Nike Fire P FD

Author: Ferenc Soma Kovács (middle-distance runner of the SVSE national team, World Championship participant and European Championship bronze medalist)

First of all, why is it important to wear sunglasses as a runner?

UV radiation is present at all times of the year, even in winter and autumn. For example, in autumn, the sun's typically lower position means more direct exposure to our eyes. In winter, although solar radiation is much lower than in the summer months, the snowy landscape reflects almost one hundred percent of the rays, while in summer, brownish, greenish ground surfaces only reflect about 5% (and absorb the rest). In addition, significant UV radiation must be calculated even on cloudy days, as clouds only partially filter harmful UV rays, so up to 90% of them can penetrate them. These UV rays are usually reflected from the organic elements of our everyday running environment, such as snow, pavement and larger bodies of water. In other words, we, runners, are very exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

But why do we need to be so careful about UV radiation? UV rays damage the retina and increase the risk of developing eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. It is important to always choose glasses that offer 100% UV protection . Our sunglasses must filter out the two main types of UV rays, UV-A (315–400 nm) and UV-B (280–315 nm), as they are harmful to the eyes and surrounding tissues. Let’s not forget that the European Union requires all sunglasses sold within the EU to provide broad-spectrum UV protection, blocking harmful ultraviolet rays at least in the wavelength range above 380 nm . This protection above 380 nm ensures that the lenses block the entire UV-B range and most of the UV-A range. This EU directive, which requires protection from wavelengths above 380 nm, is guaranteed by the CE mark on the arms of the sunglasses. Therefore, only choose sunglasses for running that have the CE mark!

About the glasses themselves in a nutshell

I think the Nike Fire P FD is a mid-range pair of sunglasses that will meet the needs of most runners. Its category 3, heavily tinted lenses allow for clear, comfortable vision even in the scorching summer sun. In the summer of 2024, I took it with me to a training camp in St. Moritz, Switzerland, to be my faithful companion during my late-morning workouts. Well, it did not disappoint. Since its lenses are slightly curved, but not too much (like classic sports sunglasses), I wore my Nike Fire P FD sunglasses practically all day long: from morning runs, to afternoon sightseeing, to easy evening runs. I really like its universal look: it is understatedly elegant, but at the same time sporty. In other words, it fits perfectly with a casually elegant street outfit and a training set. The plastic temples are quite light and adhere well to the head. I was honestly surprised that I barely felt them on my head while running a 40-second 300-meter race. During the headbang test, I found that the glasses slid forward on my nose a little, but they didn't move sideways at all.

Specifications:

• Category 3: This refers to the level of darkness of the lens. Among the UV filtering categories, lenses in category 3 are heavily tinted and are excellent for bright sunlight, such as summer outdoor running, at the beach or in the mountains. These lenses are able to transmit between 8-18% of light, which provides adequate protection for the eyes from harmful sunlight.

• Polarized lenses : These sunglasses feature polarized lenses that reduce glare from horizontal surfaces like water, snow, or asphalt. This is especially useful if you often run by a lake or beach.

• It is CE marked.

• 100% UV-A and UV-B protection

• Bridge length: 17 mm

• Stem length: 140 mm

• Lens width: 54 mm

• Lens height: 39 mm

• 6-base frame : This refers to the degree of curvature of the lenses of the sunglasses. The “base” refers to the amount of arc or curvature. A 6-base curvature covers slightly curved lenses that are not completely flat, but not overly curved, like a pair of sports sunglasses (which are usually 8-base). This curvature provides more comfort for everyday wear because it is less “enclosing” the face.

• Available in 5 different colors

• Priced at nikevision.com: $105

Final Judgment

If you are a runner who does not want to immediately buy the most modern, coolest designs, $ 200-250 Oakley, Roka or Smith models, then the Nike Fire P FD model is for you. Although with its understated design, it may not be the coolest sunglasses for you in your morning running club or association, it is certainly the best choice in terms of price-performance ratio. And this loyal, practical piece will really satisfy almost all your needs!