A good pair of goggles can make or break a swim session. Get the right fit and you barely notice them. Get the wrong pair and you'll spend half your swim stopping to adjust, drain water out, or wipe fog from the lenses.
With so many options out there, knowing where to start isn't always obvious. This guide covers everything worth considering, from fit and lens types to the difference between pool and open water goggles, so you can find a pair that works for you and get in the water.
Pool vs Open Water: Start Here
Before anything else, think about where you'll be swimming most of the time.
For pool swimming, you want a close-fitting, low-profile goggle that stays put through turns and doesn't create unnecessary drag. Anti-fog coating is a must for indoor pools. Lens tint is mostly a matter of preference, though many swimmers go with clear lenses for training and tinted lenses for outdoor pools.
For open water swimming, the priorities shift. You want a wider field of vision to help with sighting, UV protection for sunny conditions, and a softer seal that's comfortable over a longer swim. Polarised or mirrored lenses help cut through surface glare, which makes a real difference when you're navigating open water.
If you split your time between both, it's worth having a pair for each. Alternatively, look for a versatile all-rounder with UV protection and a cushioned seal that'll handle both environments reasonably well.
Getting the Fit Right
Fit is everything. No lens technology or anti-fog coating matters if your goggles leak.
Here's a simple test you can try: press the goggle lenses gently against your eyes without using the strap. They should create a light suction and stay in place for a few seconds. If they fall straight off, the frame shape isn't right for your face.
A few other things to check:
Gasket shape: The gasket is the soft seal around the lens. Narrow gaskets suit smaller faces; wider, cushioned gaskets are more comfortable for longer sessions and open water swimming.
Nose bridge: A lot of goggles come with an adjustable nose bridge or multiple sizes included. Getting this right is important. Too wide and the lenses tilt away from your face, breaking the seal.
Strap adjustment: Look for a strap that's easy to tighten and loosen, especially for kids. A strap that's too tight causes pressure and headaches; too loose and the goggles shift mid-stroke.
A well-fitting pair should feel secure without being uncomfortable. If you're wincing after 15 minutes, something's off.
Lens Types Explained
Clear lenses are best for indoor pools and low-light conditions. If you swim early mornings or evenings, clear is the practical choice.
Tinted lenses reduce the amount of light coming through and suit outdoor pools and open water in bright conditions. Not ideal for indoor use.
Mirrored lenses have a reflective coating that blocks glare. A solid choice for outdoor and open water swimming, and popular with competitive swimmers. They also look great, for what it's worth.
Polarised lenses filter horizontal glare off the water's surface, giving you the clearest possible vision in direct sunlight. Worth the investment if you swim in the ocean or open lakes regularly.
Photochromic lenses adjust their tint automatically depending on the light. They're a premium option, but genuinely useful if you swim in mixed or unpredictable conditions and don't want to manage multiple pairs.
Arena vs TYR: Which Should You Go With?
Both are trusted brands used by swimmers at every level, from beginners to elite competitors. Here's a quick comparison.
Arena goggles are built with precision and performance in mind. They tend to have a firmer, close-fitting seal that works particularly well for pool swimming. The Cobra range is a favourite among competitive swimmers, while the Air and Tracks styles are a reliable training option at a more accessible price point.
TYR offers a broader range of frame shapes and styles, which makes it easier to find a fit if Arena's profile doesn't suit your face. TYR's open water and triathlon goggles are especially well regarded, with a wider field of view and strong UV protection built in.
In general terms: if you're a lap swimmer after a streamlined, performance-focused fit, start with Arena. If you want more variety in frame shapes or spend time in open water, TYR is worth a look.
Browse our full range of adults swimming goggles, or shop directly by brand: Arena | TYR
Choosing Goggles for Kids
The priorities for kids are a bit different. Fit still matters, but ease of use matters just as much. Kids need goggles they can put on and adjust themselves without help every session.
Look for a wide, easy-grip strap and a flexible nose bridge that suits smaller faces. Younger children do well with softer, cushioned gaskets that are gentle around the eyes. Anti-fog coating is especially useful for learn-to-swim environments where kids are spending a lot of time with their faces in the water.
For older kids and teens who are training competitively, a more performance-oriented pair is appropriate. Just make sure the nose bridge fits correctly and the lenses aren't sitting too far apart for their face.
Browse our kids swimming goggles range.
Looking After Your Goggles
A little care goes a long way. Rinse your goggles in fresh, cool water after every swim. Chlorine and salt will degrade the silicone and anti-fog coating over time if left to dry on the lens.
Don't wipe the inside of the lenses. The anti-fog coating sits on the inner surface, and rubbing it wears it away. If your goggles fog mid-swim, a quick dip in the pool water will clear them.
Store them in a case. Broken goggles and lens scratches are the most common reason swimmers end up needing a replacement pair earlier than expected. A simple hard or soft case in your swim bag can help to avoid this.
When the seal starts leaking or the gasket hardens and loses its flexibility, it's time for a new pair. With regular care, most goggles will last a season or two of consistent use.
Browse our goggle cases and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best swimming goggles for beginners in NZ?
For beginners, look for something with a soft cushioned gasket, an adjustable nose bridge, and clear or lightly tinted lenses. Arena's Air range and TYR's Blackops are both great starting points; comfortable, easy to adjust, and reliable in the pool.
How do I stop my goggles from leaking?
Most leaks come down to fit rather than a faulty product. Try the press test first: hold the goggle against your eyes without the strap. If it doesn't hold a light suction, the frame shape isn't right for your face. Also check the nose bridge size. Too wide and the lenses tilt away from your face, breaking the seal at the sides.
How do I stop my goggles from fogging up?
Avoid touching the inside of the lenses. The anti-fog coating is on the inner surface and wiping it wears it away quickly. Before your swim, a quick rinse with pool water helps activate the coating. If an older pair keeps fogging despite this, it's usually a sign the coating has worn out and it's time to replace them.
Do I need different goggles for pool and open water swimming?
Not necessarily, but it helps. Pool goggles are optimised for low drag and clear indoor vision. Open water goggles offer a wider field of view and UV or polarised lenses for bright conditions. If you swim regularly in both, having a dedicated pair for each is worth it.
What size goggles should I buy for my child?
Most brands clearly indicate junior sizing or an age range, and many include multiple nose bridge options. Use the same press test as for adults; hold the goggle against the eyes without the strap and check for a light seal. If they sit loosely or too far from the face, try a smaller size.
Are mirrored goggles only for competitive swimmers?
Not at all. Mirrored lenses are a great choice for any swimmer training or swimming outdoors in bright conditions. They reduce glare and eye strain. They're especially popular with open water swimmers and triathletes.
How long should a pair of swimming goggles last?
With regular rinsing and proper storage, most goggles will last one to two seasons of regular swimming. The gasket and anti-fog coating are usually the first things to go. If your goggles are leaking or consistently fogging despite proper care, it's time to replace them. Remember to keep them safely stored in a protective case when not in use.
Ready to find your perfect pair? Browse our full range of swimming goggles from Arena and TYR, for adults and kids, at Swim Safe.