How to choose the right swimming goggles? - A guide to finding the right model
Choosing the right swimming goggles
Well-fitting swimming goggles make swimming pleasant and ensure clear vision in the water. Good swimming goggles feel comfortable on the face, fit snugly, and stay in place without tightening. The right model won't leak water or press around the eyes.
The main differences between swimming goggles relate to lens shape, size, and seal material. Therefore, the best way to find a suitable model for yourself is to test the fit of the goggles on your own face. In addition, swimming goggles are available with different colored lenses. Clear lenses provide the clearest vision in the water, and mirrored lenses are best suited for swimming in open water or outdoor pools. Our selection also includes options with optical lenses. Check out AquaVision optical swimming goggles!
Most swimming goggles feature an anti-fog treatment, which extends their lifespan. The treatment lasts best if you maintain the goggles correctly. Additionally, the lenses of most swimming goggles are protected from UV radiation.
Suitable swimming goggles feel natural on the face: the silicone seal adheres lightly to the skin without needing to tighten the straps, and the goggles stay in place with a suction-cup-like grip. You can also identify the right model if it doesn't press around the eyes and the field of vision through the lenses feels clear and natural.
Read below to learn how to test the fit of swimming goggles.
Aquaction X FitPit
This swimming goggle selection guide has been created in collaboration with FitPit. FitPit is an expert in swimming instruction, offering swimming schools and courses for children and adults in the Helsinki metropolitan area – as well as online courses for water enthusiasts of all levels across Finland.
FitPit's practical knowledge of swimming goggle fit, comfort, and different use cases has been at the core of this guide's content. Together, we want to help every swimmer find the right goggles for their training – whether it's for swimming lessons, regular practice, or open water swimming.
How to test the fit of your swimming goggles
1. Put the glasses on your forehead
First, place the goggles on your forehead and pull the silicone straps over the back of your head. The straps should not be too tight – their purpose is to hold the goggles in place, not to squeeze your head.
2. Put on your glasses
Gently place the goggles over your eyes and lightly press the silicone seals onto your face. Hold the frames, not the straps.
3. Test the suction cup effect
Gently pull the goggles away from your face by holding the lens frames. Properly fitting goggles will form a light suction-cup-like seal against your face.
Aqua swimming goggles case, black
Aquaction swim cap, 5 different colors
AquaPulse Mirror swimming goggles, silver-mint
Swimming goggles maintenance
Preventing Fogging
Almost all the swimming goggles in our collection already have an anti-fog coating, which increases comfort. It is important not to touch the inner surface of the lens unnecessarily, as you might accidentally wipe off this important coating.
(Competition goggles may use Swipe Antifog technology, where, according to the instructions, the inner surface is wiped to reveal a new coating. However, this does not apply to other goggles.)
The anti-fog treatment wears off over time. In this case, the best maintenance measure is to spray the goggles with Arena or Speedo anti-fog spray, which helps renew the non-fogging coating on the lenses. It's best to spray the goggles at home when there is no moisture on their surface yet.
Storing the Goggles
Goggles should be stored in their designated protective pouch or case. This prevents them from getting scratched and worn to an unusable state. You can learn more about the best way to protect your goggles, a swimming goggle case, here!
Swimming Goggles for Beginner Swimmers
For beginner swimmers, the most important aspects of swimming goggles are comfort, easy adjustability, and a tight fit. We recommend models that offer a soft silicone seal and a clear field of vision without complex adjustments. The models presented below provide beginners with a secure and comfortable user experience without lens leakage or pressure around the eyes.
Swimming Goggles for Hobbyists
A regular swimmer needs goggles that stay in place at speed, offer a wide field of vision, and are durable. Models suitable for enthusiasts are lightweight, aerodynamic, and fit snugly.
Swimming goggles for children
A regular swimmer needs swimming goggles that stay in place at speed, offer a wide field of vision, and are durable. Models suitable for enthusiasts are lightweight, aerodynamic, and fit snugly.
Open water swimming goggles
Open water swimming goggles require good visibility in varying light 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 provide a wider field of vision and feel more comfortable on the face during long swimming sessions.
