Zeal Isabelle

Field Notes: Zeal Optics lifestyle-inspired sunglasses are constructed from castor-bean based Z-Resin from Switzerland, and the brand was one of the first to use this bio resin to make frames. Zeal Isabelle comes with the classic Z-Resin frames, polarized lenses, and is as stylish as it is functional for climbing, biking, running and general romping outdoors. 

Named after, and tested near, Lake Isabelle, these polarized sunglasses blend a rounded frame shape with angular features for mountain rock star style. With ProFlex Rubber to keep them in place, our testers found these Zeal sunglasses – as well as similar model Capitol and truly all Zeal models we’ve used over the years – to be as functional as they are casual-fashion.

The pair is lightweight, a major key to comfort and all-day wear, as they won’t put pressure on facial touch points. The company is also making the world’s first plant-based lenses, called Ellume, rather than the typical petroleum polymer, which is denser and heavier.

These polarized lenses – available in certain Zeal models – filter out specific colors without obscuring true tones, so you see color more vividly with a higher level of contrast and greater depth perception, and the brand’s impact-resistant proprietary materials definitely proved worthy through our months of testing. 

“Our community is built on people that aren’t defined by a particular activity, but by their approach to trying everything under the sun. Our goal is to provide products that seamlessly transition from the beach to a 50-mile mountain bike ride, a trail run, or an all-day fly fishing mission,” Zeal told Active Junky.

Isabelle comes in three styles: Smoke Tortoise with dark grey lenses, ideal for most outdoor conditions; Matte Tortoise with copper lenses good for sunny weather; or Matte Crystal with horizon blue lenses that perform well in foggy and snowy conditions. 

Pros: Boulder-based company focuses on giving back to the planet and community while keeping you looking good. 

Cons: With versatility comes compromise. They are great for many sports, but not for all.

Tester Comments: “It’s an affordable and good looking pair I can wear everywhere, from the crag to the coffee shop.”

Key Attribute: Versatility

Best For: Casual biking, hiking, skateboarding, climbing, and water sports with polarized models