Take your eye protection up a notch with SMITH safety sunglasses, made to stand up to the toughest sports and jobs. With durable, impact-resistant frames, and premier lens technology, SMITH gives you the optical clarity and security guarantee you need. Join SportRx for our picks of the best SMITH safety sunglasses, as well as answers to common safety eyewear questions!


Table of Contents

A. What to Look for in Safety Sunglasses
B. Best SMITH Safety Sunglasses
1. SMITH Prospect Elite
2. SMITH Director Elite
3. SMITH Longfin Elite
4. SMITH Operator’s Choice Elite
5. SMITH Chamber Elite
C. SMITH Safety Sunglasses FAQs
D. Shop Prescription SMITH Safety Sunglasses at SportRx


What to Look for in Safety Sunglasses

When searching for your next pair of SMITH safety sunglasses, there are a few key features to look for.

Safety Ratings

Well, this one is a no-brainer. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) creates the safety standards for civilian protective eyewear, and to receive ANSI certification, frames and lenses must pass rounds of thorough testing to ensure accurate and adequate protection. So, when you see eyewear with an ANSI Z87.1 safety rating — eyeglasses, sunglasses, goggles, shields, and welding masks — you know you’re getting the best of the best.

Taking safety one step further, MIL-PRF-31013-certified eyewear has been approved by the military’s rigorous optical testing and safety standards. To receive military-level protection, ballistic eyewear must protect against small projectiles and fragments. While normally used in combat, you’re guaranteed the highest form of protection no matter your job, activity, or task at hand.

To learn more, visit our Safety Glasses Buyer’s Guide and blog on Ballistic vs. ANSI Safety Glasses & Goggles.

Frame Technology

SMITH safety sunglasses feature impact-resistant frames that promote durability and longevity, while simultaneously remaining lightweight thanks to nylon material. You won’t be bogged down by heavy eyewear that’s uncomfortable and distracting. Additionally, the brand’s Megol grips on the nose pads and temples ensure a strong, secure fit that’s optically aligned. Sunglasses equipped with a sweat management system are great to keep an eye out for, as moisture is wicked away for fog-free vision.

Lens Technology

When you’re outside, working or enjoying Mother Nature’s beauty, potential hazards and harmful rays put your eyes at risk. Fingerprint smudges, dirt, and glare can hinder your vision, and extra lens coatings help keep your lenses unobstructed. Sunglasses with 100% UV protection block out dangerous light, allowing you to handle the outdoors with ease.

SMITH’s lens technology, ChromaPop™, takes your optical experience to the next level by filtering out wavelengths of light that lead to color confusion. ChromaPop™ gives you increased clarity and definition, while making the colors around you truly pop. From the job site to the fishing boat, the brand’s lens tech gives you a heightened and clearer visual experience.


Best SMITH Safety Sunglasses

SMITH Prospect Elite

Kicking off our list with the SMITH Prospect Elite, a wrap around frame that guards your vision from all angles. Whether you’re playing a high-impact sport, riding your motorcycle, or need to protect your eyes at work, you can proceed with confidence knowing the Prospect Elite is impact-resistant and meets safety standards. Integrated frame ventilation promotes airflow for fog-free visibility. Megol grips on the temples and nose pads ensure a comfortable and secure fit, while the straight temples can easily fit underneath a hat.

Smith Prospect Elite Safety Sunglasses

SMITH Prospect Elite in Black with Polarized Brown

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Prospect Elite Key Features:

  • Meets ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-31013 safety standards
  • Wrap around design and thick temple arms provide peripheral protection
  • Frame ventilation increases airflow and wicks away moisture
  • Rx-able
  • SFW (What is SFW?): 131 (Men’s M)

SMITH Director Elite

Sleek style and safety come together with the SMITH Director Elite. A former REXY winner for Best Safety Sunglasses, the Director Elite features ANSI Z87.1 certification in the frame and meets MIL-PRF-31013 standards for lenses. Hydrophilic Megol contact points increase in grip strength when met with moisture, so you’re guaranteed a secure fit. The wrapped design expands your field of view, while the lightweight frame is easy to wear for hours on end.

Smith Director Elite Sunglasses

SMITH Director Elite in Black with Elite Ballistic Polarized Brown Lenses

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Director Elite Key Features:

  • Former REXY winner for Best Safety Sunglasses
  • Meets ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-31013 safety standards
  • Hydrophilic grips increase in strength when introduced to sweat or moisture
  • Rx-able
  • SFW: 133 (Men’s M)

SMITH Longfin Elite

Take on the outdoors or intense activities with the SMITH Longfin Elite. With frame and lens safety certifications, you’re guaranteed top optical protection. The large lenses and side shields provide ample coverage, offering additional safeguarding. Frame ventilation wicks away and drains moisture, while Megol grips placed on the nose pads and temples keep the sunglasses in place and effortlessly comfortable. The cherry on top? These safety sunglasses accommodate a variety of face shapes and are available in a more casual lifestyle frame!

SMITH Longfin Elite safety sunglasses in navy blue with grey lenses.

SMITH Longfin Elite in Matte Deep Ink with Carbonic Elite Ballistic Grey Lenses

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Longfin Elite Key Features:

  • Meets ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-31013 safety standards
  • Side shields ensure peripheral coverage
  • Bent temples and grips maintain frame security
  • Rx-able
  • SFW: 135 (Men’s M)

SMITH Operator’s Choice Elite

Ready to tackle the toughest tasks with you is the SMITH Operator’s Choice Elite. A high-performing, all-around great pair of safety sunglasses, the Operator’s Choice Elite takes inspiration from the brand’s popular Guide’s Choice. This time, meeting ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-31013 eyewear standards. An anti-fog lens coating and sweat management system keep the lenses crystal-clear, while the wrap around design contours to your face for full coverage. Comfortable nose pad and temple grips will keep your sunglasses secure for a slip-free fit.

SMITH Operator's Choice Elite in Matte Black with Polarized Gray Lenses and Available in Prescription

SMITH Operator's Choice Elite in Matte Black with Polarized Gray Lenses

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Operator’s Choice Elite Key Feature:

  • Meets ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-31013 safety standards
  • Anti-fog coating ensures clear visibility
  • Rubberized grips keep the sunglasses comfortably in place
  • Rx-able
  • SFW: 138 (Men’s L)

SMITH Chamber Elite

Rounding out our list is the ever-protective SMITH Chamber Elite! Featuring a wrap around design, the Chamber Elite offers impact-resistance and durability. Frame ventilation promotes airflow so the lenses don’t fog up and moisture is wicked away. Hydrophilic grips on the nose pads and temples ensure a secure hold, even as you sweat. Lightweight with bent temples, these SMITH sunglasses also flatter a multitude of face shapes for true versatility.

SMITH Chamber Elite Sunglasses

SMITH Chamber Elite in Black - Carbonic Elite Ballistic Grey

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Chamber Elite Key Features:

  • Meets ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-31013 safety standards
  • Wrap around design protects peripheral vision
  • Hydrophilic grips maintain strength when met with moisture
  • Rx-able
  • SFW: 145 (Men’s XXL)

SMITH Safety Sunglasses FAQs

Why should you wear safety sunglasses?

If you play high-intensity sports or work in an environment with heavy duty or hazardous equipment, you will benefit from safety eyewear. According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2,000 US workers sustain job-related eye injuries a day. And when it comes to activities, The Vision Council notes that more than 600,000 sports-related eye injuries occur each year. Safety eyewear and sunglasses ensure your eyes remain protected and allow you to tackle your work or favorite sport confidently.

Are all SMITH sunglasses safety sunglasses?

The short answer – no. SMITH has created eyewear that is perfect for multiple activities, sports, and lifestyles. From snowboarding goggles to fishing sunglasses, the brand has established itself as a leader in the eyewear field. But when it comes to safety, the SMITH Elite Collection is chock-full of protective eyewear that meets or exceeds safety standards. All SMITH Elite frames are ANSI-rated, so you’re guaranteed safeguarded vision.

Additionally, while all MIL-PRF-31013-certified eyewear has an ANSI safety rating, not all ANSI-certified eyewear is MIL-PRF-31013-certified. Military-grade eyewear requires more exhaustive testing and needs to reach standards that civilian eyewear does not.

What is ChromaPop™?

ChromaPop™ is SMITH’s proprietary lens technology that filters out wavelengths of light that cause color confusion. With overlapping colors, it can be difficult to distinguish definition. With ChromaPop™ lenses, you’ll receive sharper colors, increased clarity, and a faster reaction time because of those enhancements.

Perfect for sports and everyday activities, SMITH’s lens tech makes your experience more enjoyable.

Where can I buy SMITH prescription safety sunglasses?

Through SportRx! When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tool tips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair of SMITH safety sunglasses. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, give us a call! We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription SMITH safety sunglasses.


Shop Prescription SMITH Safety Sunglasses at SportRx

Ditch risky online shopping with our See Better Guarantee™. Try your prescription SMITH safety sunglasses for 45 days and if you’re not 100% satisfied, simply let us know. We’ll make it right. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered Get your pair of SMITH prescription safety sunglasses at SportRx today!

Shop All SMITH Safety Sunglasses