By Troy Patterson

The sports and sun eyewear sector is a virtual battleground of technology and innovation as we head deeper into 2017.

High-end eyewear designers and manufacturers are investing in new designs that combine both style and utility, with each bringing forward their own touch to handle the variety of sports, activities and lifestyles of the consumer.

BOLLÉ

Bollé Eyewear has launched the Aeromax, the latest addition to its Competitor Bollé Cycling Solution range of sunglasses.

Bolle Aeromax 12273

“An interchangeable B-Clear lens made with Trivex provides optical clarity and impact resistance, along with an effective anti-fog coating and a hydrophobic/oleophobic treatment is applied to the exterior to prevent smudging. It also has adjustable temples for comfort and stability at speed.”

On the casual side, Bollé has released its all-new model Flash, which is designed to “bridge the gap between the brand’s ultra-high-performance models and its more casual Sport Lifestyle sunglasses.”

With features necessary for cycling, running and other demanding outdoor activities, the frames have interchangeable lenses, Thermogrip temple tips and nose pads and a lightweight, impact-resistant B88 nylon frame.

>> www.bolle.com.

PLAN “B” EYEWEAR

Three new models have been added to the VerSport premium sports protection eyewear collection, distributed in North America exclusively by Plan ‘B’ Eyewear.

VerSport Hercules

The Hercules, Apolo and Zeus models join the Troy and Olimpo, bringing the collection up to five selections for men, women and children.

Each of the new models features a patented quick-twist temple system that allows for a quick and secure lock. This revolutionary feature allows the wearer to go from comfortable, shock-absorbing temple tip to secure headband strap in a snap. Other features available amongst the new styles include an aero bridge for increased airflow and a dynamic temple shaft for superb styling. All models are completely RX-able and come in a variety of colours and sizing for men and women.

>> www.planbeyewear.com

ADIDAS

The Zonyk by Adidas, distributed in Canada by the Canadian Optical Supply Co. Ltd., is built for speed and offers superior technology and a wide field of vision.

Adidas Zonyk

These functional sunglasses let the wearer personalise the fit and the new lens lock system makes it easy to find the perfect setup.

The Zonyk features Vision Advantage polycarbonate lenses, TRI.FIT temples, Double-Snap Nose Bridge and Traction Grip.

Adidas Sport Eyewear earned Red Dot Awards this year for the Zonyk, Zonyk Aero and its Progressor Splite goggles.

The Red Dot Awards praise the best products of the year.

>> www.adidassportseyewear.com

SMITH OPTICS

Kate Gaeir, representative for Smith Optics, said their company is offering up three of their best-selling eyewear models that cross various sports categories.

Smith Optics Arena Max

The company is also proud of its signature ChromaPop performance lenses, which it uses to “enhance visual definition and colour clarity by blocking colour confusion to the brain,” Gaeir said, adding it’s available in all three of the models.

Pivlock Arena Max is an elite-level, lightweight model designed for cycling, running and triathlons with interchangable ChromaPop lenses.

It can also be optimized for integration with helmets for a 100% unobstructed field of view.

The Guide’s Choice model is geared towards fishing and watersports and are constructed of a bio-based lightweight and durable ‘Evolve’ frame material. Premium lens options are available that reduce eye fatigue, while providing colour clarity and visual definition, she said. Large facial coverage features are available to reduce glare off of the water.

And for skiing, snowboarding and winter sports, the I/O goggle is a makeover of Smith’s original snow eyewear, this time with a wider field of view, updated styling and fit and a quick-release lens-change system. Each goggle includes bright and low-light performance mirror lenses to adapt to a variety of conditions and are helmet compatible.

>> www.smithoptics.com

NIKE

Through Nike’s global eyewear marketer Marchon, the Essential Lifestyle Glasses Collection brings fashion and street trends together to offer a wide variety of sporty styles.

Nike Navigator

“As our athletes navigate through their busy lives, it’s great to offer a collection of sunglasses that can accompany them with all-around style and performance benefits that meet their needs,” says Jackie Bronfeld, retail channel marketing manager at Marchon.

The assortment includes: Nike Essential Spree, a casual and lightweight square-frame model; the aviator-inspired Jaunt with a curved-lens profile; Chaser, which boasts wide, square lenses with softened edges and a “retro look;” Venture, a linear dipped top frame with strong square shape; and Navigator, which offers an unexpected frame shape with rubber inlays.

“The sunglasses feature a variety of on-trend shapes and colourways, premium branding and technical benefits – combining personal style with performance,” says Bronfield.

>> www.nikevision.com

COSTA

The outdoor focus of Costa Sunglasses shine because of the company’s new Sunrise Silver Mirror lens.

Costa Blackfin

Allowing more light, while maintaining a high polarization efficiency, the lens is ideal for dusk, dawn and cloudy day activities.

The lens is available in various core and lifestyle designs including the popular Core style Blackfin and lifestyle designs Isabela and Southpoint.

>> www.costadelmar.com