Author
Meg Lappe
Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses that work for all outdoor activities can be difficult. My current rotation contains at least three pairs, pending what I've got on my plate for the day, adventure-wise. Mostly though, it all comes down to how the sunnies shine during road tests—running, biking, walking, and the sort.
Running eyewear requirements have the most boxes to check, with nose pads, polarization, and a lightweight frame topping out the list. Plus, they have to look good, too, which is where it gets tricky (unless you're District Vision, that is). The shield look works for some people, but I prefer a Ray-Ban or Aviator style, which is why when good times sunglasses brand Goodr sent me one of their newest models, Amelia Earhart Ghosted Me, I was intrigued.
I've seen Goodrs around for a while now, peppered throughout gear expos, at races, on the streets, and at run clubs—they're hard to miss thanks to the bright colors. The brand’s mission is to make running (and cycling, and the gear that goes along with such activities) more fun with names like Pumpkin Spice Nightmare, Sunbathing with Wizards, and Frequent Skymall Shoppers. The fact that most of these perfromance-driven shades sell for just $25 certainly helps turn heads, too.
Founders Keri Blunt, Ben Abell, and Stephen Lease honed the unconventional naming process with the first pair, Flamingos on a Booze Cruise. “When we received the first sample, I put them on and said, ‘These look like I’m on a booze cruise with a flamingo,’ Lease says. “We had the idea, made the decision in 30 seconds, and never looked back.”
Now the process is a bit more robust, but the lively vibes continue. “We Slack the entire company with the theme direction and colors and ask for name ideas. Anyone at Goodr can contribute. We usually get about 100 ideas or so for six different colors,” Lease says. The names are workshopped and then, “whatever gets the biggest laugh we go with.” Hard to argue with the logic.
Beyond the entertaining nomenclature, the best part about the Amelia Earhart Ghosted Me sunglasses is they seriously perform. The tortoiseshell aviators don’t bounce thanks to lightweight frames and silicone nose inserts. Polarized UV400 protection makes them work for bluebird days on the beach (and I would imagine on the mountain, too), shady trail runs, and moto rides in the desert. Plus, they’re just $35 and come with a one year warranty.
As such, Amelia Earhart Ghosted Me has earned a permanent rotation spot after this summer’s testing.
Published 09-29-2020
