Triathlon Swim Goggles: How to Choose the Right Pair
Finding the right pair of swim goggles can make a huge difference to your training and racing. A good fit means no leaking, no fogging, and clear sighting in open water. Here’s what you need to know.
Pool vs Open Water Goggles
Pool goggles tend to have a lower profile, sit close to the eyes, and offer minimal peripheral vision. Open water goggles (sometimes called “mask-style”) have larger lenses for better peripheral vision, which is essential for sighting buoys and swimming in a group.
Lens Options
- Clear lenses: Best for indoor pools and low-light conditions
- Tinted/smoke lenses: Reduce glare in bright outdoor conditions
- Mirrored lenses: Maximum glare reduction for sunny race days
- Photochromic lenses: Automatically adjust to light conditions — versatile but pricier
Recommended Goggles
Our top picks for triathlon swim goggles:
Speedo Fastskin Speedsocket 2 — Best for Pool Training
The Speedo Speedsocket 2 is a low-profile racing goggle that sits tight to the face with minimal drag. The curved lens gives surprisingly good peripheral vision for a pool goggle, and the anti-fog coating lasts well. A favourite among competitive swimmers and triathletes alike. Around £25-35.
Aqua Sphere Kayenne — Best for Open Water
The Aqua Sphere Kayenne is the go-to open water goggle for many triathletes. The oversized curved lenses give excellent 180-degree visibility, and the soft silicone gasket provides a watertight seal on almost any face shape. Available in clear, tinted, and mirrored versions. Around £20-30.
Zone3 Volare Streamline — Best Race Goggle
The Zone3 Volare Streamline bridges the gap between pool and open water goggles. The aerodynamic frame reduces drag while still providing wider-than-average peripheral vision. The polarised mirror lens version is particularly good for bright race day conditions. Around £20-30.
Getting the Right Fit
Press the goggles against your eye sockets without the strap — they should stay in place with gentle suction for a second or two. If they fall off immediately, the shape doesn’t match your face. Most brands offer different nose bridge sizes, and some come with interchangeable bridges.
Anti-Fog Tips
All goggles fog eventually. To extend the anti-fog coating, avoid touching the inside of the lenses. A quick rinse in the water before your swim helps. Anti-fog sprays are also available and work well as a backup when the factory coating wears off.