Open water swimming goggles require good visibility in various lighting conditions, a wide field of vision, and a secure fit in choppy water. In bright sunlight, glare can be intense, so the best choice for open water is a goggle with mirrored or at least tinted lenses. Mirrored lenses effectively reduce sun reflections from the water's surface and improve visibility even when the sun is low. Another important factor is lens size. Slightly wider lenses are recommended for open water as they offer a broader field of vision and feel more comfortable on the face during long swimming sessions.

Most swimming goggles come with an anti-fog treatment, which extends their lifespan and is an excellent additional feature for open water goggles. In open water, goggles are often worn for longer periods, making it important not to have to wipe them clear of fog in the middle of a swim. In addition to anti-fog, the lenses of most swimming goggles are protected from UV radiation.

It's also important for open water swimming goggles to feel natural on the face. The goggles should not press or squeeze; instead, they should feel comfortable on the face, and the field of vision through the lenses should be clear.

You can find help with choosing swimming goggles in our swimming goggles selection guide.