Oakley Square Wire, A Wire, and E Wire are related but distinct wire-frame sunglasses. The clearest reported visual distinction is that the E Wire has a more balanced oval lens shape than the A Wire; Square Wire has a more angular outline. Temple and hinge details can also differ by generation. Exact vintage sizing and fit comparisons are not established by the available sources, so identify the specific model and generation before buying a frame or replacement parts.
How the three Wire designs are related
Oakley’s 2000 annual report connects the families without treating them as interchangeable: it says the OO A and OO E designs drew on the orbital geometries of the A Wire and E Wire. The report also lists updated A Wire, E Wire 2.0, and Square Wire 2.0 releases in 2000. Those names and generation numbers matter when comparing a vintage pair. Oakley, Inc. 2000 Annual Report
How their shapes differ
A Wire and E Wire
A collector describes the E Wire lens as a more balanced oval than the A Wire lens. That is a useful visual clue, not a measured specification or a guarantee that every version follows the same shape.
Square Wire
Square Wire is the more angular-sounding design in this comparison, but the sources do not provide precise lens-outline measurements across vintage generations. A name alone cannot establish how a particular pair will look or fit.
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#1 Best Overall
- FRAME FEATURES: OO4075 Square Wire sunglasses feature a rectangular, Gunmetal frame, made with lightweight C-5 alloy and Tungsten Iridium polarized lenses. Unobtainium earsocks and adjustable nose pads feature Three-point fit for all day comfort and security.
- TUNGSTEN IRIDIUM POLARIZED LENSES are increased contract lenses designed for use in bright light conditions to enhance color vividness, increase contrast and reduce glare. HD Polarized lenses filter out 99% of reflected glare without haze and optical distortion. Light transmission: 15%
- 100% UV PROTECTION: Oakley Plutonite Lenses provide 100% UV Protection filtering of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400mm. Oakley’s lightweight Plutonite lens material offers superior comfort, clarity & protection against impact and ultraviolet radiation.
- MICROBAG AND CLEANING CLOTH INCLUDED: Microbag storage and cleaning cloth included to clean and store your Oakley eyewear.
- VISIT THE OAKLEY BRAND SHOP: Click on the Oakley link above the product title to shop the entire Oakley sunglass and eyeglass assortment.
What is known about temples and hinges
In one owner’s comparison, the A Wire temple curves so that mainly its end contacts the head, while an E Wire 2.1 has a straighter temple and a spring hinge. This observation applies to the compared examples; it should not be generalized to every E Wire or A Wire generation. Oakley Forum discussion
Fit and sizing: what you can and cannot compare
The sources do not establish a reliable model-by-model sizing table for vintage A Wire, E Wire, and Square Wire frames. Nor do they settle generation-specific fit differences. If fit matters, inspect the markings and measurements on the exact frame and try it on where possible; an anecdotal comparison is not a substitute for checking the pair you plan to wear.
Rank #2
- FRAME FEATURES: OO4075 Square Wire sunglasses feature a rectangular, polished black frame, made with lightweight C-5 alloy and black Iridium lenses. Unobtainium earsocks and adjustable nose pads feature Three-point fit for all day comfort and security.
- BLACK IRIDIUM LENSES are perfect for every day and designed to help reduce glare and enhance vision especially in bright light conditions. Light transmission: 12%
- 100% UV PROTECTION: Oakley Plutonite Lenses provide 100% UV Protection filtering of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400mm. Oakley’s lightweight Plutonite lens material offers superior comfort, clarity & protection against impact and ultraviolet radiation.
- MICROBAG AND CLEANING CLOTH INCLUDED: Microbag storage and cleaning cloth included to clean and store your Oakley eyewear.
- VISIT THE OAKLEY BRAND SHOP: Click on the Oakley link above the product title to shop the entire Oakley sunglass and eyeglass assortment.
Current Square Wire example
Oakley’s US listing identifies the current Square Wire as model OO4075, size L (135 mm), with a C-5 alloy frame, adjustable nosepads, Unobtainium earsocks, and 8.75 base lens geometry. The listing includes polarized and Iridium lens choices and Prizm availability. Stock depends on colorway and may change. Oakley Square Wire OO4075 product page
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to identify a vintage pair or buy replacement lenses
- Check the model markings. Record the code and any generation designation printed on the frame.
- Compare the actual frame. Use its outline, temple shape, and markings rather than relying on the family name alone.
- Match replacement lenses to that exact model and generation. A specialist lens guide notes that identifying Oakley wire frames can be difficult; it does not establish that parts fit across the A Wire, E Wire, and Square Wire families. Fuse Lenses guide to Oakley wire frames
Do not assume lenses or parts listed for current OO4075 Square Wire fit vintage Square Wire, A Wire, or E Wire frames.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Oakley Mens Sunglasses: The full-rim, lightweight metal frames deliver sleek definition, while the sunglasses' adjustable nose pads ensure a secure and comfortable fit; Lenses feature advanced technology to shield against intense light and glare, for crisp, classic clarity
- 100% UV Protection: Oakley Plutonite lenses offer impact resistance and 100% UV Protection (UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light up to 400nm); PRIZM Grey Polarized increase vibrance in bright light. HD Polarized block 99% glare; Light transmission: 17%
- Patented High-Definition Optics (HDO): Oakley high definition optics provide superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision at every angle as well as UV and impact protection
- Durable Construction: Ultra-lightweight C-5 alloy Frame Material with acetate stem, which is created by fusing together five metallic compounds, to create an ultra-strong chassis
- Mens Oakley Sunglasses: Unobtainium earsocks and nose pads grip your face when perspiring and help provide a secure and custom fit; micro bag included to clean and store your Oakley eyewear
Rank #4
- Oakley Mens Sunglasses: The full-rim, lightweight metal frames deliver sleek definition, while the sunglasses' adjustable nose pads ensure a secure and comfortable fit; Lenses feature advanced technology to shield against intense light and glare, for crisp, classic clarity
- 100% UV Protection: Oakley Plutonite lenses offer impact resistance and 100% UV Protection (UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light up to 400nm); PRIZM Black Everyday lenses are ideal for bright light and increased vibrance; Light transmission: 11%
- Patented High-Definition Optics (HDO): Oakley high definition optics provide superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision at every angle as well as UV and impact protection
- Durable Construction: Ultra-lightweight C-5 alloy Frame Material with acetate stem, which is created by fusing together five metallic compounds, to create an ultra-strong chassis
- Mens Oakley Sunglasses: Unobtainium earsocks and nose pads grip your face when perspiring and help provide a secure and custom fit; micro bag included to clean and store your Oakley eyewear
Rank #3
- Oakley Mens Sunglasses: The full-rim, lightweight metal frames deliver sleek definition, while the sunglasses' adjustable nose pads ensure a secure and comfortable fit; Lenses feature advanced technology to shield against intense light and glare, for crisp, classic clarity
- 100% UV Protection: Oakley Plutonite lenses offer impact resistance and 100% UV Protection (UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light up to 400nm); PRIZM Tungsten Polarized enhance color for medium to bright light; HD Polarized lenses block 99% of glare; Light transmission: 14%
- Patented High-Definition Optics (HDO): Oakley high definition optics provide superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision at every angle as well as UV and impact protection
- Durable Construction: Ultra-lightweight C-5 alloy Frame Material with acetate stem, which is created by fusing together five metallic compounds, to create an ultra-strong chassis
- Mens Oakley Sunglasses: Unobtainium earsocks and nose pads grip your face when perspiring and help provide a secure and custom fit; micro bag included to clean and store your Oakley eyewear
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
