I bought a 2-pack of Speedo Swedish goggles in 2013. I still use the mirrored pair, 6 years on, in all kinds of settings: meets, OWS, OWS races, indoor and outdoor pool sessions. I use a bungee for the head strap and I still have the original string for the nosepiece. I’ll venture to say that I get exponentially more value for my money (US$20) on that single pair of mirrored goggles than just about anyone out there who spends tons of money on single pairs. Take into account all the settings noted above, and probably at least 1M meters on that pair over 6 years (though I’ve also used several other pairs in that time, which accounts for the estimate of “only” 1M m on that pair). Basically, this disproves any advantage (much) more expensive goggles may be advertised to have. I didn’t spend lots to get comfort, reliability, or performance (pools and OWS, meets and training).

That said, even if Swedish goggles don’t appeal to or fit everyone, there are TONS of exceptional goggles under US$20 that literally hundreds of thousands of swimmers use on a daily basis. It BOGGLES my mind that anyone would spend so much, when the technology has been more or less settled for 30+ years. This isn’t a carbon space frame vs steel tubing we’re talking about. It’s GOGGLES.