How to Stop Goggles From Fogging Up

Swimming is an intense, competitive sport. Athletes dedicate countless hours, both in and out of the pool, to improving their time. You set goals for yourself, work with your coach and hone your technique in hopes it will all pay off on race day. When that day finally comes, you feel nervous but prepared. All you need to do is focus on your stroke. The buzzer goes off, and you hit the water — but then your goggles fog up, and your focus is instantly shattered.

All swimmers know the importance of good gear, and foggy goggles are a common challenge for all swimmers. While this issue might be annoying on a practice day, it can mean the difference between victory or defeat on race day.

How do you stop your goggles from fogging up? First, you need to know what is causing the problem, and then you can learn how to prevent it.

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Why Are Your Swimming Goggles Fogging Up?

The human eye is not designed for underwater vision. Goggles allow you to see underwater while you practice and race. You can see where you are going, stay in your lane and focus on your technique. Fog defeats the purpose of goggles. You can't reach up and wipe the fog from your goggles, either, because it forms inside the lenses. At best, you feel distracted. At worst, you start to swim off-course. You may even need to stop mid-stroke to take off your goggles and clear them — but why does fog happen in the first place?

Condensation is the culprit behind foggy goggles. Your goggles cool off in the water, but the area around your eyes heats up due to your body temperature. The combination of hot and cold causes water droplets to form on the inside of your goggles — which creates fog. The harder you swim, the warmer your body gets, which can mean more fog. Naturally, you are going to swim your hardest during race time, which is the last place you want to experience foggy goggles.

Condensation regularly forms on swimming goggles for a couple of reasons:

1. No Anti-Fog Feature

Many swimming goggles are equipped with a thin layer of anti-fog protection. It is made up of components that help absorb water and spread it across the surface of the lens, or it may even repel water entirely. When it's working properly, this thin layer will prevent condensation from forming into water droplets large enough to see.

While most modern swimming goggles are manufactured with this feature, some are not. If you swim with a pair of goggles without anti-fog protection, you will likely notice fog nearly every time you get into the water.

2. Wear and Tear

Even goggles with built-in anti-fog protection can still experience the consequences of condensation. The thin layer of protection on your goggle lens is not permanent. Over time, it will degrade, and you will likely notice your previously fog-free goggles start to get a little misty during your laps.

Wear and tear happen to your goggles because they are an essential piece of equipment for every swim. You wear them during every practice session and every race, and every time you leave the pool, they likely get tossed into your bag. The protective layer on the goggles can be worn down by contact with towels and other gear. When wearing them, you might also casually wipe off the inside of the lenses with your fingers, which can scratch them.

It is easy to forget about your goggles until there's an issue, but this routine wear and tear will hasten the degradation of the anti-fog layer. That's why it's important to know other ways to keep your goggles fog-free.

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How Can You Prevent Foggy Goggles?

Your goggles are crucial to your ability to see well while you swim, whether your face is in or out of the water. Here are some ways to keep your swim goggles from fogging up:

1. Anti-Fog Spray

While DIY methods can do the trick, some swimmers prefer to go with an option specifically designed for swim goggles. Anti-fog spray comes in a small bottle you can keep inside your swim bag. Some bottles have a carrying case that can be attached to the strap of your bag as well for easy access.

The spray works by decreasing surface tension, which means it is more difficult for water droplets to gather and condense on your goggles. The hands-off application of anti-fog spray is one of its key benefits — since it's easy to scratch your lenses if you touch them with your fingers or a cloth that's too rough.

Application of anti-fog spray is quick and simple. First, make sure each lens is clean. You do not want to mix the spray with any dirt or debris, such as sand. Next, use the spray bottle to apply a thin, even coat of the product to the inside of each lens. After spraying the goggles, give them a quick rinse. You can do this in the sink, shower or even the pool. Now your goggles should be clear for your workout or your race.

You also have the option of leaving anti-fog spray on your goggles overnight. Apply the spray, rinse the goggles and then let them air dry while you sleep. They will be ready to go next time you head to the pool.

2. Proper Care

If you want to stop swimming goggles from fogging up, proper care is the first line of defense. It will ensure the anti-fog layer on the lenses, as well as the rest of the goggles, lasts as long as possible.

First, never to use your fingers to wipe off the inside of the lenses. If you need to clean your goggles while you swim, run them through the water in the pool. After you are done swimming, you can rinse them off with cool, fresh water in the sink. Rinsing the goggles off will remove chlorine and any other pool chemicals that can cause them to degrade.

Before storing them, make sure they are completely dry to prevent mildew and mold growth, and avoid using any sort of abrasive material to dry them off. Rough material can scratch the protective anti-fog coating and make the goggles more vulnerable to fogging. Air drying is the safest drying method. Simply hang your goggles up and store them after they are completely dry.

If you want to be extra vigilant about the longevity of your goggles, consider storing them in a protective case. It can protect the goggles from accidental scratches and keep the anti-fog layer intact for longer — which can be especially helpful if you have a more expensive pair of swimming goggles.

3. Get Your Face Wet

Condensation can form due to the reaction between the cold pool water and your body heat. Swimmers can combat this issue by cooling down their face before entering the water. Splash your face with the cold pool water and then put on your goggles. Your skin will be cooler when you first dive in, and your goggles will not immediately fog up. This solution may only be temporary, though. As you push your body to swim faster, you will likely heat up, which could still cause fogging to occur.

4. Spit Into Your Goggles

You have probably seen professional swimmers spit into their goggles before race time. While this might seem strange, it is actually an effective way to keep your goggles fog-free. Spit onto each lens and shake the goggles to make sure they are evenly coated. The saliva adds a thin layer of moisture to the lenses, which deters condensation. Some swimmers actually prefer this method because it means there is nothing there that could potentially cause eye sensitivity.

Like wetting your face, spitting in your goggles is a temporary way to deal with the problem. You can use this method as often as you want, but you, of course, cannot stop in the middle of a race to do it.

5. Shampoo

Swimmers rinse off in the shower before and after each swim, so shampoo is always handy. Just like toothpaste, shampoo can leave a thin protective film on your goggles that will prevent the formation of fog. Take a very small drop of shampoo and gently rub it across the surface of one lens. Repeat the process with the second lens. Then, rinse the goggles off in the sink or the shower. Just don't rinse them too much, or the shampoo will come off completely. Hair conditioner will also have the same effect.

This method can certainly be effective, but you will want to keep your eyes safe. Everyone knows how much it burns when you accidentally get shampoo in your eyes. Opting to use baby shampoo is an ideal way to make sure this does not happen. The gentle formula is designed not to sting if you get it in your eyes.

Whether you use baby shampoo or your regular shampoo, it is a good idea to test out this fog-free method for the first time during a practice session. That way, you can perfect the amount of shampoo and rinsing necessary to keep your goggles fog-free without causing eye sensitivity. You do not want to find out you didn't rinse your goggles off thoroughly enough on an important race day.

6. Shaving Cream

Shaving cream is another quick and easy anti-fog option. If you already use shaving cream, grab a bottle from the cabinet or buy a small one to keep with you in your swim bag. Although it's thicker than toothpaste and shampoo, shaving cream has the same effect. Squirt a small amount onto your fingertip and gently smooth it across the inside of each goggle lens. If you have a soft towel that will not scratch up the lens, you can gently wipe the excess shaving cream away. Otherwise, you can quickly rinse off the goggles in the sink or the shower.

Just like the toothpaste and shampoo tricks, keep eye sensitivity in mind. Make sure only a thin, transparent layer of the shaving cream is left behind. You should not actually be able to see anything on the surface of the lens. It may also be helpful to use shaving cream without a heavy scent. Unscented shaving cream for sensitive skin is a good option to reduce the risk of it affecting your eyes.

Turn to Kiefer for Top Quality Swim Gear

Like any piece of sports equipment, swimming goggles have a lifespan. If these tips to keep your goggles fog-free are no longer working, it may be time to invest in a new pair. When you are goggle shopping, you can look for options that specifically feature an anti-fog layer on the lenses. Brands like Speedo, RISE, TYR, Arena and Dolfin make goggles with anti-fog lenses. Keep in mind that durability, comfort, fit and price are also important factors to consider.

No matter your style, color, brand and budget preferences, Kiefer's extensive collection of swim goggles will have what you need to dive into the pool with a fresh outlook. Forget about fog and focus on getting your new personal best, one stroke at a time.

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Swimmers, tired of cloudy, steamy goggles? You're in luck! Read on for advice on preventing swim goggles from fogging up- and learn to make your own swim goggle anti-fog.

What Causes Swim Goggle Fogging?

To understand how to prevent foggy goggles, it's important to understand the science behind the annoying goggle clouding that prevents you from making the most of your time in the pool.

What is it? Fog - Steam - Clouds?

The annoying fog that forms on your goggle lenses during your swim workout or race is actually condensation, tiny water droplets formed when water vapor changes from a gas into a liquid.

What Causes Condensation?

Condensation is a phase transition of matter that occurs when water vapor contained in hot, humid air comes in contact with a cold surface. The air temperature inside your swim goggles increases due to body heat; body temperature continues to climb due increased athletic exertion. Perspiration forms around your eyes, further raising goggle humidity. Colder water outside your swim goggles causes goggles lenses to cool. As water vapor comes in contact with your cooler swim goggle lenses, it reaches its saturation point, causing water droplets to form during a process known as deposition.

Swift Swimmer Fact: Goggle condensation forms when water vapor meets a cool surface.

How To Keep Swim Goggles From Fogging Up

Here are some essential tips for preventing foggy swim goggles.

Buy Anti-Fog Goggles

High-quality swim goggles lenses are  pre-treated with anti-fog coating. Read product descriptions to make sure you purchase anti-fog swimming goggles!

Don't Touch Goggle Lenses

Your big fingers should be used to pull you through the water. Keep them away from the inside of your goggle lenses or you'll erode and smudge the anti-fog coating, causing it to lose effectiveness prematurely.

Use Anti-fog Spray

If your goggles are fogging, apply anti-fog spray to restore an anti-fog coating on your lenses.

Slacker Anti-Fog

• • Spit: Don't underestimate yourself. Spitting in your lenses, followed by a quick shake, will temporarily abate fogging. However, repeatedly stopping your swim to fill your goggles with spit gets old- and attracts odd glances.
• • Sloshing: Keep a little bit of water in each lens, allowing it to slosh across your goggle lenses as you swim. This is annoying, but will suffice in a pinch.

Tip: Don't wear your swim goggles on your forehead. Your hot forehead (yes, you're hot) and a lack of airflow can also cause condensation before you dive in. Pro Tip: Instead, push your goggle straps into the leg of your suit, swim cap, or neck of your wetsuit.

Swim Goggle Anti-Fog

How Does Goggle Anti-Fog Work?

Swim goggle anti-fog is a surfactant that lowers water droplet surface tension, causing it to spread easily in a process known as "wetting". Wetting prevents water from scattering into droplets. Voila- no fog.

How To Apply Goggle Anti-Fog

Don't be a pool fool! Keeping anti-fog solution in your swim bag and taking :20 to treat your goggles is well worth your time, helping you see the clock, other swimmers, and the pool. Here are two techniques for applying anti-fog:

• • Quick Start:

  • • Squirt or spray anti-fog, coating the entire inside lens.
  • • Rinse your goggles (a fast dip in the pool if you're at swim practice) and give them a shake.
  • • Get on with your swim.

• • Overnight:

  • • Carefully squirt or spray anti-fog, coating the entire inside lens.
  • • Give your goggles a quick rinse.
  • • Position goggles with the insides of the lenses pointing upward and allow them to air dry.
  • • Again- keep your paws off the insides of the lens!

DIY Anti-Fog Goggles

There are plenty of DIY (Do It Yourself) swim goggle anti-fog treatments that swimmers can brew at home. Here are two to try- at your own risk!

Baby Shampoo Anti-Fog:

The easiest DIY solution is baby shampoo. Like most shampoos, it is a surfactant and will prevent fogging. Apply baby shampoo to the inside of goggle lenses by using a cloth to wipe and spread the shampoo. However, caution must be used:

• • Scratch alert! Take care when wiping baby shampoo onto goggle lenses! Lenses scratch easily; be sure to remove any dirt or debris from the lens surface prior to wiping- and use a soft, clean cloth.
• • Pain Alert! Leaky goggles will cause shampooed water to enter your eyes- this hurts enough to stop your swim mid-stroke.

Stacey Kiefer's Anti-Fog Recipe

Stacey Kiefer's anti-fog recipe leverages the strengths of store bought and DIY anti-fog solutions by combining off-the-shelf anti-fog with dishwashing soap. Stacey maintains that this combination creates a more resilient anti-fog coating with greater longevity. Ingredients:

• • Anti-fog solution
• • Eco-friendly liquid dishwashing soap

Directions:

• • Mix Kiefer or Speedo anti-fog with liquid dishwashing soap inside a spray bottle in a 4:1 ratio.
• • Spray a uniform coating of anti-fog over entire interior of both goggle lenses.
• • Give your goggles a quick rinse.
• • Shake remaining water from lenses.
• • Pain Warning! You're ready to swim, but make sure your goggles don't leak- or you'll get soapy water in your eyes!

Did that clear things up?

We'd love to hear from you. Please share your fogging prevention techniques- or greatest challenges to swimming. We'd love to help. Until then, check out our posts on swim goggle care and lap swimming etiquette. See you at the pool, Robin Spencer Kiefer

Racing Swim Goggles Review - Kiefer Mach 5

Amazingly, swim goggles didn't make their debut in the Olympics until 1976. Nearly 38 years later, Kiefer offers racing goggles by Speedo, TYR, Arena, blueseventy, and Kiefer.

Inspired By Olympic Level Competition

Kiefer introduced the Mach 5 Swim Goggles in spring 2008, inspired by the Omaha Olympic Trials and Beijing Olympics. The Mach 5 is designed for racing, but its comfortable, reliable fit makes it a great choice for swim practice and lap swimming as well.

Comparing Other Swim Goggle Brands

When considering the Mach 5, Kiefer customers always ask for a comparison to Speedo & TYR goggles. This is a fair question, because swim goggle selection is a crucial and intimate decision that can make or break a successful race or workout. Mach 5 is most similar to Speedo Vanquisher and TYR Velocity swim goggles, offering close-fitting, low profile lenses, silicone gaskets, and high-quality components.

Mach 5 Swim Components

Goggle Lenses

Mach 5 lenses have a light smoke tint, cutting down on eyestrain by reducing the level of ambient light that reaches the eyes. The tinted smoke lens tint also makes the Mach 5 perfect for brighter water found in outdoor pools and aquatic centers.

Mach 5 lenses anchor the goggle strap with two molded strap stays that channel water around the lenses and off to the side of the head, allowing them to cut through the water without fighting the extra drag caused by less sophisticated lens designs.

Lenses are pre-treated with an anti-fog coating so you're ready to go out of the box, without the annoyance of fogged vision and additional goggle maintenance.

Lens Gaskets

Mach 5 lenses comfortably prevent water from entering goggles by using gasket style seals. The slight, helpful suction created by gasket seals stops incidental leaks that would otherwise be caused by subtle shifting that occurs during swim starts, flip, turns, intense swimming, and workouts with longer duration workouts.

Sporty, silver gaskets are made from a 100% high-quality LSR (liquid silicone rubber), to prevent allergic reactions and provide added resistance to extreme temperatures that can warp goggle gaskets made from inferior materials.

Why are lenses and gaskets so important? Because increased comfort and better visibility means that you'll have more time to boost your fitness and swim technique, instead of draining and adjusting your swimming goggles.

Goggle Straps

The Mach 5 comes equipped with a double head strap, allowing unlimited strap positioning options for a personal, customized fit that keeps goggle lenses comfortably in place.

Like the lenses, the strap is also made from 100% liquid silicone rubber, offering superior durability and longevity. Both sides of the goggle straps feature a strap coupler, joining the straps together to resisting tangling and normalize strap pull for consistent pressure along the full length of the gasket seal.

A simple black strap clip allows quick hassle free adjustments, easily locking the perfect fit in place.

Goggle Nose Pieces

The last piece of the perfect fit of the Mach 5 is the nosepiece. Mach 5 includes 3 interchangeable nosepieces, allowing swimmers to find the perfect fit to accommodate all nose profiles and eye spacing.

Looking for more advice?

Read our posts on swim goggle care and reviews of our Kiefer Visionspex & Kiefer Conqueror Swim Goggles Racing Swim Goggles Best Swim Goggles Swim Goggle Review

Swim goggles that are scratched, foggy, and broken are useless to swimmers. Keep your goggles happy and you'll be a better, happier swimmer. Read on and learn how to extend the life of your goggles and keep them working properly.

The Golden Rule Of Swim Goggle Care

Don't Touch Your Goggle Lenses With Anything

Don't touch goggle lenses, especially on the inside. Doing so degrades goggle visibility:

• Dirt: Dirt and oil from fingers reduces vision clarity.
• Scratches: Contact from fingers, fingernails, rough cloths, or (gasp) tools damages lenses, causing swimmer eyes to refocus on scratches instead of the lap lane or competition.
• Anti-Fog Abuse: Wiping the inside of a lens with anything can damage the anti-fog coating and scratch the lens, resulting in a blurry, foggy view. (If foggy goggles are a consistent problem, check out this anti-fog goggle spray.)

Remember, poor visibility causes eyestrain, irritation, and fatigue. Don't touch!

How To Store Swim Goggles

Do's

• Gently rinse with fresh cold, fresh water before storing.
• Store your goggles in the original case or a sunglasses pouch to protect goggle lenses from scratches.
• When you return from the pool, allow goggles to completely air dry.

Dont's

• Don't expose your goggles to extreme heat- extreme heat can melt or warp goggle gaskets.
• Don't expose swim goggles to direct sunlight- doing so can age rubber straps and cause them to snap prematurely.
• Don't store wet goggles. Instead, allow goggles to air dry prior to storage.
• Extra Bonus Tip: Open water swimmers - no matter how careful you are, sand find its way into swim bags.  Even after carefully rinsing sand away from your goggles, never toss loose goggles into your swim bag. Loose goggles will invariably find the sand in your gear bag and scratch your lenses. How do you avoid this? Take the time after your training to put your swim goggles back in their protecting case or bag.

How to Clean Swim Goggles

The less you handle your swimming goggles, the better. However, lenses, gaskets, and straps should be kept clean. Follow these steps to safely clean your swim goggles.

• Rinse: Gently rinse goggle straps, lenses, and eye gaskets in cold, fresh water. This eliminates pool chemicals (like chlorine) that will age goggle gaskets and straps. Give 'em a shake to remove excess water.

  • Bonus Tip: Rinsing also prevents dirt and deposits (pool water residuals, dirt, salt) from crusting up on your goggles.
  • Extra Bonus Tip: Triathletes and swimmers training in open water should take special care to keep swim goggles away from sand. Rinse away sand - do not try to remove it with your fingers (otherwise you'll scratch the lenses - see the Golden Rule above).

• Strap Cleaning:

  • Dip your fingers into soapy water and massage straps.
  • Take special care to keep the soapy rinse water away from swim goggle lenses and goggle gaskets.
  • Bonus Tip: If goggle design allows, disconnect the goggle strap for cleaning.

• Rinse Again: Rinse away the soapy water solution, taking special care to keep the rinse away from swim goggle lenses and gaskets.
• Air Dry: Allow goggles to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight.

Removing Dirt, Scale, and Other Deposits with Vinegar

If you're goggles are really dirty and nearly beyond hope of benefiting from basic rinsing, consider this immersion cleaning technique.

• Find a small bowl that is large enough to contain and submerge your swim goggles.
• Fill the bowl with hop tap water and stir in 5 tablespoons of white vinegar.
• Add your swim goggles or swim mask to the bowl, making sure lenses and seals are completely submerged.
• Soak goggles for 2 hours, remove from your vinegar solution, and immediately rinse in cold, fresh water.
• Gently shake excess water from goggles and allow them to air dry completely before storing.

What To Do When Anti-Fog Coating Wears Off

• Anti-fog spray: Applying anti-fog goggle spray will review fog resistant properties of your swim goggles.
• Sloshing technique: Some swimmers will keep a few drops of water in their goggles, allow prevent fog from forming with a thin layer of water, that constantly sloshes around your goggles lenses as you swim. Although this technique is convenient, the distraction can take away from your workout.

Did you get all that?

If you're careful with your goggles, you may never use many of these recommendations. Remember, minimal handling, rinsing, and proper storage practices will easily double the life of your swim goggles. I'd love to hear what other swimmers are doing to extend or restore the life of their goggles - please let us know. See you in the lap lanes!

Surprise! Swimming is interesting!

On New Year's Eve, I found myself discussing new year's resolutions with a group of friends at a party.

I told them that one of my goals was to get to the pool more regularly (note: this is an extremely obtainable goal, now that my 5 & 8 year old have evening swim practice). Non-swimmers at the party started asking unusual questions about swimming that I happily answered.

Then it dawned on me: their questions weren't unusual at all! I took a step backward (mentally - so to speak) and concluded that the sport of swimming is as interesting as it is challenging!

With that in mind, I've compiled a short list of swimming trivia questions and facts to interest and amuse swimmers of all ages.

How long is an Olympic Swimming Pool?

Many swimmers have undoubtedly had to bite their tongues when the general public bats around the term "Olympic Swimming Pool."

• Question: How often does the new apartment complex or hotel really contain an "Olympic Swimming Pool"?
• Answer: Never!

Olympic pools are 50 meters long, also known as a "long course" pool. Short course pools are 25 yards or 25 meters.

• Question: True or False, Olympic pools are exactly 50 meters long.
• Answer: False! Technically a pool must allow a full 50 meters of water between touchpads to satisfy international competitive standards mandated by FINA (and USA Swimming), the international governing body of swimming. However, Olympic pools are typically oversized, to allow timing touchpads to be placed over the pool wall, without shortening the pool to a length below the required 50 meter distance*.

* FINA allows a distance tolerance of plus .03 meters, but you can't go shorter than 50 meters!

How cold (warm) is a Competitive Swimming Pool?

• Question: What pool water temperature is required for competition (FINA / USA Swimming)?
• Answer: 75º F - 82.4º F (that's converted from 25° C - 28° C).

Temperature extremes inhibit performance, so don't believe the rumor that the water is kept cold to jar the body into reacting with a personal best.

When were swim goggles first used in the Olympics?

This fact really caught me off guard. I knew my grandfather Adolph Kiefer didn't wear goggles. But then I remembered pictures of Mark Spitz blasting through the water mustache first in the 1972 Olympics - still no goggles!

• Answer: Swim goggles weren't used in the Olympics until 1976 in Montreal.
• Bonus Fact: Swim goggles were first used in international competition by David Wilkie in the 1970 Commonwealth Games.

What is the Fastest Swim Stroke?

• Question: What is the fastest swim stroke?
• Answer: Freestyle

Ok, picking the fastest stroke might seem easy. But if you're not a competitive swimmer, you might not even be able to do so. Here is how the 4 competitive swim strokes rank in speed (starting with the fastest).

1. Freestyle
2. Butterfly
3. Backstroke
4. Breaststroke

Many swimmers think Butterfly is the most taxing stroke - but it isn't the slowest. Surprised?

Do Swimmers Sweat When They Swim?

• Question: Do swimmers sweat?
• Answer: Yes!

Your body temperature rises as you swim, just as it does with any physical activity. If the exertion from swimming causes your temperature to rise to sufficient heights, your body will sweat.

Don't forget! Hydrate during swim workouts - you can't see it - but a good pool workout and the right environmental conditions will make you perspire!

Heard Any Other Good Swimming Trivia?

This was only a short list - and I'll be keeping a running list for upcoming swim trivia posts.

Maybe you've got one to share? Please let me know.

See you at the pool,

Robin

A Creature Of Habit

Believe me, I'm like most lifetime swimmers. I'm a creature of habit, and making a change to my swim workout, my kickboard, or even my anti-chlorine shampoo is very unlikely. Change my goggles? Only if I've lost them and they're no longer being made by the manufacturer. But I'll make one exception to my goggle and swim gear rule.

From Pool To Pond

Many competitive swimmers and triathletes transition from the pool to open water without changing up their choice of swim goggles. But I'd recommend experimenting. Swimmers that plan to race and train longer distances in open water should consider a change, ditching their regular goggles for a pair better suited for open water.

Some prefer swim masks in open water, like the Kiefer Maui Swim Mask. Swim Masks have larger frames than your typical goggle, allowing a larger sealing area and increased field of vision, but tend to be heavier and less hydrodynamic. For those who still prefer swim goggles, Kiefer has the perfect solution, the Kiefer Visionspex Polarized Swim Goggle.

Kiefer Visionspex Polarized Swim Goggle

The Kiefer Visionspex goggle is larger framed than typical goggle, providing a very accommodating fit to the adult eye socket. A flexible goggle frame molds easily and comfortably to the face. Ample silicone gaskets do not crowd eyes, and require little strap pressure to secure a watertight seal. Even with an overtightened strap, these gaskets remain comfortably and do not bear done on the eyes.

The Visionspex strap is made from a nicely finished silicone and is split into two as the strap approaches the back of the head, allowing for a tailored and secure fit to satisfy the unique physically geometry of any user. The quick adjust system is located at both points where the strap enters the frame, and requires little time and effort for easy and precise adjustment.

During my open water swim in Lake Andrea yesterday, I made mental notes of why this goggle is my constant

companion during my open water training. Besides the comfort of the goggle, it's still fast in the water (no bulky clunked here). But that's not the even the best part about these swimming goggles.

I think the most outstanding advantages of the Visionspex Polarized are the lenses. They provide wide viewing angles, allowing great views of competitors and surrounding life aquatic. Lenses are also treated with anti-fog to provide a clear path - so there's no need to stop, flood, and drain to maintain clear vision. But the best lens feature is the polarization (and anyone who's had their course sighting flooded out by unwanted sun reflection - take note!). Even in sunny conditions, the polarization helps tame the glare of the sun, allowing you to better differentiate waves, swimmers, boats, and shore landmarks.

Summing It Up

In short, Visionspex are a great choice for training and racing, and a natural for open water. Offering ultimate comfort and enhanced visibility, they're worth adding to your swim bag.

Please check 'em out and let me know what you think.

Now get out there and grab some water!

Thanks,

Robin Spencer Kiefer

Looking For More On Open Water Swimming?

Be sure to check out our Open Water Swim Training post, and check back for my review on the Safer Swimmer Open Water Swim Buoy.

Hello and welcome to the Kiefer Swim Shop blog!

Before we dig in and really get this blog going, please allow me to introduce myself and share my background.

My name is Emily Milak. I started swimming when I was three and fell in love with competition. My love for the sport makes me passionate about helping others discover swimming and I hope to be a resource for our readers.

I have competed at junior and senior nationals, traveled with the US National team to World Championships twice, and won two individual NCAA championships in the 500 Free. I currently hold an NCAA record for one of those titles. In my post swimming career, I spent several years as a head age group coach at a highly successful swim club and later became a mother to a wonderful little girl. I continue to swim and compete, most recently becoming a United States Masters Swimmers national champion. My knowledge base is broad from a wide range of personal experience. I've worked clinics and mentored athletes, I love to talk to people, tell stories, and answer questions. I'm here to help you become stronger swimmer - just let me know how i can help!

Please join the conversation and let me know what topics interest you - what do you want to hear about?

For now I'd like to share my thoughts about my latest "go to" goggle, the Kiefer Conqueror.

Kiefer Conqueror Goggle Review

The Kiefer Conqueror is a top of the line all purpose swim goggle.

Personally, I use Conqueror goggles in all situations, for swim practice, fitness swimming, and racing. A fully customizable fit is achieved due to interchangeable nosepieces and durable silicone goggle straps that are easily adjusted. Goggle gaskets are soft and mold snuggly to the eyes without causing painful pressure, comfortable for both two hour swim workout or a quick 50 yard sprint - and everything in between. The optics provide incredible clarity in the water and are treated with anti-fog for lasting clear vision. With all of these benefits, the Conqueror has become a standard in my gear bag and my racing pack. Compared to other goggles with similar molded eyecups, our Conquer has so much to offer at only a fraction of the cost.

Click hear to get a pair for yourself!

P.S. Don't miss next week's swimming advice on how to choose a swim fin.