Smith Venture Sunglasses Reviewed in 2025

Smith Venture Sunglass Performance

The Venture sunglasses are an optimal example of performance from Smith sunglasses. With tastefully designed additions to offer maximum protection, the Venture sunglasses perform excellently – and look good. Several features make these sunglasses true mountaineering sunnies.

Venture Sunglass’s Adaptable Frame

One of the best performative features of the Venture sunglasses is the removable TPU side shields and nose piece.

A few things stood out while using the Venture glasses with the side shields and nose piece engaged. First, the shields provided significant protection against the sun, wind, and debris in extreme weather. Second, the side shields only slightly limit peripheral vision. Third, the extra protection pieces do not add significant weight to the sunglasses.

Quickly open and auto-lock the side shields and hinges in place of the Venture sunglasses. This allows easy one-hand on-and-off access while holding an ice pick or shovel. However, it takes two hands to unlock the side shields and fold them back up.

The nose piece and side shields can be popped off the frame to change the design. With these pieces off, the glasses turn into stylish apres-ski sunglasses. However, wind and sun are likely to be let in.

It can be hard to get the nosepiece back on. If you don’t put the nose piece back just right, there is a risk it may fall off.

Smith also includes a snow goggle-like adjustable retainer strap. Simply click and unclick the retainer strap into the end of the sunglass arms. With the retainer strap attached, no jostle will offset the Ventures.

Smith Sunglasses Lens Technology

Smith invented ChromaPop™ polarized lens technology. ChromaPop™ is comparable to Oakley’s Prizm polarized lens technology. Both technologies offer superior glare resistance, clarity, and contrast. Smith and Oakley are neck and neck when it comes to lens performance.

Contrast and clarity never lack when skiing, hiking, and driving in the Smith Ventures. When sliding these bad boys on, the world has a newfound sharpness. Navigating in the shade or sun was seamless due to the ChromaPop lens technology.

The Venture polarized lens tech is spot on regarding glare resistance. In addition to the polarized protection, Smith adds an anti-reflective coating that reduces eye strain while improving optical clarity. Due to the anti-glare, these are great driving glasses.

Like the sunglasses being tested, the Smith Venture sunglasses come in a photochromic option. Photochromic lenses shift their tint based on UV levels. Choosing transition lens technology is good for people who have all-day adventures with varying light. Smith’s photochromic tech shifts quickly on direct exposure to the sun.

Smith Venture sunglasses come with a smudge—and moisture-resistant coating. However, this doesn’t seem to protect very well against fog. Fog collects on the Venture lenses while breathing with or without a face mask on while making extraneous efforts hiking uphill. However, the fog does dissipate relatively quickly.

Smith claims the moisture-resistant coating makes for easy cleaning. This may be true for the exterior lens. However, regarding the interior lens, microfiber clothes do not slide smoothly, and it seems that you shouldn’t even touch the inside. However, smudges occur, so working with a microfiber cloth eventually helps.

Behind Venture’s Fit and Comfort

The Venture Smith sunglasses fit numerous face shapes and sizes. Whether you have a narrow woman’s face or a large man’s face, the flexible, adaptable Venture frame will conform to your face.

These Smith sunglasses have a medium fit and provide medium coverage. However, I would argue that the coverage of the Venture sunglasses is wide due to the side shields. Without the side shields, medium coverage seems accurate.

While wearing the Smith Venture sunglasses, the non-slip grip of the Megol™ nose and temple pads work wonders. Adjusting these sunglasses is a relic of the past. Regardless of the impact of the activity, Venture sunglasses live up to their non-slip promise. If you are dissenting chunky proline mountain bike trails, click on the retainer strap to ensure non-slip.

The easy-adjustable QuickFit temples allow for a customizable fit, which is a big help to the non-slip design. The Ventures will mesh with your head shape, whether you have a big or a small head. When you adjust the glasses to your size, they will stay that way until you change them to another position.

With the side shields engaged, they do not bother the face. Sometimes, sunglasses with shields, like the Heron Glacier glasses, can slightly irritate the face. The Venture glasses are super comfortable with zero agitation.

Materials Mean Something

Frame

Smith takes an eco-conscious initiative by shifting away from sunglass frames of petroleum-based plastics. Smith claims the Venture sunglasses are made with a frame that does not affect the global food chain.

The Smith Venture sunglasses are comprised of Evolve bio-based materials. The bio-based compound is derived from renewable plant sources and includes a minimum of 55% castor oil. Smith claims it provides the same durability and performance as plastic frames like the Goodr OGs and Knockaround Premium Sports.

The Evolve bio-based Venture frame has a premium, smooth feel. Thanks to their durability and flexibility ratings, these Smith sunglasses can take a slam with you. However, unlike its counterpart polycarbonate, Evolve bio-based material compound is not advertised as impact-resistant, meaning the glasses won’t absorb any of the impact.

The Venture sunglasses include a removable TPU nose piece and side shields. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is durable, flexible, and abrasion-resistant. Expeditionists will find these extra protection pieces to enhance the overall sunglass performance.

Lenses

Smith gives users the option to choose between polycarbonate and glass lens materials. Both materials have pros and cons. Consider the activity you plan to use the Venture sunglasses for to decide which lens material to invest in.

Polycarbonate is used in many sports sunglasses, including the Ventures. Polycarbonate lenses provide impact resistance, UV protection, scratch resistance, and flexibility. Due to their superior shatterproof protection, we recommend polycarbonate lenses for extreme sports.

Glass lenses are commonly used in prescription glasses and sunglasses that prioritize optical quality. They are scratch-resistant and provide superior clarity. However, glass lenses are not shatterproof and are dangerous for extreme sports athletes. We recommend the Venture sunglasses made with glass to hikers, fishers, and boaters.

We Highly Recommend The Versatile Venture Sunglasses

Although the Venture Smith sunglasses are made for adventures, they are ready for anything. With several different wearing methods, the Ventures transform to match the occasion perfectly.

Choose from several colors and lens tints with a photochromic option available. Smith also gives the option of polycarbonate or glass lenses in the Ventures. Customize these to your ideal escapades.

The Smith Venture sunglasses are stylish, functional, protective, and comfortable. They are well suited for extreme sports or strolls in town through the agency of the removable side shields, nosepiece, and retainer strap. Keep your sunglasses safe with the complimentary Smith hard case and carrying microfiber bag.