Jonathan Rier
Editor

27th May 2025

The Long Overdue Return of Surf Aviators

A 70s icon returns - Are they worth the hype?

Like many other guys, I grew up with iconic 70s posters on my bedroom wall of surfers and skateboarders cruising down 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 is a pair of classic 70s Surf Aviators. Years later, a friend sent me a link to check out a brand called VALLON - best-known for their oldschool side shield 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 is a fan, so I thought it was high time I give 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.

6 Reasons to Grab a Pair

  1. At RRP €115 / $111 these sunglasses are great value for their design and quality

  2. VALLON offers free shipping and returns

  3. All products are delivered in plastic-free packaging

  4. For every pair purchased, VALLON has committed to cleaning up and recycling 1kg of plastic waste worldwide

  5. VALLON has a Lifetime Warranty that covers your sunglasses for years to come

  6. 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!