In the mountains, protecting children’s eyes is no small matter. Between the brighter light at higher altitudes, the glare from the snow, long days spent outdoors and rapid changes in the weather, a good pair of sunglasses quickly becomes an essential item in the family rucksack. We tested the Ki ET LA Urban sunglasses, in the 7–12 years’ size, with a 9-year-old girl. An ideal age to assess this type of product: old enough to give an opinion on comfort and style, yet still very representative of children who alternate between walking, playing, easy hiking and outdoor activities.
The Urban glasses from Ki ET LA are designed for children aged 4 to 12, with two sizes available: 4–7 years and 7–12 years. The version tested, intended for older children, fits a 9-year-old perfectly. It caters to that age group where children still want a sturdy and comfortable product, but are already rejecting accessories that are too ‘babyish’. This is precisely one of the Urban model’s key strengths: it offers serious protection whilst featuring a more assertive, more junior, almost teenage design.
A look that really matters to children
When it comes to kitting a child out for the mountains, parents tend to focus on safety first. Children, on the other hand, often look at style. And it is sometimes this detail that makes all the difference between a pair of sunglasses that ends up at the bottom of the bag and a pair that the child is happy to wear without being asked.
The Ki ET LA Urban sunglasses feature a square, angular shape with an urban outdoor-style frame. The result is modern and dynamic, without looking too much like extreme sports gear. On a 9-year-old girl, the model looks quite balanced: it doesn’t have the technical look of very wraparound sunglasses, but neither does it look like a simple pair of beach sunglasses. It’s a pair of sunglasses for active children, designed for moving, walking, playing and spending time outdoors.
This is important because the best sun protection is the one that the child actually wears. In the mountains, a pair of sunglasses should be comfortable, lightweight, easy to wear and sturdy enough to withstand a day out with the family.
Ki ET LA Urban sunglasses: reliable eye protection for children
The technical specifications for the Ki ET LA Urban sunglasses are reassuring for outdoor use. The sunglasses feature grey polarised lenses, with UV400 protection, category 3 and CE certification. Category 3 lenses are suitable for bright light conditions, particularly when the sun is out and glare is increased by reflections. Whether at a ski resort, by a lake, on a mountain terrace or during a summer hike, this protection is essential.
The lenses are made of polycarbonate, a material often used for children’s glasses due to its impact resistance. This is a key consideration for a pair of glasses intended for children, who put them on, take them off, put them away and handle them several times a day. In the mountains, glasses go from the face to a pocket, from a rucksack to a picnic table, sometimes without much care. A fragile frame or overly delicate lenses quickly become a problem.
Polarisation is another key benefit. It helps reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as snow, water, sand, light-coloured roads or rocky ground. For a child, this means greater visual comfort. You squint less, your eyes tire less quickly, and you can enjoy the surroundings more fully. In the mountains, where the light can be harsh even when the temperature remains cool, this comfort is no minor matter.
A flexible, practical and reassuring frame
The Ki ET LA Urban glasses feature a “super-flex” frame with arms that open up to 180°. For children, this is probably one of the Urban model’s biggest selling points. Children don’t always handle their glasses the same way adults do. They pull them apart, bend them slightly, put them upside down, slip them into a pocket or lend them to a brother, sister or friend. The flexibility of the arms reduces the risk of breakage and makes the pair more durable in everyday use.
For a 9-year-old child, comfort is also a key factor. The Urban model features a nose piece designed to fit a child’s face and is soft enough to prevent pressure points on the temples, nose or ears. This is exactly what you’d expect from a pair of goggles that a child can keep on during a walk, a cable car ride, a break in the sun or an outdoor activity.
The lens height for the 7–12-year-old size, stated as 4.1 cm, also ensures good coverage of the eye. The glasses offer consistent protection for a pair of children’s sunglasses. They are therefore ideal for après-ski, games at the resort, sledge rides, winter walks, summer hikes, leisurely cycling, trips to the lakeside or days out in the mountains.
Ki ET LA Urban sunglasses: a great choice for active families
The official price of the Ki ET LA Urban sunglasses is €39.90. At this price point, the positioning makes sense: these aren’t just a novelty item, but children’s sunglasses designed with genuine focus on protection, comfort and durability. The microfibre pouch provided is handy, although for use in the mountains we would have appreciated an included lanyard or a more obvious retention system for very active children.
This is, in fact, one of the few things to watch out for. If your child runs about a lot, cycles, plays in the snow or keeps taking their sunglasses off, a strap might be useful to prevent them from getting lost. Similarly, for very active winter use, the lack of specific information on anti-fog treatment serves as a reminder that these are outdoor sunglasses, not technical ski goggles.
That said, the overall package is impressive. The Urban model ticks all the right boxes for families: reliable UV protection, polarised lenses (category 3), a flexible frame, a modern design, child-friendly comfort and versatility. It is particularly aimed at parents looking for a single pair of sunglasses to see their child through the whole year: winter in the mountains, spring hikes, summer holidays, outdoor activities and everyday life.
Our review: I Love Ski
Following this test with a 9-year-old girl, the Ki ET LA Urban sunglasses appear to be an excellent choice for children who enjoy the mountains for more than just skiing. They’re a pleasure to wear, which is already a key factor, and they offer a consistent level of protection for the bright conditions encountered at high altitudes.
We particularly recommend them for trips to resorts, family outings, outdoor activities and holidays in the mountains. Their more ‘grown-up’ design appeals to children who no longer want glasses that look too childish, whilst their construction gives parents peace of mind.
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