We review everything to know about the Oakley Square Wire 2.0 Sunglasses including where you can still find them for sale!
Table of Contents
History and Background
Released in 1999, the Oakley Square Wire 2.0 sandwiches itself between the original Square Wire from the mid-1990s and the New Square Wire introduced in 2006. As a lifestyle wire frame, the 2.0 appeals to those looking for Oakley quality and style in a streamlined, less aggressive design.
Ultimately the Oakley Square Wire 2.0 was discontinued in 2005, and replaced with the New Square Wire that features a larger, squarer shape. Then in 2014 Oakley released an updated Square Wire that’s in the current Oakley line simply called the “Square Wire”. It differs from the Square Wire 2.0 mostly in subtle design changes, larger size, and updated technology. However the frame remains C-5 alloy.
Oakley Square Wire 2.0 Sunglasses Review
Frame and Design
The Square Wire 2.0 Sunglasses feature a sleek, rectangular, full frame wrap style made of Oakley’s C-5 alloy. C-5 is a five-metal alloy that’s both strong, flexible and thin allowing for sleek wire frames that are also durable.
Over the years Oakley has realized a number of wire frames – the E Wire, and T wire etc. but the Square Wire has been one of the most popular alongside the Whisker. Many of the wire pairs are similar as you’d expect with the Square Wire 2.0 differentiating itself with a crisp squared lens alongside the sleek thin frame.
The Square Wire 2.0 has a thin earstem fitting for the style, a low-key icon, and the Oakley name across the front of the nose bridge. There also is a spring hinge option available on the 2.0.
You’ll notice that the Square Wire 2.0 features Unobtainium ear socks. However the nosepads are silicone and more akin to what you’d find on a pair of eyeglasses. As you’d imagine the Square Wire was a popular prescription Oakley frame during it’s production thanks to its simple design.
Interesting side note: In 2002, Oakley introduced a larger version of the Square Wire 2.0 (with a 30mm lens) specifically to meet size requirements in Australia. They were actually unable to sell the Penny model there because it didn’t meet the minimum lens height so they offered this modified Square Wire 2.0.
Lenses
The Oakley Square Wire 2.0 Lenses are made of the company’s impact resistant Plutonite material. Unfortunately because the 2.0 was produced between 1999 and 2006 they never were offered with Prizm lenses. But if you’re a wire fan they’re still plenty of options today with the Whisker and Savitar.
Despite the full frame, you can replace the lenses on Square Wire 2.0 sunglasses. Keep reading for where to find replacement lenses and how you can easily swap them!
Original Colorways
We’ve included the complete list of Square Wire 2.0 colorways originally produced for reference:
| Colorway (Frame / Lens) | Original Price |
|---|---|
| Black Chrome / Fire Iridium | $145 |
| Black Chrome / G30 Iridium | $145 |
| Black Chrome / Positive Red Iridium | $145 |
| Dark / Black Iridium | $100 |
| Dark / Emerald Iridium | $100 |
| Dark / Grey | $75 |
| Dark / Grey Polarized | $100 |
| Dark Chrome / VR50 Gold Iridium | $100 |
| Dark Carbon / Black Iridium (30mm) | $100 |
| Light / Emerald Slate Iridium | $140 |
| Light / G30 Titanium Iridium | $140 |
| Light / Grey | $140 |
| Light / Ice Iridium | $140$140 |
| Pewter / Black Iridium | $140 |
| Pewter / Emerald Iridium | $150 |
| Platinum / Gold Iridium | $140 |
| Silver / Ice Iridium (30mm) | $140 |
| Silver / Black Iridium Polarized | $140 |
| Silver / Blue Iridium | $140 |
| Silver / Fire Iridium | |
| Titanium / Black Iridium Polarized | $140 |
| Titanium / Titanium Iridium | $140 |
| Titanium Pewter / Titanium Iridium | $140 |
| Titanium Pewter / VR28 Blue Iridium Polarized | $140 |
How to replace Oakley Square Wire 2.0 lenses?
Replacing your lenses on the Square Wire 2.0 doesn’t need to be hard. You just need the right tools. First we’ll talk about where to find replacement Square Wire 2.0 lenses before we dive into how to actually replace them!
Unfortunately Oakley no longer sells replacement lenses for the 2.0 since they were discontinued in the early 2000’s. However you’re not out of luck. Several aftermarket supplier sell a variety of lens colors for under $30 a set. Check out our complete guide to Oakley replacement lenses for a comparison of your best options.
Once you’ve got your lenses, you’re ready to replace them. You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver. Then simply follow the 3 easy steps below:
- Flip your glasses upside and unscrew the small Phillips head screw around the lens (hint: it’s near the nose pads)
- Once unscrewed, the lens will begin to expand allowing you to simply remove the lens
- Insert the new lens and reverse the process tightening the Phillips head screw from Step 1 to secure the lens
Where to Buy Oakley Square Wire 2.0 Sunglasses
The Oakley Square Wire 2.0 is a discontinued style, so you won’t find them on Oakley’s website or even in Oakley Vault stores. Your best options for to buy Oakley Square Wire 2.0’s are aftermarket exchanges such as our Oakley Forum exchange areas or eBay. Our exchange areas allow members to buy, sell and trade any and everything Oakley!
Be sure to check out our complete guide to buying and selling used and discontinued Oakleys here where we cover all your options!
Final Thoughts
The Square Wire 2.0 is a classic wire frame that epitomizes the era. The thin frame and crisp lines are great for every day or nicer occasions where you might not want to be wearing a Medusa or OTT.
Any of the Square Wire family members are a great choice, but the 2.0 is definitely the most popular of the discontinued models. Therefore you’ll likely have an easier time tracking one down.
Have a question about Square Wire 2.0 Sunglasses? Or want to share your pair? Join the largest online Oakley community today and let us know in the thread below!
