Tifosi Optics Sanctum SL Sunglasses

Review by Erin Trail

Tifosi Optic’s Sanctum SL Sunglasses offer lightweight performance for running, riding, or hanging out.

Specs

• Thrive frame (lightweight, durable, and plant-based)
• Hydrophilic rubber nose piece for a no-slip grip
• Tifosi Glide allow the arms to slide onto your head without issue
• Polycarbonate lenses (scratch-resistant and shatterproof)
• Optically decentered to eliminate distortion
• Glare guard
• 100% UVA/UVB protection
• Dimensions: 131.5 mm side, 49.4 mm tall, 135 mm long arm
• Weight: 27G
• Microfiber Cleaning Bag
• Available in 8 different lens/frame options

Review

As a triathlete living in Colorado, I’m rarely without sunglasses.  I’m a woman, who needs a smaller (ish) frame and I love sunglasses that I can take from the trail to coffee.

Also: I love purple. And sunglasses that are frameless on the bottom of the lenses, which is something that I prefer when I run.  I helps to avoid a sense of tunnel vision and helps to keep my vertigo in check.

The Tifosi Optics Sanctum SL Sunglasses just look cool.  They have a moto/aviator-esque vibe that somehow also looks a bit futuristic. Basically – they’re fun.

But better than just appearing fun, the Tifosi Optics Sanctum SL Sunglasses deliver performance at a very affordable price ($40).

I’ve been wearing the Tifosi Optics Sanctum SL Sunglasses on several runs, many of which were very warm and sweaty.  The glasses offered great ventilation and coverage.  I didn’t have any issues with too much ventilation (which makes my eyes water).

The mirror coating (Purple Mirror AR, in my case) on the Tifosi Optics Sanctum SL Sunglasses is medium opaque.  People can still see your eyes at certain angles, but for the most part, the lens mirror tint projects it’s color and opacity well.

I personally love how light the Tifosi Optics Sanctum SL Sunglasses feel. The combination of the polycarbonate lenses and Thrive plant based frames make the sunglasses feel like they’re barely there.  There’s no weight on the bridge of your nose or on your ears from the glasses.

I did find that the Tifosi Optics Sanctum SL Sunglasses do migrate down the bridge of my nose a small amount.  I have a pretty small face and these frames are considered “medium-large”, so this isn’t a huge surprise or a deal-breaker.  The glasses do manage to find a spot on my nose and eventually settle into place, staying put over the course of an interval run. The frames also work well with a variety of brimmed hats, ranging from trucker style to running caps.

The Tifosi Optics website doesn’t have a VLT (variable light transmission) rating, but I would classify the smoke lens tint as medium for light blocking: not so dark that you can’t see in the shadows, but I am a bit squinty in bright light.  I do prefer wearing these when combined with a running hat (with a brim) to offer a littler more sun protection.

Compared to other sunglasses at this price-point, I think the Tifosi Optics Sanctum SL Sunglasses are on the better range.  I’ve dropped these sunglasses a few times (it happens!) and the lenses are indeed scratch resistant.  I also appreciate how light they feel and how clear the lenses look.

Closing Thoughts

The Tifosi Optics Sanctum SL Sunglasses are a fun and stylish option for outdoor pursuits at a very reasonable price.  These are considered “lifestyle performance eyewear”, meaning that they’re made to go from the courts or trails and into everyday activities.

The Tifosi Optics Sanctum SL Sunglasses are available in 8 different frame and lens options.

Erin Trail

Trail Boss of Stoke

Erin Trail on her mountain bike at the World Tri Cross Triathlon World Championship race

Erin Trail on her running at the World Tri Cross Triathlon World Championship race