No there is no practical reason you need to spend $250 on a pair of sunglasses. There is nothing wrong with doing so if you want to though. Oakley, Rudy Project, and Tifosi all make great lenses and frames. The important thing though is impact protection. I have to replace one of my sets of lenses for my Oakleys because a rock shot or from a car tire and hit me right on my left eye. With cheapo glasses I would have been in the emergency room for sure.