Best Running Visors in 2023
A running visor could be better for some runners than a running hat. They’re super lightweight and easy to wear while protecting your eyes and shielding your face from the sun.
They’re not the best choice for rainy weather, but it’s worth having one in your stash of gear.
Our visor of choice is the Nike Dri-FIT AeroBill. We like this one because it uses Nike’s renowned Dri-FIT tech to keep you cool and Aerobill technology to make it light, breathable, and sweat-wicking.
But it won’t necessarily be the best choice for everyone, so check out the full list and find a visor that suits your needs!
Top 3 Best and Favorites
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Best Overall
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Best Overall
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Nike Dri-FIT AeroBill
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Top Value
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Top Value
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New Balance Performance Visor
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Top Reflective Visor
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Top Reflective Visor
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Headsweats Reflective Supervisor
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Best Overall
1. Nike Dri-FIT AeroBill
The Dri-FIT AeroBill is our top pick thanks to built-in AeroBill and Dri-FIT technology to keep you cool and comfortable. A smart mesh design and Velcro strap make it easy to wear.
What We Like
This visor is robust without looking rugged. AeroBill technology makes it ultra-light, so you’ll hardly even feel it on your head while running.
An adjustable velcro strap at the back lets you get the right fit, so it’s not too tight or so loose it comes off.
We also love Nike’s proprietary Dri-FIT technology. Built into the sweatband, it wicks sweat away from your skin to evaporate easily before it starts dripping down your forehead. The headband also features perforated mesh around the back, so you get extra airflow.
There’s also a front and center reflective logo; as an added bonus for eco-conscious runners, it’s made of at least 50% recycled materials.
Why We Like It
The Nike Dri-FIT AeroBill is the perfect mix of technology and smart design. It’s light, protective, fits almost everyone, and looks good.
What to Consider
You’ll only find this visor in black and white, so those who specifically want a colorful one will have to look elsewhere.
PROS:
- Dri-FIT technology keeps you cooler and drier no matter how far or long you run
- Aerobill technology mixes sweat-wicking fabric with super lightweight construction to make it both practical and comfortable
- Easily adjustable back strap allows almost all runners to fit the visor comfortably to their head
- Perforated mesh around the headband increases the breathability for a cool run no matter the weather
CONS:
- Limited colors available—only black and white
Top Value
2. New Balance Performance Visor
Well-priced and loaded with as many good features as you can fit into a visor. NB Dry tech, an integrated sweatband, and a curved brim go a long way toward keeping you protected, cool, and dry.
Recommended for those who want a “backup” to their regular cap or are trying visors for the first time!
What We Like
Made of 100% polyester and featuring NB Dry technology, the New Balance Performance Visor is moisture-wicking inside and out.
An integrated sweatband stops the annoying sting of perspiration dripping into your eyes, and helps move moisture to the surface for quick evaporation.
An easy hook-and-loop feature makes it easy to adjust to the size of your head for a comfortable fit. Reflective details keep you visible, and the structured brim is stiff but just curved enough to provide the protection you need.
It’s affordable but offers everything a runner would need for a well-protected, well-ventilated experience in warmer weather.
Why We Like It
It’s nothing fancy, but it’s affordable and does the job. We also like that it comes in multiple colors.
What to Consider
On its smallest adjustment, this visor may still be too big for ladies and guys with smaller-than-average head circumferences.
PROS:
- Structured, curved brim protects your face and can be slightly adjusted
- Made from light, moisture-wicking material and uses proprietary NB Dry technology in the built-in sweatband
- Reflective logo and brim lining help vehicles and other runners to see you from afar, keeping you safer
- Multiple color options available, so you can get one for every running outfit
CONS:
- Might be too big on its smallest adjustment for those with small heads
Best Reflective Visor
3. Headsweats Reflective Supervisor
If night or pre-sunrise runs are your thing, consider the Headsweats Reflective Supervisor because it’s the most visible.
What We Like
If you want to be seen in all conditions, the Headsweats Supervisor is the visor for you. During the day, the bright color helps you be seen from a distance. In low light, the Eventure piping around the brim reflects, so you can run confidently knowing you’ll be seen.
Made from Coolmax polyester fabric, it’s lightweight and easily wicks away sweat, keeping you comfortable. The terry sweatband features the same technology, allowing for great airflow and cooling.
We love the black undervisor, which prevents glare and reduces eye fatigue. The elastic headband is easy, comfortable, and convenient, and as a bonus, it’s super comfortable with sunglasses if you want more eye protection.
This visor is also machine-washable, which is handy.
Why We Like It
Hi-viz piping on the rim makes it easy to see at night or early morning. Plus, it’s lightweight and breathable.
What to Consider
The elastic headband may be comfortable, but it’s likely to stretch out over time and become looser. This one may not be as long-lasting as others for this reason.
PROS:
- Coolmax polyester fabric makes up the shell and the sweatband and is highly moisture-wicking and quick-drying
- Black undervisor eliminates glare and reduces eye fatigue
- Machine-washable, so you can easily wash and dry it so it’s fresh for every run
- Reflective material around the edges of the visor keep you very visible on the roads and enhances safety
CONS:
- Elastic headband may stretch out over time
Top Women’s Run Visor
4. adidas Superlite Visor
The Adidas Superlite Visor is ideal for ladies who want to protect their face and look great while doing so.
What We Like
Available in three different colors, the Adidas Superlite Visor is ideal for ladies. It’s sleek and good-looking, featuring a reflective brand logo on the center of the forehead.
A pre-curved brim offers shielding from the sun, and has a glare-proof dark covering underneath. Your eyes will be protected from above and below, which goes a long way towards preventing eye strain, especially in sunny weather.
Climalite and climacool technology work with mesh side panels to keep your head cool and dry throughout your run.
It’s also easy to adjust, so you can get a pretty good fit and adjust it on the go if necessary.
Why We Like It
This visor looks stylish and works well, protecting your eyes from below and above.
What to Consider
Some women report that at its tightest, a strip of Velcro sticks out and may stick to hair or get caught on clothing.
PROS:
- Climalite fabric and climacool technology work together to keep you dry and cool throughout your run
- Pre-curved brim offers good coverage and has a non-glare coating underneath to protect the eyes from both above and below
- Mesh side panels increase breathability in warm weather
- Velcro closure is easy to adjust and allows for fitting on almost any sized head
CONS:
- A long strip of Velcro sticks out when the visor is tightened, which may stick to hair
Most Durable
5. 2XU Run Visor
This packable visor can handle being folded and stuck in bags and pockets. It’s likely to be the longest-lasting visor you ever own.
What We Like
The 2XU Run Visor is lightweight but surprisingly durable. Made entirely of nylon, it can handle most conditions well and endure much longer than expected for a well-priced visor.
Featuring a semi-curved brim with great coverage and a moisture-wicking inner headband, it’s both comfortable and protective. It’s also packable, which is convenient and makes its durability even more impressive.
An adjustable Velcro strap allows for a pretty decent fit on most heads, and it also features a handy silicone tab that extends its durability.
We also like the 360-degree visibility, thanks to three strategically-placed reflective logos, helping you to be seen from all angles.
Why We Like It
It’s light but sturdy and built to last. Nothing fancy, but that doesn’t matter if it’s durable.
What to Consider
The Velcro strap isn’t very long, so it might be difficult to get a great fit if you have a smaller head.
PROS:
- Semi-curved brim provides excellent protective coverage of the eyes and face
- Built-in sweatband wicks moisture away and feels soft against the skin, increasing your comfort as you run
- Three reflective logos make you more visible, from both the front and the back
- Silicone tab on Velcro strap protects it from sticking to other things and being damaged
CONS:
- Velcro strap may not be long enough to get a good fit on smaller heads
Best with Flexible Brim
6. Salomon Cross Visor
We love the flexibility of the Salomon Cross Visor—it allows you to create almost custom protection for your face and eyes!
What We Like
The flexible brim on this visor allows you to adjust it so you’re always getting the right amount of protection for your eyes and face. Its flexibility also means it’s easy to pack down and store if necessary.
The shell is made from 100% recycled polyester. Not only is the material moisture-wicking, fast-drying, and lightweight, but it’s also eco-friendly, so you can feel good about choosing this visor.
An elasticated band makes it easy to slip on and off, and a soft, sweat-absorbing towel inside makes it extra comfortable and protective against moisture.
Why We Like It
We really like how flexible the brim is and that you can adjust it to suit you, no matter where the sun is at the time.
What to Consider
The headband isn’t adjustable—rather, it’s elasticated, which will stretch to accommodate larger heads but might overstretch over time.
PROS:
- Slight flex in the brim allows you to angle it as you will for custom protection on the go
- Sweat-absorbing and quick-drying for a dry, cool experience no matter how long your run
- Made from 100% recyclable polyester, it’s eco-friendly as well as breathable and moisture-wicking
- Flexible brim can be folded if you need to pack it down into a bag or pocket
CONS:
- There’s a chance that the elasticated brim will overstretch
Best Visor for Sweat
7. Headsweats Supervisor Sun Visor
The name says it all—Headsweats Sun Visor is our top choice for keeping sweat out of your eyes and off your head.
What We Like
Built for coolness and sweat-wicking, the Headsweats Supervisor Sun Visor does an excellent job keeping you cool and banishing sweat.
The outer shell is made from Eventure polyester—light, sleek, and breathable. Not only that, but it’s great at wicking away sweat so it can easily be absorbed, cooling you down and drying you off at the same time.
A terry cloth sweatband is sewn into the inner part of the visor. It features Coolmax technology to help remove moisture, and although it stops sweat from dripping into your eyes, it gets rid of quickly, so you don’t feel like it’s holding onto moisture.
A black-colored undervisor means there’s little to no glare, so you won’t experience any extra eye strain during your run, even if there are reflective surfaces. We also like that it’s machine-washable—it’s convenient and easy.
Why We Like It
This visor does an excellent job of keeping sweat at bay, keeping you cool and dry throughout your run.
What to Consider
Unfortunately, this visor doesn’t have an adjustable headband, which may result in a less-than-perfect fit for some users.
PROS:
- Eventure knit shell for lightweight wearing and easy wicking away of moisture
- Coolmax technology in the shell and terry band help to keep air circulating and heat escaping
- Black undervisor significantly reduces glare to protect your eyes
- Machine-washable for convenience and ease of cleaning
CONS:
- Lack of an adjustable headband may be a dealbreaker for some
Most Color Options
8. adidas Superlite 2 Performance Visor
If you prefer colorful apparel, the Adidas Superlite 2 Performance Visor comes in various shades to suit every mood, day, and outfit.
What We Like
This adidas visor comes in more than 10 colors, so those frustrated at the lack of color options on other visors will appreciate this array!
It’s made of a polyester mesh, allowing excellent airflow, and wicks moisture away easily to keep you dry throughout your run.
The brim is slightly curved to offer good coverage, and a hook-and-loop closure behind the head allows for some adjustment so you can get a snug fit.
Why We Like It
The choice of colors! There’s something for everyone, every situation, and the nice price means you can get more than one.
What to Consider
The inner sweatband isn’t as soft on the skin as some, although it still does a decent job of catching and wicking away moisture.
PROS:
- Stylish-looking visor in more than 10 different colors allows you to choose something that expresses your personality
- Lightly curved brim provides all the protection you need in sunny weather
- Polyester mesh allows excellent airflow around your head, doing a good job of keeping you fresh and dry
- Hook-and-loop Velcro closure is convenient and suitable for almost every runner to get a comfortable fit
CONS:
- The sweatband isn’t as soft as some other brands and models
Top Brooks Visor
9. Brooks Chaser Visor
Brooks fans, invest in this visor if you don’t want to invite an intruding brand into your wardrobe! It’s everything you’ll need.
What We Like
This visor’s best feature is its closure. Unlike many Velcro-closure options, this one has a robust, highly adjustable slide closure, proving a much better and less annoying fit.
It’s made of certified eco-friendly recycled materials; as a bonus, it has sun protection. The bill of the visor is sizable enough to cover your eyes and most of your face.
We love that it’s machine-washable and quick-drying. It will keep you dry when you’re sweating and dry up quickly after a wash so you always have a clean visor to run with.
Why We Like It
Brooks has done well with this visor. It’s everything you need and has one of the best adjustable sizing systems we’ve seen.
What to Consider
Minimal reflective elements may make this visor less suitable for those who run in low-light conditions.
PROS:
- Top-quality closure makes it a good fit for just about anyone, fitting heads of 20.9 inches to 22.4 inches
- UPF rating of 30 offers an extra layer of protection against the sun, while the visor keeps it off your face
- Machine-washable and quick-drying for the highest level of convenience and hygiene
- Made of recycled materials that meet the bluesign criteria for being environmentally-friendly
CONS:
- Minimal reflective elements make less unsuitable for low-light running
Best ASICS Visor
10. ASICS Mad Dash Visor
ASICS fans will be pleased to find that their brand offers a worthy visor to keep them safer from the sun on their runs.
What We Like
The Mad Dash visor is made from 100% polyester, which makes it great at wicking away moisture. Adding mesh panels on the sides helps maintain good airflow, keeping you cooler for longer.
Under the brim, dark material eliminates glare. A reflective strip on the back allows you to be seen from behind, which can increase your safety.
The standard Velcro strip on the back is easy to understand and use. This visor has a unisex fit, so it’s suitable for a range of runners.
Why We Like It
ASICS’ visor does the job well, keeping you shielded from the sun, protecting your eyes, and helping you look good at the same time.
What to Consider
This visor is only available in black, white, and gray. Those who enjoy color may not be pleased with the lack of selection.
PROS:
- 100% polyester with mesh panels for excellent moisture management during any type of exercise
- Easy Velcro adjustment with a handy reflective stripe so you can be easily seen from the back when it’s dark
- Dark under brim keeps the glare off your face and out of your eyes so you can run without distraction
- Unisex fit and style makes it suitable for multiple different types of runners
CONS:
- Limited colors
Buyer’s Guide – Running Visors
The best running visors all have certain things in common. If you are shopping for a visor, here’s what to look for.
Brim
The brim should be sizable enough to shield your eyes from the elements. It should also be lightly flexible so you can angle it here and there as you need.
Sweatband
A built-in sweatband will stop sweat from running down your forehead and causing your eyes to sting. Check the quality of the sweatband—it should be absorptive but not too thick to make you hot.
Quick-Drying
Moisture-wicking material is always a win. You want your visor to have sweat-wicking properties, but it should also dry quickly if it does get sweaty or wet in a rain shower.
Weight
Visors should be lightweight, more so than a normal hat. You should hardly feel it on your head, so find something else if it’s dragging your head down.
Packable
If you enjoy going on long runs or want a visor that’s not intrusive or annoying to carry, if you want to take it off mid-run, choose one that can pack down into a pocket.
They’re generally small, light, and flexible, but make sure it’s of good enough quality to handle being packed.
You may not need a packable visor if you aren’t going for long runs. In the end, it’s a personal choice whether to pick a packable design or not.
Price
Compared to regular hats, visors are quite affordable. But do your research—not all of them are good quality. You might need to spend a little more for a good quality one, but it’ll still be cheaper than a hat.
Style and Color
You may need to shop around if you’re after a particular color. Most brands have a limited palette of shades; some only come in black and white.
Reflective
If you’re running in lower-light conditions, choose a visor with some reflective elements on it. Every bit of visibility counts!
FAQs
Do you have questions about the best running visors? We answer some of the most common questions below.
What are the benefits of a running visor?
Running visors protect your face against the sun’s rays, raindrops, and sometimes wind. They also prevent sweat from dripping into your eyes, so you don’t have to contend with that annoying sting during your run.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is their excellent breathability. They come out way ahead of normal running hats in terms of airflow, so if you’re one who needs to feel the wind in their hair to stay cool, a visor is much more beneficial than a cap.
Are Visors Good for Running?
Visors are great for wearing while running. They’re lightweight, exceptionally breathable, and come in various colors and brands. Thanks to their breathability, they’re a superb choice for running when compared to a regular hat.
Why Wear a Running Visor?
A running visor protects your face the same way a normal hat does. But it’s got an open top, so it’s much more breathable. Considering much of your body’s heat escapes through your head, this kind of hat can protect you and keep you cooler at the same time.
What should you look for in a good running visor?
When you’re looking for a visor, you want to find one that offers moisture transfer and breathability. Visors that have a mesh fabric will allow perspiration to evaporate quickly. If it has an integrated sweatband, then this will transfer the moisture away from your brow and eyes.
You also want to get a bill that is large enough to shield your whole face from the sun. Some visors have UV protection, which is an added layer of shielding. This only goes so far, though. Visors don’t actually cover that much of your skin, and the open top leaves your head exposed to the sun as much as if you weren’t wearing one. To guard your eyes from glare, get a visor that has a darkly-colored undervisor. This will prevent light from bouncing off the underside of the brim and obscuring your vision.
Most bills can be bent, allowing you to curve it for added protection against wind, debris or rain. It’s beneficial to have a visor that is flexible, as this will allow you to store it easily in your gym bag. If you prefer to run in low light, having a visor with reflective trimming will help make you more visible on the road.
Is a Hat or Visor Better for Running?
This comes down to personal preference; however, a running visor provides more breathability than a hat, so if you tend to suffer from a “hot head,” a visor could be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you’re bald, you risk getting sunburned, although this can also happen if you have hair! A closed cap might be safer if you’re running in scalding sun.
