Smith Optics Archive Collection
Almost 50 years after making goggle history, the optics powerhouse releases reissues of its greatest hits
In 1965 Robert Smith—an orthodontist by day and hardcore skier whenever he could get out of the office—changed the goggle game forever when he invented the first double-paned, foam-insulated lens. His new lens protected the inner layer from cold and resulted in a fog-free day on the mountain no matter the temperature changes. Since that dental tool-assisted innovation almost 50 years ago, Smith Optics continues to create some of the most high performance outdoor eyewear on the market. With the launch of the Archive Collection, Smith pays homage to some of its most iconic shades from the ’80s and ’90s.
These aren’t your standard over-the-top neon retro-styled shades—though Smith made almost no changes to the original glasses in regards to materials, colorways and styling. The five styles from ’88, ’90 and ’91 each feature a subtle label bearing the year of its original launch as well as an updated Carbonic lens with injection molded Tapered Lens Technology. The modern technology injected with the original frame design and material is a testament to Smith’s commitment to creating durable products that perform at the highest level every day. Our favorites are the Marvine, which call to mind early Notorious B.I.G. vibes more than après-ski.
The Archive Collection is available from Smith online starting at $80 for non-polarized and $119 for polarized lens models.
Images courtesy of Smith Optics
