The Craftsmanship at the Heart of “Zoff”: A Story of Outstanding Technological Innovation

A Mega Bestseller with 9.5 Million Units Sold: Feature-Packed “Zoff SMART”

Since its debut in 2011, "Zoff SMART" has become one of the brand’s defining long-seller series—light, durable eyewear designed for everyday comfort. To date, over 9.5 million units have been sold.

“Back then, customers frequently told us, ‘Glasses are heavy and break too easily.’ We wanted to solve what people had long considered a natural weakness of eyewear,” says Tomoyuki Mikami, product lead for Zoff SMART.

The breakthrough came with the discovery of ULTEM™—a super-engineering plastic used even in aircraft. Lightweight yet exceptionally durable and flexible, the material opened the door to a new standard of eyewear.

“We were convinced this was the key to creating eyewear that was both durable and comfortable. But bringing out the material’s full potential required 2–3 years of testing and refinement,” Mikami explains.

After more than 20,000 repeated open-and-close durability tests on the temple arms, "Zoff SMART" was perfected—light, flexible, and astonishingly hard to break. Upon release, it became an instant hit.

“Our priority wasn’t just making the glasses lighter—it was ensuring people feel that comfort the moment they put them on. They’re ideal for business, sports, relaxing at home, or for busy parents caring for their children. Many customers say, ‘I can’t go back to other glasses anymore.’” — Mikami

Beyond functionality, the line’s design appeal has made it widely popular. With its lightweight durability and timeless styling, "Zoff SMART" fits effortlessly into any lifestyle—from work to leisure to relaxing at home.

“We are truly grateful that so many customers continue to choose ‘Zoff SMART’ even now, more than 10 years after its release. It’s loved by people of all ages, from teenagers to those in their 70s and 80s, and boasts a 99% satisfaction rating across the series,” says Mikami.

Lightweight, durable, and built to last—
"Zoff SMART" solved long-standing eyewear frustrations through innovation. It remains a defining example of Zoff’s craftsmanship.

Available Only at "Zoff" Worldwide: The Ultra-Durable, Shape-Restoring “Galileo”

After "Zoff SMART" introduced a new standard for durable eyewear in 2011, Zoff sought to push the concept further—leading to the creation of “Galileo.”

Its origin lies in addressing the everyday challenges children face.

“Kids with glasses often hesitate to run or play sports because they’re afraid their glasses will break. We wanted to change the situation that eyewear restricts children's activities,” says Akihiro Ito, the product lead for Galileo.

Zoff set out on an unprecedented challenge: eliminating all metal parts and molding the frame entirely from rubber, except for the lenses.
“Balancing rubber’s flexibility with design and stability required countless prototypes. By adjusting thickness and hardness down to the millimeter, we achieved incredible shape restoration and stable comfort. Part of the structure is already patented—no other eyewear in the world matches it,” Ito explains.

The basic Wellington-style design ensures versatility, making it a good match for a wide range of fashion styles.

“It’s simple enough for everyday wear, entirely metal-free so safe even for kids to handle, and blends naturally into daily life,” says Ito.

And true to its original concept, its exceptional safety and durability make it ideal for sports.

“Even in contact sports—where wearing glasses used to make play difficult—Galileo can be used with confidence. And because it contains no metal parts, it’s also well suited for marine activities,” says Ito.

As eyewear that lets you wear it freely at any moment, Galileo greatly expands the range of activities. Going beyond the “unbreakable” standard set by Zoff SMART, Galileo was created as eyewear that liberates human activity. It is a pure expression of Zoff’s ongoing pursuit of innovation in craftsmanship.

Strength Beyond the Frame: Zoff’s Challenge to Revolutionize Lenses

As Zoff advanced its frame technology with the theme of “unbreakable,” the next frontier became the lens itself—leading to the development of the new “Premium Hard Coat.”
A new lens option, "Premium Hard Coat," further draws out this power.

While the long-trusted "Super Hard Coat" offered strong scratch resistance and stain protection, the new “Premium Hard Coat” pushes durability even further. It cuts approximately 99% of UV rays and blocks about 95% of reflected UV entering from the back surface, thanks to 360° UV protection. It protects the lens from both the front and back, blocking UV rays from all angles.
The lenses also offer triple the scratch resistance of standard lenses and exceptional stain resistance—water droplets and fingerprints wipe away easily while dust and pollen adhere less, ensuring a consistently clear view.

Whether under harsh sunlight, on long outings, or during active sports, Zoff lenses now combine frame flexibility with lens toughness to deliver a higher-level eyewear experience. Paired with “Zoff SMART” or “Galileo,” they offer uncompromising quality in both look and feel—representing the ultimate expression of Zoff’s signature toughness.

Durable. Lightweight. Comfortable. Zoff’s craftsmanship always starts with real human needs. "Zoff SMART" created a new standard for unbreakable eyewear, "Galileo" expanded people’s physical freedom, and “PREMIUM HARD CORT” elevated lens durability to match. What Zoff values most is the balance between accessibility and honest quality. Beauty in appearance is only part of the story; what matters equally is the