If you want to maximize your speed in the water and ensure that you swim as fast as possible, then you better make sure that you have a solid pair of racing goggles to assist you on your journey.
Swimming goggles are easily one of the most important pieces of swimming equipment among the arsenal of gear used by the modern swimmer. Goggles mainly help you to see clearly while swimming, which is important for a number of reasons, such as timing your turns perfectly, helping you to refine and master certain parts of your swimming technique, as well as helping you to keep an eye on your competitors while racing.
Swimming goggles will also help to protect your eyes from potentially harmful chemicals in the water such as chlorine for example.
There are 2 main categories of swimming goggles. Namely, training and racing goggles. Racing goggles are designed to have a more streamline, lightweight, and low-profile shape, ultimately cutting down on drag and helping to reduce your resistance in the water as much as possible by helping you to cut through the water in a more hydrodynamic way.
These goggles are also designed with peripheral vision in mind which is going to give you a wide field of vision in the water as well as complete awareness of where your competitors are without ever having to break your streamline position.
That said, through personal experience in many years of swimming and with the help of some extra research, I have put together a list of the best swimming goggles for racing to help you swim as fast as possible and crush your races in the pool this season. So let’s get to it-
7 Best Swimming Goggles for Competition
Here are the 7 best swimming goggles for racing-
- Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe Goggles
- Speedo Fastskin3 Elite Goggles
- Phelps Xceed Goggles
- Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 Racing Goggles
- TYR Tracer X Racing Goggles
- Arena Tracks Mirror Goggles
- TYR Socket Rocket Racing Goggles
←Scroll To View Full Table On Mobile→
| Racing Goggles | Materials | Lenses | Our Rating | View On SwimOutlet |
| Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe | Polycarbonate, Silicone | Mirrored, Tinted | 10/10 | >View Price |
| Speedo Fastskin3 Elite | Polycarbonate, Silicone | Mirrored | 10/10 | >View Price |
| Phelps Xceed | Polycarbonate, Silicone | Mirrored, Tinted | 10/10 | >View Price |
| Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 | Polycarbonate, Silicone | Mirrored | 9/10 | >View Price |
| TYR Tracer X | Polycarbonate, Liquid Silicone | Mirrored, Tinted | 9/10 | >View Price |
| Arena Tracks | Polycarbonate, Silicone | Mirrored, Tinted | 8/10 | >View Price |
| TYR Socket Rocket | Polycarbonate, Rubber | Mirrored, Tinted, Clear | 7.5/10 | >View Price |
1. Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe Goggles
The Arena Cobra Ultra Goggles are by far the most advanced and popular racing goggles currently available. No matter what swimming meet you go to, there will almost always be a large number of swimmers rocking these in the pool.
The original Arena Cobra Ultra swimming goggles have been upgraded to the new and improved Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe Goggles. This is essentially the same goggle but with far better (and actually noticeable) anti-fog technology.
Build: The Arena Cobra Ultra Goggles feature a blade design which helps to enhance hydrodynamics resulting in lower drag and improved glide in the water. The goggle features a very low profile design sitting very close to your face for maximized hydrodynamics and speed.
The entire goggle is put together utilizing high-tech molding processes and it also includes a 100% silicone adjustable TPE strap at the back for a very secure and comfortable fit. These build qualities allow for a very durable goggle that will last a long time, hence you look after it. Personally, my Arena Cobra Ultra goggles have lasted about 2 years per pair before I have to replace them, which is a very long time for a goggle to stay intact.
Vision: The Cobra Ultra’s have some of the best peripheral vision in the water due to their curved lens shape which helps to give you a wide field of view when racing. These goggles are also available in a bunch of tints and mirrored options which all provide crystal clear vision in the water.
Comfort: In terms of the fit of these goggles, I find them relatively comfortable to wear around, although some swimmers do complain that they sit a bit close over the eyes which may feel uncomfortable depending on the person. Personally, I am actually using one of my old pairs of Cobra Ultras for training at the moment and I am able to comfortably wear them throughout my entire 2-hour training sessions without any problems, although I will admit that it took a bit of time to get used to.
Final Word: The Arena Cobra Ultra swimming goggles are definitely one of my favorite pairs of goggles out there. These are definitely one of the most hydrodynamic, low-profile, and lightweight goggles that you can get making them perfect for racing.
On top of that, they are also very durable and have a solid design. They can definitely be a bit pricier than some other goggles, but I’d say it’s completely worth it. For some more info about this goggle consider checking out my full review on it.
Racing Goggle Specifications-
- Materials: Polycarbonate Lenses, Silicone Gasket.
- Lenses: Hard Mirror Polycarbonate.
- Strap: 100% Silicone Adjustable TPE Strap.
- Anti-Fog: Yes, Swipe Anti-Fog Technology.
- Nose-Bridges: 3 Sizes Included.
- Our Rating: 10/10
2. Speedo Fastskin3 Elite Goggles
Designed by one of the biggest and best competitive swimwear brands are the Speedo Fastskin3 Elite Goggles. These goggles are part of Speedo’s innovative racing system- cap, goggles, and suit designed to work in harmony. That said, there is no need to own the entire racing system to use these goggles and you are more than free to use whichever racing suit and cap you want.
Similar to the Arena Cobra Ultra Goggles, the Speedo Fastskin3 Elite Goggles are also a very popular pair of racing goggles as well as easily being one of the fastest and most innovative pairs of goggles on the market with a great overall design.
Build: The Speedo Fastskin3 Elite Goggles feature a hydrodynamic design with low profile polycarbonate lenses for reduced resistance, ultimately helping you to swim as fast as possible.
The gasket of the goggle features a high-quality 3D TPR goggle seal ensuring minimal goggle movement, a secure fit, and maximal comfort while racing.
On the backside of the Fastskin3 Elite we’ll find Speedo’s innovative IQ Fit goggle strap. This 100% silicone goggle strap helps you to find the perfect fit and comfort using fit point markers and it also cuts down on drag by removing dangling ends and reducing bulk under your cap.
Vision: The Fastskin3 Elite Racing Goggles allow for excellent all-around vision in the water. The hydroscopic lens ensures for a wide field of vision while swimming helping you to be aware of what’s going on around you. The goggle generally comes in mirrored lens variations with a few color options to pick from depending on whether you swim indoors or outdoors and what style you like most.
Comfort: The Speedo Fastskin3 Elite Goggles are definitely one of the more comfortable pairs of racing goggles out there. Personally, I feel like they fit very similarly to the Arena Cobra Ultra goggles, but they do allow for a bit more room in front of the eyes. The IQ Fit-Strap and 3D TPR goggle seal discussed earlier also definitely have a noticeable effect on making this goggle very comfortable.
Final Word: Overall, the Speedo Fastskin3 Elite Goggles are a great pair of racing goggles with some unique and innovative features ensuring maximal speed and performance in the pool. The design is very sturdy and will offer great durability as well as good comfort in the pool.
Racing Goggle Specifications-
- Materials: Polycarbonate And Silicone.
- Lenses: Hygroscopic Polycarbonate Lens.
- Strap: IQ Fit Goggle Strap.
- Anti-Fog: Yes.
- Nose-Bridges: 3 Interchangeable Options.
- Our Rating: 10/10
3. Phelps Xceed Goggles
The Phelps Xceed Goggles are another great pair of advanced and innovative racing goggles designed and developed with the help of the legendary swimmer, Michael Phelps and his coach, Bob Bowman.
These goggles aren’t quite as popular among swimmers as the Arena Cobra Ultras and Speedo Fastskin3 Elite goggles, but they still pack a very solid punch and are sure to help you to swim as fast as you can. What’s more, out of personal experience I can say that these are definitely the most comfortable between the 3 pairs of goggles just mentioned making them a great option if comfort is a priority for you.
Build: The Xceed Goggles has a very high-grade build quality featuring exo-core technology which combines 2 materials for maximum durability and performance while the semi-rigid exoskeleton maximizes the structure, strength, and stability of the goggle.
The goggle features polycarbonate lenses and has an anatomical gasket design made from ultra-soft silicone for maximal comfort when wearing your Xceed goggles.
The entire goggle is secured in place using the low-profile silicone strap which can easily be adjusted using the hydrodynamic head buckle allowing for the perfect fit and reduced resistance while racing.
Vision: The Xceed Goggles offer some of the best vision in the game featuring high-quality polycarbonate lenses. Lenses are available in a wide-range of mirrored options allowing you to choose the goggle that best suits your needs.
The lenses of the Xceed goggle feature curved lens technology allowing for a super wide field of vision in the water while the anti-fog and anti-scratch coating keeps your goggles in mint condition for as long as possible.
Comfort: As mentioned earlier, personally, I think that these are one of the most comfortable pairs of racing goggles out there. The lenses allow for a lot of eye room and the softeril gaskets comfortably and securely sits around your eye socket while wearing.
Final Word: Overall, the MP Xceed goggles are a great pair of racing goggles offering excellent build-quality, hydrodynamics, vision, and comfort. They are a bit bigger than the Speedo Fastskin3 Elite and Arena Cobra Ultra goggles but make up for it in other aspects. These goggles will also make a nice fit for open water swimmers as well as for using in training.
Racing Goggle Specifications-
- Materials: Polycarbonate Lenses, Soferil Gasket, Silicone Strap.
- Lenses: Curved Polycarbonate Lenses.
- Strap: Low Profile Silicone Strap.
- Anti-Fog: Yes.
- Nose-Bridges: Interchangeable.
- Our Rating: 10/10.
4. Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 Racing Goggles
If you are looking for a premium-grade racing goggle coming in at a lower price than some of the high-end models we just discussed then the Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 goggles will be perfect for you.
These goggles have a nice overall design and will pack a good punch in the direction of enhanced swimming performance.
Build: the Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 Goggle features a sleek, low profile, and hydrodynamic design ensuring reduced resistance and increased swimming speed in the water. The goggle features mirrored polycarbonate lenses with hypo-allergenic comfort seals inserted into the gasket for a secure and comfortable fit.
In terms of the strap, these feature a double silicone head strap that can be adjusted to find the perfect fit for you.
Vision: The Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 racing goggles offer some of the best vision on the market. The goggle has wide peripheral vision while the lenses come in a number of cool mirrored options.
Not only that, but the interior of the goggles also feature anti-fog technology as well as UV protection for swimmers that race outdoors.
Comfort: The Speedo Speed Socket 2.0s have a standard and comfortable goggle fit. The lenses allow for enough room around and in front of your eyes while the gaskets are designed to rest snugly and securely in the eye socket for a comfortable and secure fit while swimming.
Final Word: All in all, the Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 Racing Goggles will make an excellent fit for swimmers looking for a great all-around racing goggle that still has a very premium design with some nice features, all while coming in at a more affordable price.
Racing Goggle Specifications-
- Materials: Polycarbonate, Silicone.
- Lenses: Polycarbonate Lenses, Wide Panoramic View.
- Strap: Double Silicone Head Strap.
- Anti-Fog: Yes.
- Nose-Bridges: Yes, Included.
- Our Rating: 9/10
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5. TYR Tracer X Racing Goggles
The TYR Tracer X is one of the latest racing and competition swimming goggles released by TYR. Unlike some of the other brands, this flagship model racing goggle comes in at a more affordable mid-range price point, similar to that of the Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 Goggles.
The TYR Tracer X Racing Goggles pack a nice overall design with good build quality, premium features, comfort and vision.
Build: The TYR Tracer X Racing Goggles feature a very flat, hydrodynamic, and low profile design while still allowing enough room in front and around the eyes. This design is going to help to streamline you as much as possible in the water resulting in lower drag and faster swimming.
The lenses are designed using high-quality polycarbonate and are available in a range of both mirrored and tinted options to choose from. The goggle also features a dual adjustable silicone strap to keep the goggle fitted in place while swimming.
Furthermore, the TYR Tracer X features liquid silicone gaskets ensuring for maximal comfort and a secure fit while wearing.
Vision: TYR claims the Tracer X Racing Goggles to have some of the widest peripheral vision in the water, allowing you to have a vision of up to 180-degrees. The polycarbonate lenses also allow for high-definition vision ensuring clear sight in the water so that you can time your turns perfectly and have complete awareness of your surroundings.
Comfort: As mentioned, the TYR Tracer X Goggles feature liquid silicone gaskets which is definitely going to allow for some solid comfort around the eyes while wearing. The goggles also come with 5 interchangeable nose-bridges allowing you to find the perfect fit for maximized comfort while swimming.
Final Word: Overall, the TYR Tracer X Goggles are a solid pair of racing goggles with a very hydrodynamic and low profile design. I wouldn’t quite put these up there with the Cobra Ultra, Fastskin3 Elite, and Phelps Xceed Goggles, but it’s definitely close and considering the price a worthy option.
Racing Goggle Specifications-
- Materials: Silicone, Liquid Silicone, Polycarbonate.
- Lenses: High-Definition Panoramic Lenses.
- Strap: Dual Adjustable Silicone Strap.
- Anti-Fog: Yes.
- Nose-Bridges: 5 Interchangeable Options.
- Our Rating: 9/10
6. Arena Tracks Mirror Goggles
Entering the budget range, we have the Arena Tracks Racing Goggles. These are a solid pair of swimming goggles with a nice build taking features such as hydrodynamics, comfort, and speed into account.
This goggle comes in at a very affordable price at nearly 3 times cheaper than that of the high-end racing goggles and will still allow for some good performance in the pool.
Build: The Arena Tracks feature a very basic design with polycarbonate lenses, and a silicone gasket and strap. Their design is also low-profile and hydrodynamic but not quite as much as the top-end racing goggles.
Nevertheless, this design will still allow for great performance in the water and many swimmers rock these goggles onto pool decks around the world. The only complaint I have is that I’ve found when racing and training with these goggles in the past that the nose bridge has a tendency to snap and make the goggles unusable if you aren’t careful.
Vision: The Arena Tracks allow for good vision in the water. They have a relatively wide field of vision which is great for keeping an eye on the swimmers next to you without having to break your streamline position. They also have anti-fog and UV-protection technology on the inside for extra clear sight.
Comfort: In terms of comfort, I have nothing to complain about. These goggles have a nice and secure fit when used with the right nose-bridge size for you and they allow for plenty of space in front of your eyes as well. The Arena Tracks are great for both training and racing so if you are looking for an affordable and effective dual-purpose goggle then this is it.
Final Word: All in all, the Arena Tracks are a nice and affordable pair of goggles. If you are looking for something that’s going to deliver good all-around performance without breaking the bank then I recommend these.
Racing Goggle Specifications-
- Materials: Polycarbonate, Silicone.
- Lenses: Polycarbonate Lens, Anti-Fog, UV-protection.
- Strap: Dual Silicone Strap.
- Anti-Fog: Yes.
- Nose-Bridges: Interchangeable.
- Our Rating: 8/10
7. TYR Socket Rocket 2.0 Racing Goggles
If you’ve ever been a fan of the Swedish style goggles then the TYR Socket Rocket 2.0 Racing Goggles are definitely a worthy option. These goggles have that Swedish goggle feel and look and come in at a very affordable price point.
Build: The TYR Socket Rocket 2.0s feature a unique look and design. These goggles are super lightweight, hydrodynamic, and low profile making them perfect for racing. Many sprint swimmers like to use this style of goggles due to its lightweight feel.
The Socket Rockets feature all polycarbonate lenses with rubber sockets and straps. The build of this goggle may feel quite flimsy but that contributes to its lightweight design and comfortable fit around the eyes.
Something I really like about the Socket Rockets, however, is the nose-bridge. Unlike other goggles this one uses an adjustable rubber nose bridge allowing for extra comfort and less weight.
Vision: The TYR Socket rockets have a wide field of vision allowing for a panoramic view of up to 180-degrees. The lenses feature both anti-fog and UV-protection technology ensuring crystal clear vision in the water.
Comfort: Swedish goggles are known for not being the most comfortable goggles out there since in many cases they don’t even have a silicone or rubber eye socket. However, unlike the traditional swedish goggles, the TYR Socket Rockets feature a rubber gasket which is going to make wearing it much more comfortable.
Still I wouldn’t say that these are up there in terms of comfort, but they definitely aren’t too bad. When it comes to training, however, I wouldn’t recommend these.
Final Word: Overall, the TYR Socket Rocket 2.0 Goggles are a super fast and hydrodynamic pair of racing goggles coming in at a cheap price. If you are looking for something light and effective to use on race day, then these are a great option.
Racing Goggle Specifications-
- Materials: Polycarbonate, Rubber.
- Lenses: Polycarbonate Lenses, Anti-Fog, UV-Protection.
- Strap: Dual Rubber Strap.
- Anti-Fog: Yes.
- Nose-Bridges: Adjustable Rubber Nose-Bridge.
- Our Rating: 7.5/10
How to Choose Racing Goggles- a Few Things to Consider
Below we are going to take a look at a few things you should consider before choosing your racing goggles. Remember not every swimmer is the same, we all have our own personal preferences in what we like in our swimming goggles and gear.
1. Peripheral Vision
Peripheral vision is one of the most important features of a good racing goggle. It is always a good idea to have a wide field of vision while racing, that way you can keep an eye on your competitors next to you without looking to the side and breaking your body position in the water.
This could ultimately determine the outcome of a race, by giving you the notification to speed up just that extra bit at the end of your race in order to secure gold.
2. Goggle Comfort
Next up, you want to consider the comfort of your racing goggles. Comfort is an important characteristic of a racing goggle since you don’t want to be worrying about how your goggle feels before your race.
Ideally, you want to slip your goggles on, slightly adjust them and be ready to go and swim fast.
3. Low-profile Design
We all know that speed in swimming is affected by the amount of drag and resistance of the water. Therefore it is important to try and reduce resistance as much as possible in every way you can.
Low-profile designed racing goggles will help you to do just that by eliminating any extra material or pieces that could cause resistance at the front of your stroke. They are also usually designed in a hydrodynamic way so that water can seamlessly flow past.
4. Goggle Durability
The durability of your racing goggle is also a good factor to consider since they can be a bit on the pricey side. You want to ensure that you invest in a high-quality pair of racing goggles that will last you a good amount of time in the water.
Luckily, all of the racing goggles on our list are quite durable and you shouldn’t have any issues with them hence you look after them properly.
5. Goggle Lenses
When it comes to goggle lenses there are 3 main options to choose from- clear, tinted, and mirrored. Depending on what you like and where you swim you’ll have to pick between some of these options.
I recommend clear or tinted lenses for swimmers who race indoors since they will allow for more light to pass through and will allow clearer vision. However, lighter colors of mirrored goggles will also work if that’s what you prefer.
For swimmers who race outdoors, I recommend dark mirrored goggles or darkly tinted goggles since these will dim the light more and allow for more eye comfort when swimming, especially if you race in a bright pool.
Boost Your Swimming Performance with New Racing Goggles
There we have it, the best racing goggles for competitive swimmers. If you haven’t yet invested into some proper racing goggles I’d highly recommend you do so.
Racing goggles are a great way to maximize your speed in the water and to reduce any possible drag that may potentially slow you down and cost you those few precious milliseconds that may be the difference between grabbing that important time or medal.
All in all, these goggles are a worthy investment for any competitive swimmer, just like training hard, eating healthy, and going the extra mile is for your body and times in the pool.
