When it comes to sunglasses, I admit—I’m incredibly picky. Living in sunny Southern California, especially in San Diego, sunglasses aren’t just accessories; they’re everyday essentials. Over the years, I’ve tried countless brands, but none compare to my absolute favorite: Knockaround Sunglasses.
This San Diego-based company has earned a permanent spot in my collection, and now, they’re the only sunglasses I purchase. Why? They perfectly blend style, quality, and affordability, creating sunglasses you actually want to wear daily, without the stress of potentially losing or damaging an overpriced pair. Not that I ever want to lose them or sit on them, but I’m less sad when I know I can get another pair for $25 bucks. Wouldn’t you? What you see here only shows what I could easily grab today, I can’t even guess the number of pairs I’ve given as gifts or just lost somehow.
🌊 San Diego Roots: Local Love
Founded right here in San Diego in 2005, Knockaround captures everything I love about Southern California culture: casual style, vibrant creativity, and a relaxed, no-stress vibe. The company was launched by Adam “Ace” Moyer, a UC San Diego grad who envisioned affordable yet stylish sunglasses that people could wear everywhere—whether at the beach, on a hike, or exploring the city.
Supporting a local brand means a lot to me, especially one that’s deeply connected to San Diego’s laid-back lifestyle and community spirit.
🌞 Why I’m Loyal to Knockaround
If there’s one style that sums up my Knockaround obsession, it’s their Premiums, the ultimate dupe for the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer. I love Wayfarers—timeless, iconic, flattering—but let’s be real, the price tag can hurt. Knockaround Premiums offer virtually the same sleek look at a fraction of the cost, making it easier to own multiple pairs for different occasions.
Best part?
- Their everyday price is already amazing, but polarized lenses (an absolute must-have for SoCal sun) are only $10 extra. As someone who appreciates good value, I think this is incredibly reasonable and totally worth the small investment.
🌈 Stylish, Affordable, Durable
Beyond price, the quality and style of Knockaround glasses are what keep me coming back. These sunglasses are built to withstand the active, outdoor-oriented SoCal lifestyle—whether you’re paddleboarding in Mission Bay, hiking Torrey Pines, or simply soaking up the sunshine in Balboa Park.
And the range of designs and colors? There’s truly something for everyone. My personal favorite is the ability to customize. Everything from the arms to the logo to the lenses, and the options do change occasionally. You really can’t go wrong with the the limited-edition sets either. Shark week anyone? They have a pair for that. Love your baseball team? They have a pair for that. Honestly, so many vibrant color combos released throughout the year it’s actually fun to get the text when there’s a new style being released.
🌴 Eco-Friendly and Community Focused
As a conscious consumer, I also appreciate Knockaround’s commitment to community and the environment. The brand frequently participates in local events, gives back to San Diego charities, and has begun implementing more sustainable practices in their production and packaging processes—another reason to feel good about supporting this local favorite.
🌟 Where to Find Knockaround Sunglasses
While Knockaround Sunglasses are now widely available online, their headquarters remain right here in San Diego, keeping the brand connected to its roots. Purchasing directly from their website is super easy, and they frequently run fantastic sales, making it easy to stock up or replace your favorites without feeling guilty.
Check them out here: Knockaround.com
🌊 Final Thoughts
Living in San Diego, sunglasses are more than accessories—they’re daily essentials. Thanks to Knockaround, stylish shades no longer come with hefty price tags or worries about losing expensive glasses. Whether you’re searching for the best Ray-Ban dupes, affordable polarized lenses, or just supporting a stellar local company, Knockaround Sunglasses are the ideal choice. Not an affiliate, just a fangirl.
Come to SoCal 