Smith Optics XC Performance Eyewear

Review by Kate Agathon

I’m flipping out over the flip up lens  Smith XC performance eyewear!

The square-shaped Smith XC performance eyewear are peak retro, with Smith Optics reaching deep into the vault and revamping a pair of sports eyewear from their 1983-84 catalog.

As the name implies, they were originally designed for nordic skiing (which makes me excited to try them this winter, while actually XC skiing).

Before I jump into the review, here’s a bit of backstory:

The first time I saw the squared off vintage-inspired sports eyewear style was earlier this year on Belgian pro cyclist Remco Evenpoel.

Notably, at 25 years old, Evenpoel is too young to appreciate the return of such a distinct style. Me, being nearly twice his age, can. Nevertheless, it was his wearing that square-shaped style that prompted my interest.

They looked so different and so cool. Their distinct squared off lenses screamed nostalgia and made them stand out from the rest. I had to try them!

Fortunately, my favorite eyewear brand had just the very pair I was looking for.

Enter the Smith XC performance eyewear.

The updated Smith XC performance eyewear feature ChromaPop™ lenses with enhanced color, contrast, detail and clarity in all light conditions and are constructed from Evolve™ bio-based material that make them super light.

Other features include autolock hinges and grippy megol nose pads to keep them in place while riding.

Designed for medium-shaped faces, they were a bit larger on me than I expected, but the flat top didn’t interfere with my helmet. So often, I’ve had more spherical sunglasses that competed for head space or kept getting pushed down by my helmet while riding. Thankfully, it was not the case with the Smith XC performance eyewear.

Note that because they are not curved, you do occasionally see the edges of the lens while riding. Some might be bothered, but it didn’t hinder my riding at all.

Performance

I wore the Smith XC performance eyewear mountain biking on sunny fall days in the Colorado high country. They provided more than adequate coverage from the alpine sun.

Thanks to the ChromaPop™ technology, I was able to navigate the trail in front of me and easily identify features that I thought I could roll over or go around.

We hit peak fall foliage color this week.

Thanks to the true color perception offered by the Smith XC performance eyewear the scenery was even more gorgeous.

The golden aspens absolutely popped with an intensity that only ChromaPop™ technology could provide.

The mountains, the water of Lake Dillon, the aspen trees were all sharply contrasted and so beautiful, I hesitated to flip up the lenses for an unfiltered view.

Even in a few shaded sections with pine trees dimming the path in front of me, the ChromaPop™ provided crisp optics and everything was nicely contrasted.

The bio-based Evolve material was light weight and comfortable. No uncomfortable hard areas behind my ears or hot spots.

I did like the convenience of the flip up lenses (they actually stayed propped up) when I had to stop and check my phone or look more closely at my Wahoo ride computer. And yeah, I channeled my inner Dwayne Wayne every time I flipped those lenses up.

Something new, yet something familiar

When it comes to channeling retro vibes this season, no one is doing a better job than Smith Optics. Even the storage bag is made of retro pile fleece.

The Smith XC performance eyewear epitomizes the best of 1980s fun and style, with 2020s technology.

For sunny days that don’t require photochromic lenses for changing conditions, the Smith XC performance eyewear and its convenient flip up lens feature are a good choice. And honestly, they’re just fun.

I’m super looking forward to wearing them for nordic skiing this winter.

The fun, stylish and functional Smith XC Performance Eyewear is available in an array of colors (nine, to be exact) that complement any style. Try them out! You’ll find yourself flipping up the lenses at any and every opportunity (I know I did).

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her husband, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.