We review everything to know about the Oakley C Wire Sunglasses including where you can still find them!
Table of Contents
History and Background
Oakley introduced its very first pair of wire framed sunglasses in 1992 with the E Wire. Then in 1994 Oakley began its prescription line with that same frame. By the year 2000, the wire line had expanded to four frames and Oakley decided to add a fifth – The Oakley C Wire sunglasses.
Similar to Oakley’s other wire frames, the C Wire was a casual design designed to provide an alternative to the sports pairs that dominated the market. Ultimately the C Wire went on to be produced for five years before being discontinued then reintroduced in 2011 with a refresh. Since then the refreshed 2011 C Wire frames have now been discontinued.
Keep reading for our complete Oakley C Wire review of the frame and lenses including where you can still buy a pair, parts or replacement lenses!
Oakley C Wire Sunglasses Review
Frame and Design (2000 C Wire)
The 2000 Oakley C Wire is a pretty classic wire frame for the era. Oval with a relatively (for Oakley) subdued wrap the original C Wire is made of C-5 alloy for a lightweight and durable frame.
The C Wire also featured a spring hinge which became an option for all of the Wires frames around this time, making them even better for the Rx line. Strait, sleek earstems are capped with Unobtainium ear socks. The Oakley icon is small and discreet, right in front of the hinge which is on par for wire frames. The C Wire also features silicone eyeglasses styles nose pads.
The original C Wire was available in a variety of colorways platinum (which is pale gold), titanium, and titanium pewter. Scroll down to our complete listing of the original C wire colorways for more.
Updated C Wire Design (2011)
In 2011, after being discontinued for several years Oakley re-released the C Wire. The New C Wire features a C-5 alloy frame with a more squared design that’s deeper than the original oval. Additionally, the hinges are more stylized and less sleek, and the icon is bolder on the frame, in a contrasting color.
The New C Wire earstems are not as straight as the original, with a little flare at the end reminiscent of a standard eyeglasses stem. However they do still feature Unobtainium ear socks and silicone nose pads for grip similar to the original 2000 model.
Lenses
Both the original and 2011 C Wire lenses are made of Plutonite material with XYZ optics. As always, the Plutonite lens provides a high level of impact resistance and UV protection, and the XYZ optics ensure high quality clarity.
Both versions of the C Wire were part of the RX line, with prescription sunglasses or everyday glasses lenses available. Wire frames are generally more popular Oakley prescription glasses due to their simple everyday designs.
While C wire lenses were available in Iridium and Polarized options, unfortunately Oakley never released the C wire with contrast enhancing Prizm lenses.
Original Colorways
We’ve included a complete listing of C Wire colorways below for reference.
| Colorway (Frame / Lens) | Original (2000) / New (2011) C Wire |
|---|---|
| Dark Carbon / Black Iridium | Original |
| Gunmetal / Positive Red Iridium | Original |
| Platinum / Emerald Iridium | Original |
| Platinum / Gold Iridium | Original |
| Silver / Black Iridium Polarized | Original |
| Silver / Fire Iridium | Original |
| Silver / Gold Iridium Polarized | Original |
| Silver / Ice Iridium | Original |
| Silver / Ruby Iridium | Original |
| Titanium / Black Iridium | Original |
| Titanium / Emerald Iridium Polarized | Original |
| Titanium / Titanium Iridium | Original |
| Titanium Pewter / G30 Iridium | Original |
| Titanium Pewter / VR28 Blue Iridium Polarized | Original |
| Earth Brown / Tungsten Iridium | New |
| Lead / Ice Iridium Polarized | New |
| Matte Black / Warm Grey | New |
| Pewter / OO Red Iridium Polarized | New |
| Pewter / Warm Grey | New |
| Polished Black / Black Iridium Polarized | New |
| Polished Chrome / VR28 Black Iridium | New |
Where to Find C Wire Replacement Lenses?
Oakley no longer sells C Wire replacement lenses however that doesn’t mean you can’t find them. If you’re looking for original Oakley lenses you’ll want to check out aftermarket sites such as our exchange areas. But if your open to aftermarket lenses there are plenty of options available. Check out our complete guide to Oakley replacement lenses where we compare the top aftermarket lens manufacturers.
Where to Buy Oakley C Wire Sunglasses?
Unfortunately since both the original and new Oakley C Wire sunglasses have been discontinued you can’t buy them new. But this doesn’t mean you can’t find them. There are plenty of aftermarket exchanges where you can buy C Wires.
Our top picks include our Oakley Forum exchange areas where you can buy, sell and trade with members and sites like eBay. However, as you look on other sites be sure you know how to spot fake Oakleys. Check out our complete guide to buying used and discontinued Oakleys here for more!
Final Thoughts
The Oakley C Wire is a classic wire frame like the Whisker and others. While it won’t parallel the fantastic designs of the Medusa or Over The Top, the C wire isn’t trying to. Instead, the C wire is a great everyday or prescription pair.
