Which lens color of Swim Goggles is Best?
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Time to read 2 min
Choosing the right swim goggle lens color depends on the lighting conditions, environment, and your personal preference. Since you swim in both a pool and a lake, as well as in summer and winter, you might want to have more than one pair of goggles for different conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the lens options and when to use them.
Before we get there, let us address having multiple pairs of goggles for race day. Perhaps it is common sense, but you should have at least two (2) pairs of goggles on race morning of different color tint. And, they should be brand-new (like 3 swims or fewer). You may need to make a race-day decision on what pair to wear. There are a dozen tips on what lens to choose, so let me say that if 75% of the swimmers are wearing clear lens then don’t wear smoke-lenses! Vice versa.
1. Clear Lenses
• Best for: Indoor pools, low-light conditions, cloudy days
• Why? Clear lenses do not alter visibility, making them ideal for low-light environments where you want maximum clarity. If you’re swimming early in the morning, in the winter when daylight is limited, or in an indoor pool with artificial lighting, clear lenses are a great choice.
Where to get: https://www.xterrawetsuits.com/collections/accessories/products/velocity-clear-swim-goggles-special
2. Blue Lenses
• Best for: Indoor pools with bright lights, open water with moderate sunlight
• Why? Blue lenses reduce glare slightly while still allowing good visibility. They work well in situations where there’s some brightness but not direct, intense sunlight. If you’re in a lake on a partly cloudy day or swimming indoors with strong overhead lighting, blue lenses help reduce eye strain without making the environment too dark.
Xterra has them here: https://www.xterrawetsuits.com/collections/accessories/products/velocity-blue-swim-goggles-special
3. Smoke Lenses
• Best for: Outdoor swimming in bright conditions, sunny days on a lake
• Why? Smoke lenses provide mild sun protection by reducing glare and brightness. They don’t have a mirror coating but still help cut down on light exposure, making them a good all-around choice for sunny swims without being too dark.
Need a pair of Smoke Lenses? See Xterra’s Velocity goggles here: https://www.xterrawetsuits.com/collections/accessories/products/velocity-smoke-swim-goggles-special
4. Mirrored Lenses
• Best for: Bright, sunny outdoor swimming, competition settings
• Why? Mirrored lenses have a reflective coating that blocks the most sunlight and glare, making them the best choice for bright, sunny days in open water or outdoor pools. They’re popular among competitive swimmers and triathletes because they also provide a level of privacy (other swimmers can’t see your eyes). However, they can be too dark for cloudy days or indoor swimming.
Yes, Xterra has multiple styles of mirrored lenses, and here’s their most popular: https://www.xterrawetsuits.com/collections/accessories/products/velocity-mirror-swim-goggles-special
Which Should You Choose?
If you swim in both a pool and a lake, and throughout the year, here’s what I recommend:
• For year-round use in mixed environments: Smoke lenses are the most versatile and will work well in both bright and moderate light conditions.
• For winter or low-light swims: Have a clear or blue lens pair for those darker days or indoor swims.
• For summer lake swims with bright sun: Mirrored lenses are best for cutting down glare and protecting your eyes from harsh sunlight.
If you only want one pair, go for smoke lenses—they balance light reduction without being too dark for indoor or cloudy swims. But if you can, having two pairs (one for bright sun and one for lower light) will give you the best experience in all conditions.
PRACTICE – a good pair of goggles should last you a season if you rinse them well and don’t smudge or destroy the inside of the lens. Now, if you find a pair of goggles that fit your face well then buy one of each lens. Already you are spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to be fit, train and race. A few great pairs of goggles are totally worth it.