100% A2 Running Sunglasses: Test and Review

The A2 is 100%’s first model designed specifically for runners. We tested three lens options—the A2 Aspire Matt White HiPER Pink Lavender, the A2 Run Soft Tact Chocolate Brown/Red Gradient and the A2 Tokyo Run Translucent Mauve Purple Mirror—to discover how they perform across technical trails, dense forest and bright, exposed running conditions.

The Frame

At 28g, the A2 almost feels weightless. If it wasn’t for the exceptional lens clarity that had me seeing everything in high definition, I’d have forgotten I was wearing sunglasses at all. What impressed me most, though, was the grip. I’ve worn plenty of sports sunglasses over the years, but I honestly can’t remember another pair that stayed put this well. The generously sized Ultra Grip rubber nosepiece and flexible temples lock the glasses securely in place without feeling tight.

I tested them with sunscreen on my face, with matte makeup, with and without a running cap, then bounded down a series of massive rocky steps to see if I could make them move. Apart from the slightest micro-movement during repeated heavy foot strikes, they stayed exactly where they should.

The trade-off for that grip is the oversized nosepiece. It’s initially noticeable in your lower field of view, but after about 5 – 10 minutes I stopped seeing it altogether.

The slim temples also sat comfortably beneath a running cap without creating pressure points or interfering with my vision. The rimless design gives the A2 a wide, unobstructed view of the trail, making it easy to scan the ground ahead without feeling like you’re looking through a frame.

Ventilation also impressed. The lenses sat far enough away from my face to allow good airflow without feeling loose or unstable. None of the lenses fogged during testing, although I wasn’t running in the sort of cold or humid conditions that would constitute a dedicated fogging test.

Same frame. Three different lenses

Although all three A2 models that we tested share the same frame, each lens lets through a different amount of visible light. This is measured as a light transmission percentage—the higher the percentage, the more light reaches your eyes. The category rating simply indicates how dark the lens is, with Category 1 suited to lower-light cloudy or overcast conditions and Category 3 designed to remove the glare when in bright sunshine.

Aspire Matte White – HiPER Pink Lavender Lens

48% Light Transmission | Category 1

If you mostly alternate between open trails and dense forest, the HiPER Pink Lavender lens is the one I’d recommend.

I tested it across fire roads and singletrack in forested sections and trails where the light constantly shifted between open sunny sections and shadier dense forest and in bright sunshine. Rather than simply making everything look brighter (which it did), the HiPER Pink Lavender lens noticeably enhanced colour separation. The greens looked greener, the reds looked redder and rocks, roots and uneven ground were much easier to distinguish, making the trail more defined and clear. When running in bright sunshine everything appeared in high definition and I momentarily questioned whether my eyesight had suddenly improved.

The higher light transmission of these lens came into its own beneath thick tree cover, where the trail looked brighter and easier to read, while the same trail using the darker lenses became a little more subdued. Whether I was climbing through shaded forest or picking my way down technical descents, this lens consistently gave me the clearest view of the trail.

What impressed me most wasn’t that it excelled in one particular condition—it was how well it handled constant transitions between bright sunshine and dense tree cover. Of the three lenses I tested, this was the one that felt the most versatile for everyday trail running.

Best suited to:

• Mixed light trails
• Forest running
• Technical trails in changing light
• Everyday trail running

Run Soft Tact Chocolate – Brown/Red Gradient Lens

15% Light Transmission | Category 3

If your running is mostly in bright, exposed areas, this is the lens I’d be reaching for.

I tested the Brown/Red Gradient lens on a bright early afternoon run through a mix of open trail and sections of denser forest. Its biggest strength was how effectively it took the harsh edge off the glare while keeping the trail crisp and easy to read. Even in full sun I never felt like I was squinting or struggling to pick my way along the trail.

As I’d expect from a darker Category 3 lens, the experience changed a little once I ducked beneath thicker tree cover. The greens became slightly more muted and the trail lost a little of the definition I’d noticed through the HiPER Pink Lavender lens. Visibility was still excellent, but the colours didn’t have quite the same vibrancy.

For runners spending most of their time on exposed trails, fire roads or coastal tracks, though, the Brown/Red Gradient lens offers excellent glare protection without compromising clarity.

Best suited to

• Bright open trails
• Fire roads
• Coastal or beach running
• High-glare conditions

Tokyo Run Translucent Mauve – Purple Mirror Lens

29% Light Transmission | Category 2

With 29% light transmission, the Purple Mirror lens sits neatly between the brighter HiPER Pink Lavender and the darker Brown/Red Gradient options, making it a versatile choice for runners who spend most of their time in fairly bright conditions.

On the trail, it subtly lifted the ochre and dirt tones which made it easier to see what was coming. all the while maintaining a comfortable level of brightness. It felt neither too dark nor too bright.

The only time I noticed anything different was running beneath tall trees where bright sunlight alternated rapidly with heavy shade. Under those constantly changing conditions, I occasionally picked up a shadowing effect around the lower edge of the lens that I didn’t experience with the other two options. It didn’t distract me to the point of affecting my footing, but it was noticeable enough that, for heavily forested runs in sunny weather, I’d personally reach for the HiPER Pink Lavender lens instead.

Once I was back on more open trails with consistent lighting, that shadowing disappeared and the Purple Mirror lens felt completely at home. For runners who spend more time on open trails, gravel paths or the road than weaving through dense forest, it’s a well-balanced option.

Best suited to

• Open trails
• Gravel paths
• Road running
• Consistently bright conditions

The Verdict

The A2 frame is an impressive introduction to 100%’s dedicated running range. Lightweight, exceptionally secure even with a face slopped with sunscreen, and comfortable enough to disappear on the face, it’s a frame I’d happily wear for everything from short training runs to long days on the trails.

The good news is that whichever model you choose, you’re getting exactly the same excellent frame. That means the real decision isn’t about which pair of sunglasses is “better”—it’s about choosing the lens that best matches the conditions you run in most often.

For the type of mixed-light trail running I do, the HiPER Pink Lavender lens provided the best all-round experience. It consistently made the trail easier to read while maintaining excellent visibility beneath tree cover, where darker lenses naturally became more subdued.

The Brown/Red Gradient lens is the obvious choice if your runs are mostly in bright, exposed environments where glare reduction is the priority.

The Purple Mirror lens sits comfortably between the two, making it a versatile option for runners who spend more time on trails with fairly consistent light conditions, rather than beneath dense forest canopies or in changing dappled light.

TRM Rating

Category	Score
Fit & Security	9.5/10
Comfort	9.5/10
Lens Clarity	9.5/10*
Ventilation	9/10
Field of View	10/10
Weight	10/10
Build Quality	9.5/10

*Lens clarity is consistently excellent across all three lenses. Scores reflect suitability for different lighting conditions rather than overall optical quality.

Vitals

Brand: 100%
Model: A2 Running Sunglasses
Weight: 28g (all models tested)
Australian RRP:
• A2 Tokyo Run – Translucent Mauve / Purple Mirror Lens: $239
• A2 Run – Soft Tact Chocolate / Brown-Red Gradient Lens: $259
• A2 Aspire – Matte White / HiPER Pink Lavender Lens: $259
Website: 100percent.com

Looking for more honest gear reviews?
From shoes and packs to watches, nutrition and trail running accessories, we test gear where it belongs—on the trail. Check back soon for more independent reviews from the Trail Run Magazine team.