How to choose goggles for swimming: in the pool, adult, child

PRO-expert “Sportmaster PRO”

“Swimming is not only a pleasant pastime, but also an effective physical activity. However, to make it comfortable and safe, you need the right accessories. For example, special swimming goggles. How to choose them for children and adults for swimming and open water activities?”

Properly selected swimming goggles provide eye protection from chlorinated water in the pool and from salty water in the sea. They also neutralize the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Here we are talking, of course, about training in open water.

What else makes them an essential accessory? Goggles noticeably improve visibility underwater. This is especially important for training and competition. Ill-fitting or improperly fitted goggles chafe the skin, cause discomfort and reduce the pleasure of swimming, as well as hinder concentration on technique and results.

Table of Contents

Types of goggles: an overview of the main types

When choosing goggles for swimming, it is important to realize that different types are designed for different purposes and differ from each other in design features, materials and functions. Let’s talk about each of them in more detail.

Training goggles

Designed primarily for swimming in the pool. They are designed with long-term use and comfort in mind during prolonged training.

These goggles are equipped with silicone or rubber seals that provide a comfortable fit to the face and minimize pressure on the skin.

The lenses of training goggles usually have a large area, which provides good visibility underwater. A strap system is used for adjustment, which allows you to quickly adjust the accessory to your head size.

Competition goggles

As is clear from the name, models of this type are designed specifically for participation in competitions, where speed and minimal water resistance are important.

Such goggles have compact dimensions and allow the soft part to fit snugly against the skin. This reduces water resistance and helps the swimmer move faster. Often, competition goggles are devoid of soft silicone seals, which allows them to sit closer to the eyes. That said, the accessory is lightweight and has a miniature silhouette, allowing the swimmer to fully focus on technique.

Open Water Goggles

Designed for swimming in lakes, rivers, sea and ocean. Designed to swim in variable light conditions and a variety of weather conditions.

Open water goggles usually have large lenses that provide a wide field of vision and allow the swimmer to see the environment, including landmarks on shore. The lenses are often equipped with UV protection, which is important when swimming in the sun. Many models also have an anti-fog, mirror or tinted coating to protect the eyes from bright light and glare on the water.

Children’s goggles

Designed specifically for young swimmers, these goggles take into account their facial structure and eye protection needs.

Children’s goggles are adapted to the size of the child’s head and face, ensuring a secure fit and preventing water from entering. Children’s goggles are often made of soft, hypoallergenic materials (e.g. silicone) to avoid skin irritation and ensure comfort.

Half-masks

An intermediate option between goggles and classic masks that completely cover the face. They provide a wide view and are used both in the pool and in open water.

Half masks cover more of the face, which provides protection from the water and improves visibility. Wide lenses provide excellent visibility – useful when swimming in low visibility conditions. However, models have wider straps and solid frames for a snug fit and to prevent leaks.

Diopter goggles

Designed for people with impaired vision. They correct it in the same way as regular glasses or contact lenses. There is even a possible individual approach. Often manufacturers allow you to replace the lenses or adjust the dioptres.

Size and fit: how to choose the right glasses

The right size and fit of goggles is the key to swimming comfort and training efficiency.

The accessory should fit snugly against the skin around your eyes without causing discomfort. To make sure that the goggles fit well and have the necessary tightness, you should try them on before buying. And you should do it in the following way: put the skirts (soft parts) to your eyes, without throwing the strap around your head, and press slightly to create a vacuum. If the glasses can stay on your eyes for a few seconds, it means they fit you and won’t leak.

For people with wide-set eyes, a wide or narrow face, a hump on the nose, glasses with an adjustable or replaceable nose bridge, which will help to better fit the accessory.

Material of lenses and frames: which one to choose

The materials from which the lenses and frames are made play an important role in the comfort and durability of glasses.

Lenses

They are made of polycarbonate, which is resistant to shocks and scratches. For open water swimming, it is better to choose goggles with lenses that protect against ultraviolet radiation and reflect light.

Frames

Silicone frames are the most comfortable and durable, they do not cause allergies and fit tightly to the face. Rubber and plastic ones are cheaper but less comfortable for long term use.

Additional options

First of all, when choosing goggles depending on the scenario of use, you need to look at the lenses.

For open water, lenses with mirror coating will be suitable. Gold, silver, with red, pink, orange, blue, green, yellow inserts. The colors in this list are arranged from the option with the best light transmission to the option with the worst.

For bad weather, more transparent lenses or with shades of yellow and orange are chosen. They have a revealing effect and increase the contrast of the picture.

In addition, modern goggles for swimming are often equipped with additional functions that increase their convenience and functionality.

Sun protection. Especially important for open water swimming. Lenses with UV protection and mirror coating will help to reduce eye strain.
Antifog coating. Special coating on the lenses, preventing them from fogging, allows you to maintain clarity of vision during swimming. However, over time it can wear off, so it is recommended to periodically update it with special sprays.
Convenience of adjustment. Goggles should be easily adjustable to the size of your head. Especially if you plan to use them for a long time. Many models have strap adjustment with clips or clasps, which simplifies the fitting process.

Top Brands

There are many brands on the market that offer quality goggles for swimming. Among them, several can be distinguished.

Speedo. Offers a wide range of goggles for different types of swimming. Speedo goggles are famous for their quality, durability and comfort.
Arena. A brand popular among professional swimmers. Arena goggles are often used in competitions and have excellent fit and hydrodynamic characteristics.
TYR. American brand offering accessories for both training and competitions. The goggles are characterized by high quality materials and a variety of models.
Zoggs. Another popular brand, especially among swimmers. Zoggs goggles often have advanced functionality – for example, they are equipped with lenses with UV protection and antifog coating.

Top models

Budget

Speedo Jet V2 – starter goggles with hypoallergenic strap and adjustable baffle.
FILA Orizzonte – a versatile model that can be used for both training and beach vacations.
Joss Triton – blue lenses have an antifog coating, and the soft seal does not leave marks on the face.

Medium price segment

FILA Panoramica – a half-mask that provides maximum visibility.
TYR Blackops 140 EV Racing – competition goggles with minimal water resistance.
Mad Wave Record breaker Rainbow – universal model, suitable for training and competition.

Professional

Speedo Fastskin Pure Focus Mirror – the model follows the contours of the face, which ensures the most comfortable fit.
Zoggs Predator Flex Reactor – special lenses become darker in bright light and transparent in shade.
Speedo Fastskin Hyper Elite Mirror – these goggles provide minimal water resistance and excellent peripheral vision.

Goggle care tips

In order for your goggles to last long and maintain their performance better, it is important to care for them properly.

It is recommended to rinse the goggles in fresh water after each use. In this way you can remove traces of chlorine, salt and other contaminants. Glasses should be stored in a protective case. This will avoid scratches on the lenses. Also, you should not store your glasses under direct sunlight as it can damage the materials.

Finally, do not rub the lenses with your hands. This can damage the antifog coating. It is better to use special cleaning products or a soft cloth.

Swimming goggles are not so difficult to choose. It is enough to take into account the type of water body, choose the size and fit, decide on materials and additional options. So you can find the perfect pair that will provide comfort and protection for your eyes. And, of course, remember that goggles need proper care. Then they will last much longer.