Everyone has a different goal when buying a new pair of sunglasses. For some, sunglasses are a fashion statement, and the sole purpose of their shades is style. For others, performance is paramount, and they’re seeking something secure and comfortable for athletics. Others may be searching for a pair of sunglasses that will offer the best possible protection and shield their eyes from the sun’s harmful glare.

　　When I’m searching for a new pair of shades, I’m looking for all of the above. After testing the Smith Wander on the water, in the mountains, and around town for months, Ive finally found a pair that can do it all. Read on to learn why the Smith Optics Wander Sunglasses ($205-215) tick all my boxes. 

　　In short: Smith Optics has successfully bridged the gap between style and performance with the Wander sunglasses. These polarized shades are not only stylish, but they are also lightweight, durable, stable, and provide a stellar view of the world around you.

　　Smith Optics Wander Sunglasses

　　Specs Frame material Evolve bio-based frame, stainless steel temples Polarized Yes Lens color tested ChromaPop Brown
 Lens height 47 mm
 Bridge width 18 mm 
 Temple length 140 mm Pros Stylish and high performance ChromaPop polarized lenses
have excellent optics Six lens options
 Nose pads help prevent the glasses from slipping Cons Don’t come with a hard travel case 
 Might fit small on larger faces Expensive Rebecca Parsons $205 at evoCheck Price at Smith Optics Smith Optics Wander Sunglasses Review In my experience, it can be challenging to find a pair of womens sunglasses that look good and perform well. After testing lots of different sunglasses, I can confidently say that the Smith Optics Wander successfully bridge that gap and have become one of my absolute favorites. These sunglasses can transition from a morning hike to an afternoon out on the town without skipping a beat or looking out of place.

　　When Im out on a hike or paddling, I dont always want to wear a pair of sporty sunglasses, but I do want quality optics and good coverage. Sure, some sports sunglasses look pretty cool, but they dont necessarily look very stylish and often dont really fit in when youve finished your outdoor activity.

　　High-quality lenses and stylish looks mean you can look good wherever you go; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Thats where the Wander Sunglasses come into play. By combining a classy and somewhat feminine aesthetic, a lightweight frame, and Smiths quality ChromaPop polarized lenses, the Wander is an excellent all-arounder.

　　The Wander sunglasses sport thin, stainless-steel temple arms coupled with a slim plastic frame. The frames have a classic round keyhole shape for a timeless look, while the steel arms add a bit of contrast. The Wander glasses currently come in six different frame and lens color combinations — I opted for the tortoise frames with polarized brown lenses — all of which have minimal branding in the form of a small Smith logo etched in the temple near the hinge.

　　Although the frames look fairly run-of-the-mill, they are made from Smiths Evolve bio-based material. Smith claims that the Evolve frame material uses 53% bio-based material with the goal of making its product more eco-friendly. If you’re not sure what bio-based is, don’t worry — I had to Google it myself.

　　Essentially, bio-based products are partially or entirely made from materials from living and/or once-living organisms (e.g., plants). While its hard to quantify how much this reduces the carbon footprint of these sunglasses, it is refreshing to see major brands taking steps to be more sustainable.

　　The slim bio-based frame and thin stainless steel temples make the Wander sunglasses light on the face, while the grippy nose pads help keep them in place; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) In terms of fit, I’d say my face is on the medium to small side, and the Wanders medium fit and coverage fit the shape of my face nicely and felt secure without being too tight. That said, they might fit a bit small for those with larger faces or wider heads.

　　Thanks to the slim frame and temples of the Wander sunglasses, they have a lightweight feel, and the grippy Megol rubber nose pads keep them stable and secure for most activities. Through my testing, I have worn them on numerous hikes, runs, and paddles, and they never moved around excessively.

　　Still, they aren’t quite as secure as a slim pair of wraparound sports glasses, and I found they were better suited to walks, hikes, standup paddling, and beach days as opposed to high-intensity or higher-impact activities like running.

　　One of the Wanders biggest selling points is the quality lenses. The lenses are polarized and use Smith Optics signature ChromaPop technology, which enhances color and contrast while simultaneously cutting glare. I felt that they delivered, and the Wanders provided a crisp view both on and off the water.

　　Polarized lenses are typically the best choice for fishing, and I appreciated hem while out on the water near my home in Hawaii, where they handled the harsh reflection of the mid-summer sun off the ocean. Not only did I find the optical clarity to be excellent, but the brown lens tint provided a cheery warmth that made the world around me look even more pleasant.

　　Full sun or bright overcast days, the polarized brown ChromaPop lenses proved to be impressively versatile; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Smith sells the Wander sunglasses with both mirrored and non-mirrored lenses. The standard non-mirrored lens models retail for $205, while the mirrored options cost a bit more at $215. I tested the ChromaPop Polarized Brown lens, which has minimal reflectivity for a slightly more subtle look compared to the flashier mirrored options.

　　Most of the lenses fall between 14% and 18% VLT (Visible Light Transmission), making them well-suited for full sun to mixed light conditions. I found them to work just as well on bright but cloudy days and when hiking through shady forests as they did when there wasnt a cloud in the sky.

　　The Wander sunglasses come with a microfiber cleaning and storage bag. At the $200+ price point, its a little disappointing that they dont come with a hard case for protection like high-end shades from some other brands.

　　If youre prone to breaking your sunglasses or youll be stuffing them into a backpack or suitcase for travel, wed definitely recommend purchasing a more robust case to protect your investment. While they feel well-made and durable, I cant imagine theyd fare well being accidentally sat on or tossed around by a baggage handler in the storage bag alone.

　　From hikes and paddles to casual outings with friends, the Smith Optics Wander sunglasses look good and perform well; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Conclusion As an avid outdoorsperson living in Hawaii, my lifestyle demands that I wear sunglasses pretty much all of the time. Until recently, Ive struggled to find the perfect pair of shades that perform well and look good no matter what Im doing.

　　After testing a number of the best womens sunglasses on the market, the Smith Optics Wander sunglasses sit at the top of my list thanks to their lightweight feel, excellent optics, and stylish aesthetic. At $205-215, the Wander sunglasses aren’t cheap, but they are comfortable, impressively versatile, and transition seamlessly from the trail or water to life on the town. If you value both style and performance, the Smith Optics Wander is definitely worth a look.

　　The Wander Sunglasses are sold on the Smith Optics website and major online retailers like evo.com.

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　　Rebecca Parsons $205 at evoCheck Price at Smith Optics