Oakley Kato sunglasses: First Look

Oakley Kato sunglasses: First Look

With its new, mask-like lens, the Oakley Kato is a fresh twist on traditional cycling sunglasses

Gear Photos: Peter Stuart Words: Rachel Jary

The eagle-eyed kit watchers among us had noticed the unique style of Oakley sunglasses scattered in the peloton in recent months. Worn by Cavendish as he sprinted to victory in Turkey recently, and riders like Chris Froome in the Vuelta last year, the new Oakley Kato model is certainly eye-catching with a first-of-its-kind wrap around nose-shield.

After much anticipation, Oakley have finally given us a closer look at their special shades, launching them to the general public yesterday. They explain that the nose-shield and frameless design gives a wider field of vision and improved impact protection, as well as following the contours of the face much more closely than traditional sunglasses.

Related – The best cycling sunglasses: The Desire Selection

Oakley boasts that the Kato glasses are 11mm wider than the next widest frame in their line, the Radar EV, hence improving the side-to-side view. The new Kato glasses come in blue, red and silver Prizm lenses, all with sleek black frames.

Shop Oakley Kato

The frame has a rake mechanism that can be used to adjust the angle, ensuring the best level of comfort for consumers. The three different nose pads also help to offset the variation of nose bridges amongst Oakley wearers.

Oakley Kato has been in development since 2019, with input from riders like Cavendish to ensure that the glasses were fit for performance at the highest level. Over 200 prototypes were developed until the glasses were optimised and Oakley invested in new cutting machines to create the perfect shape.

The attention to detail is impressive: the glasses are coated with a double-sided hydro oleo treatment that helps manage sweat, water and fingerprints. The Oakley Plutonite lens also ensures the highest level of eye protection, with the material blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Never one to shy away from radical, game-changing design, Oakley have certainly moved away from the conventional look of sunglasses with their new Kato iteration.

On first impressions, the glasses are surprisingly comfortable, very light, and predictably the optics are exceptional. Check in soon for a more in-depth look at the glasses.

Shop Oakley Kato

Gear Photos: Peter Stuart Words: Rachel Jary

READ MORE

Wout van Aert says winning Flanders and Roubaix isn’t an obsession – but it is

Wout van Aert says winning Flanders and Roubaix isn’t an obsession – but it is

All eyes will be on the Belgian rider as he tries to finally win two of the biggest one-day races in the sport

Leggi di più
Frank van den Broek: hobby DJ, part-time florist, and Tour de France star

Frank van den Broek: hobby DJ, part-time florist, and Tour de France star

Frank van den Broek hasn't had the most conventional rise to the top

Leggi di più
Dirty Reiver and beyond: Rouleur partners with Focal Events

Dirty Reiver and beyond: Rouleur partners with Focal Events

Rouleur partners with leading gravel race organisers, Focal Events, to bring you the stories from the trail

Leggi di più
‘It was not very pleasurable’: Fabio Jakobsen, the comeback master, is fighting back again

‘It was not very pleasurable’: Fabio Jakobsen, the comeback master, is fighting back again

The Dutchman speaks to Rouleur about changing the way he trains, being in a younger team, and how he plans on making 2025 better 

Leggi di più
GC Kuss is probably no more: ‘I’d rather be more out of the spotlight’

GC Kuss is probably no more: ‘I’d rather be more out of the spotlight’

The American rider looks like he'll be taking his spot as super-domestique once again

Leggi di più
Marc Hirschi's journey back to the top

Marc Hirschi's journey back to the top

The Swiss rider is ready to step out of the background and be the main guy again at Tudor Pro Cycling

Leggi di più

READ RIDE REPEAT

JOIN ROULEUR TODAY

Get closer to the sport than ever before.

Enjoy a digital subscription to Rouleur for just £4 per month and get access to our award-winning magazines.

SUBSCRIBE