Brand profile

Shady Rays

Independent Louisville-based maker of affordable polarized sunglasses, known for its Lost & Broken replacement guarantee and meal donations.

LouisvilleOrigin

UnisexFocus

Athleisure / SportswearStyle

$$Price

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13 brands like Shady Rays like Sunski, Goodr, Electric Sunglasses →

What to know about Shady Rays

Replacements are the selling point

The Lost & Broken program replaces pairs you damage or lose, which reframes a $50-$80 sunglass as something you can wear without babying it.

Polarized at mid-double-digit prices

Nearly everything sits in the $50-$80 range with polarized lenses, undercutting the premium sport-eyewear tier it competes with on function.

Family-run, no outside money

Chris Ratterman started it in a Louisville spare bedroom in 2012 and still runs it as CEO with his brother as COO, having taken no outside investment.

Known forEyewear & sunglasses

StyleAthleisure / Sportswear Gorpcore / Outdoor

If you like Shady Rays

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88% match

Sunski

$$Everyday polarizedSan Francisco, United States

Lifetime-warranty polarized shades, recycled-resin frames

What changes: More eco-materials messaging, slightly higher prices, no kids/goggles

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85% match

Goodr

$Running shadesLos Angeles, United States

Cheaper, run-focused polarized with no-slip fit

What changes: Louder graphic branding, pure sport focus, lower price

Shop Goodr 11 brands like Goodr →

70% match

Electric Sunglasses

$$Snow gogglesSan Clemente, United States

Adds surf/snow goggle range to polarized lens tech

What changes: Higher price, action-sports heritage rather than DTC value

Shop Electric Sunglasses

66% match

Crap Eyewear

$$Retro framesLos Angeles, United States

Independent maker, retro bio-acetate frames under $100

What changes: Fashion-retro styling over sport performance

Shop Crap Eyewear 16 brands like Crap Eyewear →

Brand facts

Shady Rays is a founder-led sunglasses brand from Louisville, Kentucky, selling polarized shades for men, women and kids, plus goggles and blue-light and reading glasses, mostly in the $50-$80 range. Chris Ratterman started it from a spare bedroom in 2012 and still runs it as CEO with brother Dan as COO, taking no outside investment. Its Lost & Broken program replaces damaged or missing pairs, and orders fund donated meals. Direct-to-consumer sales lead, backed by a growing mall-store network including a 2026 Jacksonville opening.

Founded: 2012
Origin: Louisville, United States
Made in: China
Price: $$
Focus: Unisex
Facts checked: September 2026
Styles: Athleisure / Sportswear, Gorpcore / Outdoor

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