Sunglasses aren’t just fashion statements, they’re essential eye protection for being active in the outdoors – not only saving your sight from the sun’s harmful rays but also from airborne debris, insects and even the wind.
Nike’s Mercurial 8 sunglasses do a good job of all of these tasks. Logo fans will love the big swooshes on each arm whereas those who buy these shades to protect their eyes will find comfortable, light, wrap-around eye protection.
In contrast to the bold swooshes and graduated colour scheme on the arms which transitions from black at the front to red at the rear (there are seven frame colours, with five different lens tints to choose from), the Mercurial’s functional features are subtle but effective. For instance, the arms hinges have a sprung cam action which keeps the arms in the in or out position which you left them in, thus solving the hitherto constant bane of sunglasses which poke you in the eye every time you try to put them on with one hand.
Keeping the arms folded in storage should also help keep them from damage when not on your head.
Everyone’s head shape is different but for our big-headed tester these were supremely comfortable sunglasses. Thanks for this no doubt go to the soft rubber inlay on the nose grips and temple tips, which kept them from bouncing when running and held the glasses on top of his bald head when ordering at the café. Despite this secure fit, at no point did the Mercurial’s start to pinch or feel too tight.
Most impressive though is the wrap-around continuous frame shape of the Mercurial’s which manages to give total visual coverage and peripheral protection without looking like either bug eyes or ski goggles.
The net result is a pair of stylish sunglasses which gives both UVA and UVB protection for sports outdoor adventures in the sun, without actually looking like sports sunglasses.
