I remember my first safety glasses well. I was working for the power company, and they were the most uncomfortable, ugliest glasses I ever wore. Fortunately, ANSI-certified eye protection has merged with designers who have an eye for style, and today’s best safety glasses are a sight for sore eyes.
In this article, I’ll share the brands who stay on my radar when I’m on the hunt for something new along with my favorite models. All of them carry the ANSI Z87.1 or Z87.1+ rating for eye protection while offering a refreshingly attractive look that’s as comfortable off the jobsite as on it. The exact style is up to you, though, so pick one that fits your unique personality.
Wiley X Safety Glasses
Without a doubt, Wiley X is my go-to brand for safety glasses. Every style they make is certified ANSI Z87.1+, MIL-PRF-32432(GL), MIL-PRF-32432A, and/or ASTM F803. They have an outstanding range of styles to meet almost any need, plus legit high-quality Captivate lenses that will go toe-to-toe in clarity and color with any other polycarbonate lens on the market.
Wiley X started under the brand name Protective Optics in 1987 by U.S. Army Veteran Myles Freeman, Sr. Their mission to “build the world’s best protective eyewear” is on target in my experience, and reaches into nearly every outdoor work and activity.
I’ve worn several Wiley X models, but my favorite is the JAKL that launched in 2025. It has the protection I need for work, the style that fits the road cycling I do for exercise, and the polarized copper base I rely on for fishing the flats around Central Florida. There’s also a new Chris Kyle America Sniper version made in collaboration with Chris’ son, Colton.
Price: $54 – $236
Milwaukee Tool Safety Glasses
You can get safety glasses from nearly any power tool brand, but Milwaukee has developed a lineup that meets the needs and preferences of a broader range of people. In addition to safety glasses with polarized, gasketed, photochromatic, and over-glasses options, they have safety goggles and face shields, including models that clip onto their Bolt hard hats.
As far as bracketing protection needs, Milwaukee is the most comprehensive on this list. Better yet, they’re also much less expensive than some of my other recommendations.
My favorite pair is their standard fog-free design (48-73-2012), but I also like to have a pair of the gasketed Performance Safety Glasses (48-73-2040) on hand to keep fine dust out of my contact lenses.
Price: $8.50 – $42.00
HexArmor Safety Glasses
HexArmor specializes in safety gear. Most recently, they launched a new work boot line that now gives you Hex Armor protection from head to toe. Of course, that means safety glasses are included, and in addition to the basic styles, they have safety goggles and gasketed models as well.
There’s a nice range of models to choose from, though it’s not as broad as some of the brands on our list. What they have is purpose-built with a safety-first mentality, through, and the models I’ve worn are all-day comfortable. There are some standout lens options you’ll find, including blue light reduction (CBR65), welding, and photochromatic. The icing on the cake is that they are some of the most affordable stylish safety glasses you’ll find.
HexArmor’s designs are right up my alley, and I’d wear most of them without a second thought. But if I had to pick just one, I really like the MX250 Variomatic model.
Price: $3 – $35
EMU Safety Glasses
EMU is a relatively new brand in the market. Based out of Australia, EMU was founded by an HR and safety manager who believed safety glasses didn’t have to be so ugly or uncomfortable. They currently have two styles available, both with polarized, anti-fog, anti-scratch lenses, and a very approachable mid-range price tag. Best of all, The Originals design is celebrating a big win in the 2025 Pro Tool Innovation Awards.
Here are the two styles EMU has to choose from:
Price: $60 – $70
Oakley Industrial Collection
Oakley is well-known for its sports-oriented glasses, but they also have a few styles that carry ANSI certification in their Industrial Collection. In addition to the safety certification, they don’t compromise on Oakley’s reputation for outstanding quality in their clarity and coatings.
Here are the three styles available with certified safety lenses:
Growing up and playing sports in the 1990s and early 2000s, I still love the look of the M Frame, so that’s my top choice. The Tombstone is more on target with today’s trends, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the three.
Price: $154 – $212
Smith Safety Glasses
Smith is a brand I got to know during my early stages of road cycling, and I really enjoyed the comfort, fit, and lens clarity they offer. Covering many outdoor recreational activities, they also have a limited number of ANSI-certified safety glasses that compete well in the premium class.
Here are the three styles available with certified safety lenses:
Personally, I like the Arena Elite’s style the best, but the Longfin Elite is the only one of the three that includes a clear lens option.
Price: $145 – $225
Rudy Project Safety Glasses
Rudy Project made my go-to sunglasses during my days as a triathlete, and I absolutely loved them. Their comfort on long training and race days, high-clarity lenses, and athletic style were perfect for the sport. While Rudy’s focus is still primarily on sport, there are five styles available with Z87.1 or Z87.1+ protection. They’re a premium option, with pricing that’s higher than many of the others I recommend. However, they also have photochromatic lens options that lighten or darken as the conditions change.
I still have a soft spot for the Rydon style since that’s the frame I raced in. However, I like the Turbolence as a solid all-around pick for both work and play.
Price: $184 – $342
Edge Eyewear
Edge Eyewear was the first brand of safety glasses I wore that seemed to actually care about style. It’s a trend that continues, and they have a very nice range of 25 ANSI-certified models to choose from. Pricing ranges from entry to mid-range, making Edge the best bang for your buck if you’re looking for a balance of protection, style, and price.
Among several styles that make it to my personal finalists list, it’s the Khor G2 model I like the best.
Price: $13 – $80
Bolle Safety Glasses
Bolle is another brand that strikes a solid balance of protection, style, and price. With 19 models to choose from, they run a similar price range as Edge, making them another fine choice if high value is a priority for you.
The Tryon is my favorite style (after all, the name tells you to TRY them ON), with the Mercuro as a close second for days I prefer a bolder look.
Price: $5 – $95
Bomber Eyewear
Bomber Eyewear has 25 styles and a wide range of lens colors to please nearly everyone. Browsing through their offerings, you’ll find models that take their inspiration from athletic styles like Oakley and Pit Viper, to casual styles like you might find from Costa, but at a fraction of the price. Plus, there are polarized and even a few photochromatic lens options.
There are several styles I like, but given my preference for glasses that cover work and play, the Smoke Bomb model is my favorite. It’s not their most popular, but I’m okay with swimming against the tide.
Price: $8 – $80
