In the winter of 1965, Dr. Bob Smith, a trailblazing orthodontist and avid ski enthusiast, embarked on a journey that would revolutionize eyewear. Channeling his passion for innovation, Dr. Smith crafted the first sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam, hand-building goggles in his garage and selling them from his van during weekend ski trips across Utah and Colorado. This marked the humble beginning of Smith Optics. With meticulous design and manufacturing, Smith's groundbreaking Smith Original ski goggle came to life in 1969 in Rifle, Colorado. The brand's commitment to pushing boundaries continued, leading to the introduction of the Turbo Fan constant air management system in 1979—a pivotal moment in goggle ventilation. Smith's foray into the sunglass market with the Sunhawk in 1971 and subsequent inventions like the Roll Off film advance system for moto goggles in 1984 showcased a relentless pursuit of excellence. In the realms of industrial design, Smith partnered with the renowned IDEO lab to introduce the V3 goggle in 1995, providing an unprecedented field of view. The evolution continued with innovations like the Slider 01, revolutionizing the sport sunglass market. Smith's commitment to environmental sustainability took center stage in 2009 with the Evolve program—ushering in the world's largest eco-friendly sunglass collection, championing the use of biobased or recycled materials across all categories.

The year 2013 marked a significant breakthrough with the launch of ChromaPop™ lenses, transforming the visual experience with unparalleled vibrancy, color optimization, and clarity. Building on this success, ChromaPop™ snow lenses debuted in 2016, enhancing natural color and clarity for a more detailed and enjoyable performance on the snow-covered slopes. In 2022, Smith Optics introduced BirdsEye Vision, the culmination of 53 years of goggle innovation, featuring ChromoPop lens technology that expands the field of view by an impressive 25%. Smith Optics, rooted in a legacy of visionary craftsmanship, continues to redefine perspectives and elevate the eyewear experience with each stride forward.