Open Water Goggles

When you're swimming open water, you can pretty much use whatever goggles you want. If the goggles are comfortable and keep water out, that's a pretty legitimate pair. There are a few things, however, that make a set of goggles nicer to use outside.

• Lens size: Open water style goggles, as opposed to pool goggles, have wider lenses, which make it easier to see landmarks and course buoys, especially when you're just glancing up to sight. 
• Seal: Similarly, the gaskets around the lens contact a larger portion of your face, which creates a more secure seal. That means your goggles can take a harder hit (whether from a wave or another swimmer's heel) without losing their seal.
• Tint: You can get clear open water goggles, but if the sun is in the wrong place (like directly in front of you), a tinted or reflective or even polarized lens will help with visibility. I find dark lenses helpful for morning swims and evening swims when the sun is on the horizon. It seems like you're always having to look directly into the glare when you sight or, worse, every time you breathe to one side.

Most all of the usual guidelines apply when you're picking a pair of open water goggles. Look for a secure seal, make sure the nose piece (which is generally not adjustable on open water goggles) isn't too wide or too narrow for your eye spacing. Manufacturers usually make goggles in a couple different widths to accommodate narrow to wide faces. Try the goggles on with the strap to make sure that the gaskets are a good shape and size for your eye sockets. I've worn some pretty uncool-looking goggles...in public...because they were the most comfortable ones I owned at the time.