Originally posted by: KingPhil
um, just got buy another $15 dollar pair! Why spend 100-500 on SUNGLASSES!!!!!!!!!!
1) UV protection - good quality sunglasses can help prevent eye damage if you wear them consistently.
2) Polarization - removes glare, improves visibility. VERY useful when driving.
3) Expensive sunglasses generally get pretty good support from retailers for repair/breakage. Plus, having spent all that money on them, you will handle them with due respect.
4) Oakley/Nike/etc. are surprisingly durable. I have had a pair of each (Nike, Oakley) and they hold up against things you think would scratch or damage them VERY well.
There are other reasons - main thing is I want a high quality product, and I'm not afraid to pay a reasonable price for it.