Vinco Performance Sola Sunglasses Review

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Even if you’re in the market for a pair of cycling sunglasses, you’ve probably not come across the Vinco Performance as the brand has had more of a presence in Europe than in the States. Manufactured in Italy, Vinco leans in hard on performance and sustainability with their higher-end sunglass offerings. Do their claims of superior performance and sustainability deliver? The Vinco Performance Sola Sunglasses promise top-tier performance and baller style while out on the road – with the ability to be renewed by Vinco when they reach end-of-life. But with a price tag of $250, the real question is: do they deliver? After putting them through the paces, here’s what we think.

Functionality: Clear Vision and Solid Build, but with a Few Trade-Offs – 9/10

Let’s start with the main thrust of any cycling sunglasses: performance. The Vinco Sola delivers on that front. The lenses are sharp and provide excellent clarity, cutting through the glare and offering crisp, bright vision, even in challenging light conditions. Whether riding at dawn or battling midday sun, they offer solid protection and the optical quality you need to stay focused on the road ahead. And truly, the lens are the high point for me…they deliver. And with an unobstructed view, you’re able to keep your peepers where they need to be.

The frame construction is solid, but here’s the thing: while everything feels well put together, the materials used have a very unique feel to them. The feel is more functional than luxurious, with a slight “plastic-y” vibe, almost 3D printed if you’re familiar with that aesthetic. It’s really not an issue, but it’s more noticeable when you compare them to some of the more well known brands. This comes down to one of the main hallmarks of the brand: sustainability.

The Vinco Performance Sola uses a material Vinco calls Lignatura™. Lignatura consists of 98% bio-based content from Fir and Beech wood fiber. Raw materials are PEFC-certified from forests in Finland using controlled reforestation practices. Flax, Jute and Sisal fibers are finally combined to achieve their specific performance characteristics. This might explain the slightly different aesthetic of the materials compared to what many of us are used to from the major brands in the U.S. However, this doesn’t seem to impact the performance at all – they’re sturdy, with an adjustable fit system that allows you to dial in comfort, making sure they stay in place when you’re out spraying watts.

The Solas also come in 2 sizes – a small and a large, so you can tailor the frame size to your own particular melon.

Overall, the Sola is a solid performer. The adjustable nose piece and temple arms offer a great, customizable fit that should work for most face shapes, and they stay put even on long, sweaty rides. If you’re looking for top-notch functionality these glasses are a good choice. Just be aware that the materials have a different ‘feel’ than other competitors in this price range – based mostly upon their sustainability practices.

Vinco Performance Sola Style: Ride Like a Pro – 10/10

Let’s face it, part of cycling is about looking the part. The Vinco Sola pulls that off in spades. These sunglasses definitely have a pro-level vibe. The design is sleek, sporty, and modern, which fits right in with the “serious cyclist” aesthetic. If you’re riding in a pack or hammering out those lactic acid drizzled solo intervals, these shades scream “I’m not unlike Quad-zilla.” They look like something you’d see on a WorldTour rider, which, let’s be honest, is the dream, right?

Plus, they work well with most helmets. Whether you’re rocking a full aero setup or a more casual road helmet, the Sola fits seamlessly with various brands and designs. No awkward gaps, no weird shapes, no interfering with the front lip of your helmet – just a smooth, stylish look that complements your kit.

Bottom line: these sunglasses check the box for serious cyclist style, which is exactly what you’d expect from a brand that’s making a push in the performance market – particularly at the $250 price point.

Value: Is $250 Too Much? – 8/10

Alright, now we hit the tough part: the price. $250 is a hefty chunk of change, no matter how you slice it. Sure, there are sunglasses out there that go for more, but you also have a lot of options that offer similar performance at a lower cost.

Here’s the kicker – Vinco is a brand leaning hard on sustainability and performance, so while the Sola has impressed with its functionality, style, and sustainability fronts, we don’t yet know how they’ll hold up over time. The Lignatura material, although nice to know it’s helping, is untested with us as far as durability is concerned. Being that durability is still an unknown, and for a premium price, that’s a risk. Established brands like Oakley or Smith have decades of testing and durability behind them, but Vinco doesn’t have that track record just yet…at least not in the U.S.

At $250, you’re really paying for the premium look, performance, and sustainability & renewability characteristics, but there’s a lingering uncertainty about long-term durability. If you’re okay with rolling the dice a little, these sunglasses have a lot to offer.

One last important note on renewability: Vinco backs up their claims of sustainability and renewability by offering the following: “When your Vinco frames get to the end of their useful life, we invite you to send them back. We’ll recycle them and replace them in a snap with a new one of your choice. 2-year guaranteed.” So you also have that piece of mind.

Solid Performance, Solid Style, Solid Planet-Friendliness, But at a Price

All things considered, the Vinco Performance Sola sunglasses hit the mark in a lot of ways. They look the part, perform well, and fit comfortably. And knowing you’re not adding more plastic to your gear closet is a big plus. But with a price tag of $250, they’re not exactly an easy sell. The materials and durability are still a bit of a question mark, so while the Sola is a great option for the performance-leaning cyclist seeking a premium experience, the value proposition is a tough one to call.

For all things considered – functionality, style, and the price – I’d give the Sola a 9/10. They’re a solid choice if you’re looking for something a little different and want some sunnies that look great while delivering top-end performance. If you need something more proven, though, you might want to keep shopping around. To learn more about the Vinco Performance Solas or check out a pair for yourself, visit vincoperformance.com.