Back in June, we reported on Oakleys introduction of the Ellipse sunglasses, a uniquely styled pair of shades paying homage to the brands 50th Anniversary. Since then, the Big O has continued to celebrate 50 years of pushing the boundaries of style and performance in sport and casual eyewear. Most recently, this included the launch of the 50th Anniversary Collection, featuring the Ellipse sunglasses and several different goggles dressed up for Oakleys golden anniversary.My Ellipse glasses came in a special box with a set of gold BMX grips, but the standard issue just comes with a hard case and a bag. In its history, Oakley has never really shied away from making bold style choices. As a child of the 80s and 90s, I remember early models of Oakley Blades that initially seemed so outlandish but ultimately became the norm. In my later teens, I saved up to buy some Oakley Eye Jackets that I just had to have because they were so cool, but in retrospect, looked kinda ridiculous. Take a look through Oakleys archive of sunglasses, and theres no shortage of wild designs, some of which flopped, and others that arguably helped define sunglass style over the past few decades.I would argue Oakleys influence has been most apparent in the sport and performance market. While many of Oakleys latest creations might still be considered absurd Kato anyone? I think its fair to say that weve grown more accustomed to the bold designs. I definitely have anyway. In fact, the new Vanguard Meta AI sunglasses I have looked a little wild to me at first, but they seem normal now.Shaped like an Ellipse, alright.And with 90s fashion making a comeback I wish I had saved my original JNCO jeans Oakley is even bringing back some of its iconic styles, like the aforementioned Eye Jackets. Okay, so the new Eye Jacket Redux isnt an exact copy of the glasses from 1994, but theyre pretty darn close. And there are several other new models in the lineup that bear a strong resemblance to shades from 30 years ago.So, while they have quite an out-of-the-box design, the Oakley Ellipse glasses dont surprise me that much. For 50 years, Oakley has always been about disruptive innovation, and Id say the Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Ellipse glasses certainly exemplify that. Sure, their shape mirrors that of the brands iconic Ellipse symbol, but they also blend elements of Oakleys 90s styles with todays tech into a bold set of shades thats going to get some attention, for better or worse.Elliptical shape, gold fleck frame, and Prizm 24K gold lenses. Per Oakley: Equal parts futuristic, contemporary, and retro, Oakley Ellipse celebrates several design chapters from Oakleys heritage into one frame. From its circular shape to its 90s-inspired curved details, Ellipse is an ode to the Oakley ellipse logo. To celebrate 50 years of Oakley, this Limited Edition Ellipse is powered by a Midas Gold O-Matter frame and 24k Prizm Technology lenses that provide the detail. The Limited Edition Ellipse 50th Anniversary comes in a custom microbag and box.Despite their polarizing looks, the Ellipse glasses actually work quite well on the bike.Wearing the Oakley EllipseIve had the Ellipse sunglasses for a few weeks, and Ill admit that I havent worn them all that much. But, in my limited experience with them, Ive found them to be quite comfortable and impressively stable on the face. The Prizm 24K lens has a warm bronze base tint, excellent optical clarity, and 11% VLT that works great in bright light conditions. And you definitely cant see my eyes through that reflective lens. Eat your heart out, Frozone.Given the elliptical shape that tapers toward the temples, Im surprised by how little of the frame I can see in the periphery of my field of view. And, on a few rides around town, I found they blocked the wind from my eyes very effectively. Honestly, they function and feel so normal that its easy to forget that youre wearing glasses that look like something Frozone might wear (per a readers comment).Like most people, I was and remain somewhat skeptical of the style. At the same time, I have to admit that theyve grown on me surprisingly quickly. Im not saying I love the way they look, but they look better than I expected, and they honestly dont look that much more absurd when paired with a bike helmet than some other cycling sunglasses out there. Preferences vary, of course, as Ive read quite a few comments online from people who are pretty hyped on the style. To each their own. Still, I think you either need to take yourself too seriously or not seriously at all to rock the Ellipse glasses. Will they catch on? That remains to be seen. I imagine if an NFL star like Patrick Mahomes starts wearing them, or maybe a World Tour road bike team races them to a Grand Tour victory, then maybe You know Goldmember would be down, simply because he loves gold. But, at a retail price of $380, the gold 50th Anniversary edition doesnt come cheap, and the standard issue (available in numerous color options) isnt much less at $338-348. That said, I wouldnt be too surprised to see these on sale at some point soon, either.Oakley has 50th Anniversary Goggles, TooThe 50th Anniversary Flow Scape L Snow goggles come with a spare Prizm lens and cost the same as the standard version.If youre into Oakley, gold, and snow sports, then the 50th Anniversary goggles are worth a look. The Flow Scape L and the Flight Deck Pro L are both being offered in a 50th Anniversary edition that includes Prizm 24K Iridium lenses and a 50th Anniversary Strap. Both come with a second Prizm lens, and they are priced at $406 for the Flow Scape L and $376 for the Flight Deck Pro L, the same as the standard versions. Moto and MTB riders can also pick up the 50th Anniversary Airbrake goggles for $190.You can check out the Ellipse sunglasses and the rest of the 50th Anniversary lineup on the Oakley website.oakley.comThe post Oakleys 50th Anniversary Ellipse Glasses are Characteristically Bold and Extra Gold appeared first on Bikerumor.