Smith Guide’s Choice Sunglasses Review: Tested on the Trail, River & Beyond
The First Impressions That Hooked Me
Let me just start out by saying I wanted the Smith Guide’s Choice sunglasses and lenses specifically for fly fishing. What I didn’t expect was that these would take over my go-to everyday wear sunnies. And they did. And I’m not mad at it. I went with the Tortoise frame with ChromaPop Glass Polarized Green Mirror Lenses, and they looked even better in hand than they did online. The weight, the feel, the finish—all of it suggested a premium product.
But good looks only get you so far. What really floored me, and continues to every time I slide them on, is the clarity and depth of color these lenses reveal. There’s a genuine “wow” moment, like seeing the landscape in high definition for the first time. That first day wearing them on a short hike, I found myself taking them on and off just to compare the views. It wasn't just a little bump in saturation; it felt like someone dialed in the contrast and handed me a better version of reality. Yes, I am that annoying guy who will try to make everyone try on these glasses so they can see that POP. It’s that good, and there ain’t no shame in my game when it comes to that.
They also just feel good. Solid without being heavy, snug without pinching. The construction screams quality, which gives you the kind of quiet confidence that they’ll last for years, not just a season. These are a medium frame, so they fit most head sizes. The only downside I have found in regards to fit is that they don’t sit around my neck very snug. Which is a way I often carry my sunnies instead of on top of my head, where sweat can smudge up the lenses. . But rest assured, the Smith Optics Guides Choice is available in multiple sizes on their site.
The frame fits perfectly under the straps of the new Forefront 3 Helmet.
Trail-Tested: Mountain Biking in the Arizona Desert
Most of my riding happens in the Phoenix desert, where the light is intense, the terrain is harsh, and shade is a luxury. Think sun-blasted singletrack, jagged rock gardens, and the occasional rattlesnake baking on the trail. I’ve logged miles on trails like Brown Ranch Loop and Red Mountain Rush in the Hawes Trail system, and if your lenses aren’t up to the task, you’ll know fast.
I have worn the Oakley Sutro S with Prizm lenses for years now, and they’ve served me well. The clarity is top-notch, and the lens tint is great for variable light. But where the Guide’s Choice pulled ahead was in the richness of color and contrast—especially on trails with subtle surface changes. In the flat early morning light or just before sunset, when rock shadows blur into the dirt, the ChromaPop lenses gave me a bit more pop. I could see rocks, roots, and trail texture a split-second sooner.
One thing I really appreciated was how well they stayed put. No bounce, no sliding, even over washboard sections or during fast descents. Sure, they’re not vented like high-performance cycling glasses, and I did notice a bit more fogging on long, sweaty climbs. But that’s expected with full-coverage lenses like these.
They felt more like armor for my eyes than a lightweight performance tool, which—honestly—I was okay with. Out here in the desert, you want protection more than ultralight minimalism.
The Smith Guides Choice cutting that harsh AZ sun glare to help me spot the fish waiting to eat my fly
River Clarity: Fly Fishing with ChromaPop
These things were designed with one thing in mind: FISHING, so let’s get to it! More than most outdoor pursuits, fly fishing is a game of detail. You’re tracking line, watching tiny surface breaks, and—if you're lucky—sighting fish just under the surface. Polarization is non-negotiable. Polarized? Cool. But some lenses just slap on the label and call it a day—others actually make the world look sharper, richer, and way less like you're peeking through a muddy fish tank. Big difference.
I’ve fished a few desert streams and creeks lately, and these lenses genuinely helped me spot structure and fish movement beneath the surface in a way that caught me off guard. With the ChromaPop Green Mirror lenses, the water seemed to lose its glare entirely. I was able to trace submerged logs, see into deeper pools, and pick up on flashes of movement I may have otherwise missed.
When the light shifted midday or the wind chopped up the water’s surface, they still held their own. I didn’t have to squint, adjust my stance, or second-guess what I was seeing. They just worked, which is more than I can say for most sunglasses I’ve worn while fishing with lesser quality lens technology.
It’s not about style points here—it’s about utility. And in this use case, they delivered. I imagine that these would absolutely slay in flats fishing somewhere in the Keys. I am stoked to take these with me in a couple of months when I visit.
One eye on the trail, the other roaming for snakes. Ahh, trail running in the sonoran desert.
Running and Hiking in the Wild Heat
Trail running in the desert is brutal in its own right. Heat, loose gravel, narrow ridgelines—you need to stay alert. I’ve done a handful of runs and hikes recently with these sunglasses, and while they’re not specifically marketed as performance running shades, they held up really well.
There’s a bit of heft to them because of the glass lenses, but I didn’t experience any bounce or sliding once they were on. They gripped well, even as I started sweating on longer climbs. What really stood out, again, was the consistency of the tint and the way they handled glare from exposed ridgelines and rock faces.
Even on hot afternoons, when everything feels washed out and harsh, the lenses gave the landscape definition and depth. I could see trail obstacles more clearly, and the reduced eye strain meant I could focus better on my footing—especially on steep descents.
They may not be my go-to for a speed workout or ultralight trail mission, but for long hikes or steady-state efforts, they’ve become a reliable companion.
Ready to pick up your next favorite pair of shades? My combination is the Matte Tortoise + ChromaPop™ Glass Polarchromic Brown Green Mirror
Head and eye protection with the Smith system
Everyday Wear: Do They Pull Double Duty?
Let’s be real. If you’re spending over $200 on sunglasses, they better look good with more than just your wading boots or trail runners. Luckily, the Guide’s Choice has a versatile, everyday aesthetic. The tortoise frame isn’t flashy, but it has enough character to make it feel like more than just utilitarian gear.
I’ve worn them to breweries, on road trips to the Grand Canyon, and just out walking the neighborhood. No one looks twice—in a good way. They don’t scream “technical gear,” which I appreciate. And while they’re a bit bigger than your average casual shades, they don’t feel out of place.
They’ve also been surprisingly scratch-resistant so far, which is important because I’m not exactly delicate with my gear. Tossing them into a center console or backpack pocket hasn't left a mark yet. And while I wouldn’t recommend that as a best practice, it’s good to know they can take a little abuse.
The case they come with is sturdy too, which makes it easier to commit to taking them along everywhere. It’s the kind of detail that makes you more likely to use them daily, and for me, that’s what ultimately justifies the price.
What I Loved (and a Few Things I Didn’t)
Let’s keep it grounded. Here’s where the Guide’s Choice sunglasses really shine:
What I Loved:
The ChromaPop clarity is no joke—landscapes and riverscapes look richer and more defined.
The polarization makes a real difference, especially on water and light-colored desert trails.
They’re durable and comfortable for long hours outside.
They look good enough to wear daily without feeling too sporty. Something I didn’t expect at all
They feel like gear that’s built for the long haul, not just a season.
What I Didn’t Love:
They’re heavier than plastic-lens performance sunglasses—noticeable on longer runs, but like, hardly.
Ventilation isn’t ideal for high-output activities like aggressive MTB climbs. I recommend the Bobcat frames for dirt dirt gnar gnar.
They’re pricey. You’re paying a premium, but you're getting a premium. #worthit
They don’t sit well on the Smith Forefront 3 Helmet like some of my other glasses. I don’t often store them up there but every once in a while it comes in a pinch.
Final Thoughts: Are They Worth It?
I’m not here to tell you these are the “best sunglasses ever” or that they’ll make you faster, better, or more stylish. What I can say—honestly—is that these are some of my favorite pairs of sunglasses I’ve slapped on this face. I didn’t expect to use them much outside of fishing, but I find myself constantly reaching for them on an everyday wear.
They make the landscape more beautiful. They make practical differences when you're trying to pick out terrain or see through water. And they feel good to wear, even after hours outside. If you’re someone who’s out there pushing through sun, sweat, water, and wind—and you want something that holds up to all of it—then these are absolutely worth considering.
They won’t be perfect for every person or every activity. But if you’re looking for a do-everything pair of sunglasses that leans hard into clarity, comfort, and rugged durability, the Smith Guide’s Choice deserves a look
Affiliate Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend gear I personally use and love.
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