Brand Spotlight: Smith
By SmartBuyGlasses Editorial Team
Orthodontist and skiing enthusiast Bob Smith established Smith Optics in 1965. Though small at first, this eyewear brand is a big hit around the world thanks to its superb quality, style and innovative technology.
The Smith range started with athletes’ wear for winter sports – breathable vent foam goggles with sealed thermal lenses.
This comes as no surprise given Smith’s passion for winter sports. Now, the Smith eyewear collection has expanded and they offer everything from sunglasses to prescription eyewear that’s both functional and stylish.
Dr. Robert E. Smith
Born in San Carlos, California in 1933, Robert Earl Smith always had ambition. For a few years, he attended Stanford, but then moved on to the San Francisco College of Dentistry to pursue a dental career.
Following his graduation, Smith joined the military and worked in dentistry in Germany where he was happy to spend his weekends skiing. He opened his own private practice in 1960 in California, but moved to Utah in 1964 after getting married.
Where it all started
Like many other brands that now have worldwide recognition, Smith Optics comes from humble beginnings.
Robert Smith’s first ski goggles were hand-built in his own garage and sold from his van when he went on weekend skiing trips to Colorado and Utah.
Over the next few years, Smith worked on improving both the technology and design of his goggles. In 1967 he secured a distribution deal with the founder of the Obermeyer ski-wear company, Klaus Obermeyer.
In 1969, Smith began to produce and sell goggles under the Smith brand in Rifle, Colorado. Just a couple of years later, production moved to Ketchum in Idaho.
Never one to shy away from innovation, Smith went on to develop the Turbo Fan constant air management system and designed the first goggles with active ventilation capabilities!
He then went on to develop the Roll Off film system which kept Moto goggles free of dust and mud.
As the 1980s drew to a close, Smith’s brand officially became Smith Sport Optics, inc.
Known for innovation
Smith always continued to innovate and was on the forefront of the developments that led to the modern day world of high-tech, high-spec eyewear.
Over the years he introduced models such as the V3 goggles in 1995, which offered an unparalleled field of view and the Slider 01, which helped revolutionise the world of sports sunglasses.
These innovations were closely followed by the Warp goggle, which provided superior protection for riders and were introduced in 1998.
His company also went on to develop ChromaPop technology, which is used in a range of Smith eyewear, including ski goggles and sunglasses.
This lens technology enables wearers to benefit from superior light filtering capabilities and enhanced clarity, colour and contrast.
Modern Smith eyewear
You don’t have to be an avid skier or outdoor enthusiast to enjoy the functionality and stylish design of Smith eyewear. The brand now offers a wide range of glasses, including super-cool sunglasses and high-tech prescription glasses.
The brand hasn’t forgotten where it all started – you can still get stunning protective goggles, such as the Bobcat, which combines the coverage of goggles with the style and appeal of sunglasses.
With a focus on sustainable materials and an ongoing commitment to innovation, the brand’s eyewear collection has become a firm favourite with people around the globe.
Sports glasses
Staying true to its roots, Smith Optics offers some fabulous sports glasses and ski goggles for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. This eyewear combines practicality, protection, style and affordability.
Sunglasses
Smith Optics’ sunglasses range has everything you need: sustainability, a great design and a range of really cool options that are both innovative and stylish.
Polarised lenses reduce eye strain and glare, while Polyamide makes for lightweight and hypoallergenic frames.
You can also choose from a wide range of styles and colours, so you’re free to make any fashion statement you want while enjoying your high quality protection.
Prescription glasses
Let’s not forget about the stylish prescription glasses available in the Smith collection. You can find everything from plastic frames to stainless steel ones, with a range of colour options and styles to suit every taste.
This includes rectangular, square, oval and round frames in classic black, clear, tortoiseshell, bold red and soft pink, among other colours.
Rock the look with Smith
Whether you’re heading to the ski slopes, enjoying outdoor pursuits, taking a road trip, or simply sitting at your desk to work, you’ll find the perfect Smith eyewear for you. Come check out the models, we’re sure you’ll rock the look!
Related articles
Related articles