The Importance Of Good Goggles...

Goggles are an important consideration when swimming laps, with comfort and fit the most important elements to consider. Ideally you should have goggles that are so comfortable you don't even realise you are wearing them. Likewise they need to fit you properly. Having goggles that are too big or too small will result in a lot of frustration and discomfort. For adults, most styles should fit most people, but if your head/face is wider or narrower than average look for styles that accommodate this. Many goggles ranges make separate styles for men and women.

The only way you will get good goggles is to invest a bit of money but decent goggles do not have to cost a fortune - good quality ones generally range from about $30 - $50. Yes, that might still sound like a lot to spend, but if you pay for quality they will last a long time (often a few years with proper care). Of course there are more expensive models as well, but there is nothing wrong with starting simple. You won't find the best quality goggles at discount stores - sports shops, aquatic centres and on-line is your best bet to find the better brands and styles. If you are doing open water swimming, it can be advantageous to have a separate set of goggles, but this is personal choice.

Goggles seals should be made of silicone (including the strap), not rubber or foam, and should feel soft and flexible. The seals around the eyes should not be removable (lots of cheap goggles do this) and should either have a double strap or at least a split strap. Single straps are not enough to keep goggles firmly in place. When choosing a clear, tinted or mirrored lens, it largely comes down to personal preference. Clear are great if you are swimming indoors. Tinted/mirror are much better for outdoor use and are still fine to use indoors - they are probably your best bet all round. If you do a lot of outdoor swimming you can get polarised lenses as well, which cut glare significantly when in bright sunlight. As previously stated, however, it is down to personal choice.

Some goggles have an adjustable nose bridge. This is another personal choice. If you have a larger or smaller nose than average or a narrow face, an adjustable nose bridge can be an advantage.

When wearing your goggles, they do not need to be tight! in fact if you have them too tight they are more likely to leak and will probably also give you a headache. The strap should feel just firm but still have enough give to fit your hand under the strap. If you have deep, red grooves  around your eyes after swimming then your goggles are too tight. Goggles are best worn with a swimming cap for females (males can as well if you have a lot of hair), as this will keep them firmly in place and prevent hair damage and tangles.

Goggles fogging up as you swim is one of the main issues swimmers face. Despite all the major brands selling goggles labeled "anti fog", the holy grail is to come across a pair that remain anti-fog for any significant period of time. There are some well known methods - such as licking or spitting into your goggles - that probably do work, but a simple and effective fix is to put a drop of baby shampoo into each lens, gently smear it around on the lens and then rinse thoroughly before putting your goggles on. This will keep your goggles fog free as long as you are wearing them.

Generally speaking you shouldn't have to lengthen or shorten your goggle straps once you have got them in the right position, however occasionally you may need to adjust them (especially if you have lent them to someone). Familiarise yourself with how to adjust your goggle straps so it's not a big drama if you do ever need to do it while swimming. Most styles will feed the two ends through a single clip, it's just a matter of working out the way they thread in and out. Split strap styles tend to have buttons near the eye piece that can be pushed in to allow easy adjustment of the strap.

If you have vision issues, you are able to get prescription goggles to allow you to see clearly underwater. Check with your optometrist, but it is generally a matter of choosing an appropriate style and then your optometrist can arrange for the lenses to be fitted. Extra care will need to be taken with prescription lenses, given they are more delicate than regular goggles.

Caring for your goggles the final piece of advice. Like glasses, they should go back into their hard case (or other protective pouch) after each wear. This will prevent them from getting scratched in your bag or even a bit melted in your car (yes, this can happen if it's a hot day). While cheaper rubber straps can often break, silicone ones generally don't if they are looked after properly. Regularly rinsing your goggles in clear water is also a great way to keep them in good condition.