What makes glasses protective for sports?
Protective sports glasses are rated to withstand impact forces that would shatter ordinary eyewear. The key standard is ANSI Z87.1, which requires lenses to pass a high-velocity impact test using a steel ball at 150 feet per second. Frames must also provide adequate coverage and stay in place under stress. Smith Elite glasses meet ANSI Z87.1, and select models carry MIL-PRF-31013 military ballistic certification, a higher standard used for combat and tactical environments. Lens material matters, too: polycarbonate (as used in Smith Elite lenses) is up to 10x more impact-resistant than standard plastic or glass.
Can I get Smith protective glasses with my prescription (Rx)?
Yes, Smith offers the ODS4 and ODS5 Rx Adapter systems for select protective frames. For more information, check out our prescription glasses buyer's guide to find the right Rx Adapter kit for you.
What is ANSI Z87.1 certification and why does it matter for sports?
ANSI Z87.1 is the American National Standard for occupational and educational personal eye protection. Eyewear marked Z87+ (high-impact) must pass a high-velocity steel ball impact test and a drop-ball impact test, and lenses must maintain optical clarity. For sports and outdoor use, this certification means the eyewear has been independently tested and will hold up to flying debris, accidental impact, and the stresses of active use. It’s the same standard required for workplace safety glasses, so if your eyewear carries Z87 markings, you know it’s been rigorously tested beyond cosmetic-grade sport frames.
What’s the difference between safety glasses and sports glasses?
Safety glasses are tested to ANSI Z87.1 (impact, optical quality, coverage) or higher standards like MIL-PRF-31013 for ballistic use. Sports glasses typically meet ASTM F803, a sport-specific impact standard, but they are not always rated for industrial or tactical hazards.
Smith Elite protective eyewear bridges both: frames are built with the durability and style of sport sunglasses but carry full ANSI or MIL-SPEC ratings, making them appropriate for demanding work environments, tactical operations, and active sports alike.
Do Smith protective glasses come with ChromaPop™ or polarized lenses?
Yes, many Smith Elite protective frames are available with ChromaPop™ lenses, Smith’s proprietary technology that filters specific wavelengths to enhance natural color, improve contrast, and reduce eye fatigue. ChromaPop™ is particularly valuable in dynamic outdoor conditions where light changes fast, such as trail running, cycling, shooting, or skiing. Polarized options are also available in select models. Both technologies can be combined with ANSI Z87.1-rated lenses, so you don’t have to sacrifice clarity or optical performance for protection.
Are Smith Elite glasses good for tactical and military use?
Yes. Smith Elite’s tactical lineup is rated to MIL-PRF-31013 ballistic standards, which exceed standard ANSI Z87.1 requirements. These frames are used by military and law enforcement professionals and feature tapered lens technology to correct optical distortion at extreme angles, interchangeable lenses for different light conditions, and Rx-compatible adaptor systems for operators who need vision correction.
