If you’ve ever gone for a jog without proper eye protection, you probably understand why quality eyewear is essential for a good run. To combat headache-inducing squinting and harmful UV rays, Tracksmith and District Vision are teaming up for the first time to present the Kazu Tourer, a performance-based running frame that wouldn’t look out of place when you aren’t exercising.
Let’s frame it like this —
Crafted in Japan, the Kazu Tourer is inspired by classic mountaineering frames and the “alpine style” of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Its lenses are strategically ventilated and fitted with an inlaid titanium bridge badge. Integrated side shields help filter out ambient light and glare so the wearer’s peripherals don’t get flooded with unwanted sunbeams.
If they somehow manage to slip off your face — unlikely due to the adjustable rubber nose pad and temple tips — District Vision has also added its signature D+ therapeutic grade lenses, which means they’re essentially shatterproof thanks to its proprietary polycarbonate material. Even in the summer heat, anti-reflective and oleophobic coatings provide holistic eye protection and repellency against water and oil.
Choose your fighter —
There are two styles of the Kazu Tourer to choose from: the polarized Tortoise Copper and the nonpolarized Blue Ice. The former features custom-crafted D+ Copper polarized lenses that mitigate reflective light, allow 10.03 percent of visible light transmission and 6.06 percent of blue light transmission and offer full protection against UVA/UVB rays. Its tortoise print is also applied by hand in Japan so that each frame is unique.
The Blue Ice version is fitted with D+ lenses made for the collab. The lens is designed with a blue tint on the exterior, 23.56 percent of visible light transmission, 21.03 percent of blue light transmission, and full protection against UVA/UVB rays.
To test the durability of the frames, the brands called on Mick Iacofano to wear them during the Boston Marathon, where he finished in the top six, as well as Doug Robinson, the father of clean climbing. 3D renderings were also constructed by Berlin-based Sucuk und Bratwurst to emphasize the Japanese influence of the frames throughout the campaign.
Tracksmith and District Visions’ Kazu Tourer running frames are now available on their respective websites. The Tortoise Copper frame retails for $295, while its Blue Ice brother is priced at $250. You may think you’ve perfected your running fit, but the perfect shades are what will really seal the deal.
