Smith Sliders Review

The Smith Sliders. All images: iRunFar/Kristin Zosel

A throwback to the mid-90s, the brand new Smith Sliders ($197) convey again the look of those basic sun shades with all the fashionable upgrades that make Smith sun shades among the many perfect.

I purchased my very first pair of efficiency sun shades — Smith Sliders — in 1996 whereas interning as a bodily remedy scholar in Vail, Colorado. My truthful eyes weren’t dealing with the alpine solar very effectively, and the ultrarunners I’d turn into associates with let me in on the key: Defending the eyes made mountain working much more enjoyable. My Sliders — black with black lenses — turned my fixed companion in all my out of doors adventures, whilst I returned to the Midwest. The “progressive sporty look” and interchangeable lenses raised a couple of eyebrows, however I used to be offered.

Quick ahead to this previous 12 months, and Smith has achieved a tremendous job of recreating these icons of the 90s with the form and match of the brand new Sliders. With their color- and contrast-enhancing ChromaPop lenses, these are far improved from the originals when it comes to lens know-how.

It’s been a deal with to slip my new matte black frames and ChromaPop black lens Sliders on once more and run among the identical trails I did with my unique pair. If, like me, you prefer to kick it old style however nonetheless need efficiency, the retro-looking Smith Sliders have the fashionable know-how to ship, it doesn’t matter what your sunny or snowy mountain or path journey could convey.

Store the Smith Sliders

Smith Sliders Body and Match

A aspect view of the Smith Sliders.

The Smith Sliders provide a medium match and medium protection that works on about any face form and head measurement, even the bigger ones. They’re fairly gentle in comparison with the big, flashy frames and lenses widespread right this moment, however the excessive degree of curvature gives the proper wrap-around match to maintain solar glare, wind, mud, and precipitation out of the eyes with no distortion on the periphery. My cheeks are very concerned after I smile, and the Sliders take no concern with this and comfortable proper in. Over the previous three years, I’ve grown to desire the big lens of the Smith Vert PivLock (overview) for many of my runs — one thing about these dainty eyes and blustery environs — however the brand new Sliders do a terrific job of providing the same degree of safety in a extra modest bundle.

The body is constructed with Evolve, a bio-based materials. In hand, the load of the Sliders feels similar to the Vert PivLock, however on my face, they appear heavier via the nostril and beneath the eyes. When weighed, the Sliders are available in at 26 grams, and the 2023 Vert PivLock are 29 grams, so the distinction is negligible. It truly is the type of match that adjustments the way it feels on my face.

Smith makes use of their dependable AutoLock hinges on the frames so the arms keep out when wanted, but in addition fold simply with a agency bump in opposition to the torso. The model’s Megol materials on the nostril pads and temples gives grip on the face, however I did discover the brand new Sliders often slid down a bit, notably on downhills or extra technical trails. It was nothing a fast smile or squinch of the cheeks couldn’t treatment. Should you’re one to slide your glasses onto the highest of your head if you go inside, the Sliders deal with that with ease — and no hair will get pulled out if you go to place them again on. If solely different producers would pay attention to this!

Smith Sliders Lenses

Spare lenses and fleece pouch for the Smith Sliders.

The Smith Sliders include the model’s ChromaPop lenses. These are my favourite lenses available on the market, offering a transparent view, enhanced distinction, and pure shade imaginative and prescient with out polarization. I don’t get pleasure from polarized lenses, and I’m grateful Smith continues to place top-of-the-line lens know-how of their non-polarized lenses. The distinction between path options and environment within the solar and within the timber stays crisp, and my eyes don’t fatigue within the vivid solar when utilizing the ChromaPop Black lens. It’s designed for vivid solar, and I can run about any path in Colorado, throughout snow patches and out and in of timber while not having to take the glasses off.

For lower-light daybreak and nightfall working, the included amber and clear lenses are easy to change out and slide into place. To be truthful, it does take some agency stress between thumb and fingers to get the lenses out and in — after which a lens material and a few cleaner to revive the optics — nevertheless it’s easy sufficient to do, at the very least when not beneath duress deep in a race. The lenses have a smudge- and waterproof coating to assist hold them clear, however after a lens swap, a fast clear is a should. The Sliders include a fleece carrying pouch with a zippered pocket to carry the 2 pairs of lenses that you just’re not utilizing. I hold a lens material within the pouch to make use of as wanted.

Smith Sliders General Impressions

The Smith Sliders mix an old-school type with fashionable lens and body know-how.

It’s a stunning stroll down reminiscence lane to pop the brand new Smith Sliders on and head out for a run. The trendy lens and body know-how enable the long-lasting design to carry out exceptionally effectively whereas retaining its old-school vibe. The sturdiness and crisp optics are on par with different Smith sun shades, and the understated look means it goes from the path to common life with ease.

Cheers to Smith for bringing again the Sliders 30 years later. It goes to point out that good design and top-tier efficiency are timeless.

Store the Smith Sliders