Smith replacement lenses revive your shades

I’ve been a long-time user of Smith Optics, and my go-to shades are the classic Guide’s Choice and my new winter touring favourites, the Embark Sunglasses. Both models feature Smith’s ChromaPop™ Glass Polarchromic lenses, which combine advanced polarization with UV-sensitive, self-tinting technology that adapts to shifting light. This versatility allows you to use a single lens on both sunny and cloudy days, or when moving from open ridges into dense forests. It effectively eliminates the need to swap lenses every time the weather or environment changes.



Sustainability Meets Savings
After wearing my Guide’s Choice sunglasses regularly for over six years, the lenses began showing signs of wear from dirt, grime, sweat, and sunscreen chemicals. Even with diligent care—meaning no wiping them on a dusty cotton shirt—lenses eventually degrade. However, the frames remain as solid as the day I bought them.

I was thrilled to see that Smith now offers a wide range of replacement lenses for their most popular models. Rather than shelling out $375 for a brand-new pair of Guide’s Choice, I can spend between $100 and $170 for replacement glass. While the Guide’s Choice is currently limited to standard ChromaPop options, the Embark offers the full range of Photochromic lenses. Saving over $275 is a welcome relief for my wallet, and more importantly, it prevents perfectly good frames from ending up in a landfill.

Future-Proofing Your Gear
Having just acquired the Smith Embark this year, I shouldn’t need replacements for a while—unless, of course, I drop them one too many times. To hedge my bets, I ordered replacement lenses for both the Guide’s Choice and the Embark just to be safe.

I opted for the non-photochromic ChromaPop lenses for their standout definition, clarity, and the natural vision I’ve come to expect from Smith. These replacements also provide a great secondary option for the Embark frames, allowing me to switch from Photochromic to standard ChromaPop depending on the specific demands of the adventure at hand.



SPECS
Smith Embark Sunglass Replacement Lens
Lenses: $100CAN ($170 Photochromic) / $88US ($105 Photochromic)
Colours: ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic Copper Blue Mirror, ChromaPop Polarized Green Mirror, ChromaPop Blue Mirror, ChromaPop Black

Smith Guide's Choice Sunglass Replacement Lens 
Price: $100CAN / $88US
Lenses: ChromaPop Polarized Grey Green, ChromaPop Polarized Blue Mirror, ChromaPop Polarized Brown

This is a total "no-brainer." Saving two-thirds the cost of a new pair of sunglasses is a huge win, and keeping quality frames out of the trash simply makes sense. Smith’s replacement lenses are an affordable way to breathe new life into well-loved (or carelessly handled) eyewear. I’m glad to see this service offered, and I’m sure Smith owners everywhere will jump at the chance to refresh their favourite shades.