it can’t hurt to choose safety glasses that, after all the necessary factors are checked, look cool.
Whether your current safety glasses are scuffed or you’re just looking to change things up, here are some options to consider when picking out a new pair:
Klein Tools
Klein Standard Safety Glasses, Clear Lens 60159
This polycarbonate pair from Klein offers an anti-fog coating on the scratch-resistant clear lenses. UV protection blocks 99.9% of harmful UV rays, the company says.
Looking at comfort, these Standard Safety Glasses come with a rubber nose piece and temples for a face-conforming fit. An optional hard case and breakaway lanyard are available.
These Klein glasses are impact tested to the latest ANSI Z87.1+, CSA Z94.3 and MIL-PRF-32432A Clause 3.8.4.1 (Class 1-ballistics fragmentation) standards
Price: $10.98
Lift
Lift Matte Black Banshee Safety Glasses
With a stylist matte finish, these Black Banshee safety glasses from Lift offer a medium fit with mirrored and optically correct polycarbonate lenses. This pair is ANSI Z87.1 rated.
Powered byThis pair also features TR-90 frame construction with a rubber temple and nose bridge.
Price: $24.59
Milwaukee
Milwaukee Clear High Performance Safety Glasses
For the first OEM pair on our list, Milwaukee safety glasses feature high-velocity-impact and fog-free lenses. Clear and tinted options of the anti-scratch lenses are also available. This pair is ANSI Z87.1+ rated.
Price: $21.97
Focus Camera
Below Zero Hearing Protection and Safety Glasses Case with Protection Glasses
These shockproof and weather-resistant safety glasses from Below Zero are made with durable EVA material. They come with a double zipper closure and ergonomic handle case that has been designed to also fit ear protection.
The pair is Z87 shock resistant and resists contact, heat, chemical and liquid splashes, dust and radiation. Adjustable ergonomic padding improves comfort.
For the firearm enthusiast contractor, these Below Zero glasses offer compatibility with most Walker’s muffs, including Razor and XCEL series.
Price: $25.29
Milwaukee
Milwaukee Wrap Around Safety Glasses - Red Mirrored Anti-Scratch Lenses
Another pair from Milwaukee on our list are the red mirrored Wrap Around Safety Glasses. Designed for all-day wear, this pair has an anti-scratch lens coating, soft temple arms and a flexible nose pad.
Wearers get a wide field of view thanks to the wraparound design and ANSI Z87+ and Z94.3 CSA protection. This pair’s lenses come in mirrored, tinted and clear options for both indoor and outdoor environments.
Price: $44.97
JB Tools
SAS Safety 5422 Safety Glasses
For the contractor also needing a pair of glasses for hunting season, SAS Safety offers a camouflage frame version of its 5422 Safety Glasses.
Two built-in adjustable LED lights on either side can be independently turned on and off for improved vision in low-light environments. High-impact polycarbonate lenses provide 99.9% UV protection and feature anti-fog and scratch resistant coatings.
This pair comes with non-slip temple arms and meets ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 - 2015.
Price $4.52
Caterpillar
Caterpillar Photoplan Safety Glasses
Another OEM offering safety glasses — and one of the most expensive pairs on this list — is Caterpillar. The key selling point on this pair are the photoplan lenses, which slowly adjust their tint based on UV light exposure and temperature.
This pair’s high-wrap sports style construction and flexible temples make for a pressure-free fit. The 2.2mm polycarbonate lenses also feature anti-fog and scratch-prevention coatings.
This pair meets or exceeds ANSI Z87.1:2020, CSA Z94.3:2020 and AS/NZS 1337.1:2010.
Price: $49.99
Wiley X
At the top of this list’s price range are the WX Gravity safety glasses from Wiley.
The slightly angled lenses are made of shatterproof selenite polycarbonate and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, the company says. This pair can also be ordered with prescription lenses.
The frames are made of Triloid nylon, fitted with dual-injected rubber temples and us a T-docking strap and irritant-blocking removable gasket.
The Wiley X frames meet ANSI Z87.1+ optical clarity and high mass/high velocity impact standards.
Price $134
Edge
The Makalu Aqua Precision with green mirror polarized lenses from Edge finish off our list, offering lenses that amplify red, orange and green hues to emphasize critical jobsite colors. This results, according to Edge, in faster hazard recognition, better safety awareness and less glare.
Contractors will have a seven-base design for maximum field of vision, Edge-Flex temples for more comfort and an adjustable nosepiece. The Edge Makalu Aqua Precision safety glasses are ANSI Z87.1+.
Price: $61.88
