Goggles are an important consideration for both adults and children when swimming. As I talk about in all my books, there are times when it is appropriate to practice with no goggles but for the purposes of this article I am going to talk about the best type of goggles to purchase when you are using them.
For adults and children alike, comfort and fit are the most important elements to consider. It is vital to 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. When buying for children look at the suggested age range on the packaging and go with that. For adults, most styles should fit most adults, but if you are bigger or smaller than average look for styles that accommodate your stature. Many goggles ranges make separate styles for men and women.
The only way you will get good goggles is to spend a bit of money - notice I only said a bit. Decent goggles do not have to cost a fortune. For children you can get a quality pair for $30 or under and for adults $30 - $50. Yes, that might still sound like a lot to spend, but if you pay for quality they will last a long time. Of course there are more expensive models as well, but there is nothing wrong with starting simple. I've had goggles that have lasted 4-5 years with very regular use. 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, and should feel soft and flexible. The seals around the eyes should not be removable (lots of cheap children's 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 buying goggles for children avoid novelty styles as they rarely fit properly (due to extra things being stuck onto them) and can be a distraction. Keep it simple. When choosing a clear, tinted or mirrored lens, it largely comes down to personal preference. Clear are great if you are swimming indoors. Tinted 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. I am personally not a big fan of this as they can be difficult to adjust and can break, however, 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 (or your child) 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, 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. In children's lessons, much time is wasted as kids constantly take their goggles off because they can't see out of the lenses. Despite all the major brands selling goggles labeled "anti fog", I am yet 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 the simplest and most effective one I've come across (both as a swimmer and a teacher) is to put a drop of baby shampoo into each lens, 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.
For kids, goggle straps coming undone is a fairly common occurrence, if they have the style that threads through a clip where the two ends meet. Familiarise yourself with how to quickly re-thread so as to not disrupt their lesson or teach them how to do it themselves if they are old enough. Styles that have the clips at the side of the eye piece will not come unthreaded but may need to occasionally be lengthened or shortened. Once again familiarise yourself and your child with how to do this so it is not a big deal and ideally have it sorted out before they get in the pool to swim.
Caring for your goggles is also important. Like glasses, they should go back into their hard case 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.
My Picks...
This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but these are the best affordable brands and styles (in my opinion) I've come across for both adults and kids and are widely available. Brands and styles may differ by country/region. Check online when purchasing as they can differ in price between different retailers/sites.
For Kids....
My top pick for kids from 1-4 is Speedo Sea Squad Skoogle. With a split band that adjusts as your child grows and does not require manual lengthening, these goggles are great all rounders. Made from soft silicone that doesn't leak, they are flexible and easy to take on and off. For older kids the Speedo Biofuse Junior are also great all rounders being comfortable and easy to adjust. With proper care they also last a long time.
These are a few more:
Zoggs Little Super Seal
Vorgee Voyager Junior
Speedo Biofuse Junior
Speedo Skoogles
For Adults...
Vorgee Missile is probably one of the most popular training goggles for adults. They are light to wear, have a great field of vision and can be used both in the pool and open water. Speedo Opals are also great all-rounders for both pool and open water and are affordably priced. The Speedo Biofuse range are a bit more expensive but are super comfortable to wear and also include an open water option with polarised lenses. Aqua Sphere are also more expensive but are a great quality goggle for both pool and open water.