Firstly, consider where you’re going to swim, advises Bridget Marshall-Keith, hard goods category manager at Speedo. ‘If you’re swimming outdoors then you may want a pair with tinted, mirrored or polarised lenses to reduce glare, and built-in UV protection to protect your eyes from the sun,' she explains. Adjustability is also a key consideration. You could go for a fixed nose bridge, which will feel more flexible against your face, or opt for a pair with an adjustable nose bridge for a more personalised fit.

Depending on how frequently you swim, budget appropriately to be able to buy new goggles between every three months to a year. Product Recommendations Super-soft flexible seals offer greater flex vs previous Biofuse goggles for an even softer and more cushioned fit With mirror-coated, tinted lenses and UV protection, they’re a sound choice for sunny open water swims or brightly-lit pool sessions. They may too dark for dimly-lit indoor swims, however. Polarised: Designed to filter intense glare caused by light reflecting off flat surfaces such as lakes and seas, polarised lenses are ideal for wild swimming, triathlon and bright indoor pools. They’re also suitable for overcast days, making them a great all-rounder.

Best for Competitive Swimmers

Our panel confirmed they were able to keep swimming, distraction-free, when the sun came out, and said the anti-fog coating was effective for the most part. A few testers said they started to steam up around the 30-length mark, so we’d recommend using them for shorter, more casual swims. Next, think about the gasket (the seal around the lens), as this will affect both resistance in the water and comfort levels. ‘An inner-eye fit will be more streamlined but an outer-eye fit will be more comfortable, so it depends what your priority is,’ says Marshall-Keith.

Both of those goggles are designed for ultra-competitive swimmers and are more expensive than the previous three options. However, with the higher price tag comes an even broader panoramic view and exceptional hydrodynamics. Budget Your goggles should sit comfortably on the bridge of your nose and create a seal all the way round your eyes without any gaps,’ says Sutton. Here’s a fit test you can do before getting in the water: Our trusted Runner’s World Lab testers donned their swimming attire and strapped on a range of market-leading goggles for a series of swims. They submerged themselves in pools, ponds, lakes and the sea, before delivering an honest, no-holds-barred review of their performance.If you’re an open water swimmer, you may want to consider goggles with a wider lens so you can see what’s around you. For those exclusively swimming indoors, you can choose a clearer, lighter lens.’ Types of lenses Adjustable head straps and anti-fog features (to stop your goggles from steaming up mid-swim) are also preferable. How do I know if my goggles fit? Not only do the best swimming goggles protect your eyes from chlorine and saltwater, optometrist and founder of Sutton Swimwear, James Sutton, points out they also mean you don't have to hold your head above the water, which can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if you’re enjoying a lengthy dip. With peak swimming season upon us, it’s time to fling those mouldy, half-broken goggles aside and splash out (sorry) on a trusty new pair for all your aquatic adventures. Admittedly, they’re not the most stylish of accessories, but much like swimming costumes, wetsuits, rash vests and swimming caps, they’re an essential bit of kit that could make or break your session.