Jonathan Rier
Editor
6th June 2024
The Long Overdue Return of Surf Aviators
VALLON has brought back a 70s icon - Are they worth the hype?
Like many other guys, I grew up with posters on my bedroom wall of surfers pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a surfboard and 70s beach-goers sunning themselves on the white sands of Santa Cruz, Malibu and Newport Beach.
I consider myself a pretty discerning shopper, and one style of sunglasses I have been desperate to get my hands on for years is a pair of classic 70s Surf Aviators.
Years later, a friend sent me a link to a brand called VALLON - best-known for their oldschool side shield ‘Glacier’ glasses. But, they have also taken it upon themselves to revive my favorite shades!
I would normally be skeptical of ordering sunglasses from an online company, but Vallon has a 4.87 rating from over 3,747 reviews on TrustPilot, and a seriously strong following for their Surf Aviators!
(Even Liam Gallagher has been spotted wearing their shades). So, I thought it was high time I gave them a go.
Unboxing the Surf Aviators
My first impression of the VALLON’s Surf Aviators was that they looked super polished, with a beautiful high-shine acetate frame.
The shape was identical to the ones I had seen in posters from the past, and I could not wait to try them on. Checking myself in the mirror I was relieved that the wide teardrop style did in fact suit my face. I finally had my own Surf Aviators.
A sucker for classic style, I chose the black version which matched my expectations for that timeless 70s look.
The sunglasses were delivered in plastic-free packaging and included a complementary hardcase and microfiber cloth to help protect the sunglasses - a real bonus for someone like me traveling to the beach every other weekend.
VALLON Polarized Lenses
A key feature of these sunglasses is the V52® polarized lenses - technology registered by Vallon and offering the best optical clarity for sports lenses on the market, and 100% UV protection.
Being nylon polyamide they are shatter resistant, and finished with a polarization filter - which is essential for blocking glare and reflections by the sea.
I’ve tested them out on some of the sunniest days on the coast, and thought the VLT (visible light transmission e.g. darkness of the lenses) was perfect for my needs.
My eyes felt relaxed and protected from the sun, and the wider style offers additional peripheral protection.
Color & Fit
Evidently a popular style, VALLON has released the Surf Aviators in no less than 7 colors!
I chose Black, but the Surf Aviators are also available in:
Dark Chestnut
Tortoise
Green
Burgundy
Blue and;
Sage (a translucent pale green)
They are a unisex style but it’s worth noting having lent them momentarily to my girlfriend, she found them a little oversized for her more narrow face. That said, she told me she’d still wear them because she loved the style so much (so that’s Christmas sorted).
6 Reasons to Grab a Pair
At RRP €115 / $111 these sunglasses are a bargain for their design and quality (I’d have paid double)
VALLON offers free shipping and returns
All products are delivered in plastic-free packaging
For every pair purchased, VALLON has committed to cleaning up and recycling 1kg of plastic waste worldwide
VALLON has a Lifetime Warranty that covers your sunglasses for years to come
VALLON is an independent and family-owned company, so all their designs are made in-house and each has its own unique soul
Conclusions
The 70s was a golden era for surf style and I could not be happier to have found a sample of this timeless era in the form of my Surf Aviators.
They’re now my go-to pair of shades, whether I’m roadtripping, hanging out with friends over a summer barbeque, or spending a day down at the beach.
I’ve fielded a lot of questions about them and received a heck of a lot of positive reviews. VALLON has done a brilliant job bringing them back.
Check them out for yourself on the VALLON website today, and get that 70s surf style this season!