It’s officially sunglasses-wearing weather here in the PNW. Maybe not everyone is like me and runs in sunglasses rain or shine, but it has definitely reached that point of the year where we are looking at some solidly long stretches of blissful sunshine (and maybe only a few weeks away from complaining that it’s too hot 😊).
I have been pretty picky with my sunglasses. Maybe its bougie, but I necessitate a combination of both fit, function, and style. SMITH Optics sent us a pair of their Motive Sunglasses, complete with ChromaPop lenses.
These offer versatile lens options—a standard sun lens for those brighter days, and a clear lens for when you need protection without the tint. While I haven’t frequently switched between the two, I can attest that the transition is effortlessly smooth, making it easy to adapt to varying light conditions.
Fit:
When I look for sunglasses, I generally prefer a larger coverage area. These fall in their middle frame range, but I found them about the right size for me – ample coverage without looking comically big. Having worn larger coverage shades before, I have found that they personally covers too much of my face. However, if your face is wider, or you prefer complete coverage on the sides, there are other options in their arsenal. They are also a 5 base lens curvature – meaning it sits a little flatter to the face (larger numbers provide more wrap around). The things you learn.
Construction:
Frames
The frames are really light and are constructed from TR90 material, which ranks on the top when looking for both durability and comfort. The construction also makes them more resistant to breaking from dropping – something I have done a few times already and will inevitably do again.
Nose Pads
Like other SMITH glasses, the nose pads made from “megol”, a term that I was not aware of prior, but since learned is a compound that pads of many performance sunglasses are constructed from. They have characteristics similar to rubber, but also include a resistance to UV rays and aging. It also held pretty firm even when I was pushing hard on my runs and sweat pouring down my face.
Needless to say, I didn’t spend my time pushing my glasses back on my face like I have to do before. In fact, they hardly shake at all – whether I am doing long runs or even some makeshift outdoor HIIT – they fit amazing well without shaking all over the place. And even though they fit snugly, my eyelashes did not touch the lenses at all – an absolutely no-brainer for glasses wearers.
Lenses
While the addition of smudge and moisture-resistant coatings ensures easy cleaning and clear optics make for a solid construction, there’s more to these lenses.ChromaPop Lenses, beyond their clever name, live up to its promise. When you don these glasses, the world transforms—colors leap out, visuals sharpen, and everything feels fresh. The technology behind it is real and that initial mesmerizing effect is undeniable.
These work surprisingly well in both low light and bright light conditions. I found this to be a fitting name as the world around me popped when putting these on. My eyes were not subject to any strain and I don’t feel like I am in a dark cavern when wearing – even when the sun is going down. Here’s some more technical jargon about what ChromaPop lenses do:
A proprietary combination of patented polarization and color management technology creates incredible clarity. ChromaPop lenses maximize color and contrast by improving the speed of visual processing so you see truer color, faster. Normally, the eye has trouble distinguishing colors where the blue and green as well as the green and red wavelengths cross over.
Chromapop filters these crossovers, allowing for greater definition, natural color, and clarity.
Style:
The Motive’s are a great option that sit in the middle ground between eyewear for running and also for casual use. The look a little less like athletic frames you often see on our Olympian sprinters, and a little more like something you could wear to any summer street fair in Portland. These come in a variety of color options. I opted for the simple Matte Black, but there are five other frame and lens options.
I don’t shop for sunglasses too often, but I feel that the $150-$170 price tag for sunglasses of this quality are quite in line with what is out there (and these are on sale right now for $140). I am fairly certain I spent near that amount for glasses through my medical insurance a few years ago and I didn’t get nearly as high-quality frames and lenses as these. The Motive comes with two sets of lenses, microfiber cleaning and storage pouch, and a hard case – not to mention that they have a Lifetime Warranty.
I continue to love wearing Smith Optics glasses and I know my eyes feel the same way.
Smith Optics Motive Sunglasses $140
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Thank you to Smith Optics for providing us with a sample pair. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
