3 photos
Some looks are naturally timeless. A perfectly fitted tux. A classic dive watch. Well-crafted leather work boots. But sometimes an offbeat style, to everyone’s surprise, can’t help resurfacing. And that’s the category where we place wraparound shades. Originally embraced in the ’80s by such diverse cultural icons as Jose Canseco, Suicide’s Marty Rev and Macho Man Randy Savage, the distinctive upper face-encasing look is back.
Cases in point: we’re big fans of the Smith Wildcat for mountain biking, Pit Viper has staked its whole brand to the look, and now Nike has entered the ring. Its new Windshield Elite collection isn’t all about retro aesthetics, though; technical performance is an equal, if not larger, part of the equation.
The ultralight shades put the wraparound design to good use with aerodynamic shaping and subtle ventilation points above the nose bridge and on top of the frame, ensuring you’ll cut through the wind without fogging. Meanwhile, a floating nose pad and cushioned rubber temple tips optimize fit and comfort. The shades come in a variety of tints including road, field, lowlight and max, which appears to be the most versatile. Snap them up now, look awesome forever.
