The sun in your eyes. The wind breaking your concentration. Sudden glare that distracts you. Anyone who enjoys outdoor sports knows how important it is to protect their eyes without compromising performance.
With Arena Eyewear, every detail is designed to deliver clarity, lightness and protection: eyewear made by athletes for athletes, with the excellence of Italian design.
Quick answer
Saetta is the lighter model (24 g), designed for running, trekking and mountain activities, with a base-7 lens curvature that widens the field of vision. Fulmine is designed for cycling and high speeds, with an aerodynamic, ventilated design to prevent fogging. Both feature bio-based Rilsan® frames, polycarbonate lenses with 100% UV protection and optical class 1.
Why choose technical sports sunglasses
Sports sunglasses are not just an accessory: they are an essential part of your performance.
- 100% UV protection: complete protection from the sun's UV rays.
- Clear vision in all conditions: sharper contrast and less glare.
- Outstanding stability: they stay in place even during maximum exertion.
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Mental focus: less eye fatigue and fewer distractions.
Explore the Arena collection
Lenses for every lighting condition
When you practise outdoor sports, the light changes constantly: sunshine can be dazzling, clouds can reduce visibility, or you may suddenly enter a shaded area. That is why Arena Eyewear sports lenses are designed to provide optimal vision whatever the conditions.
100% UV protection and optical class 1
Arena Eyewear lenses provide full UV protection and meet optical class 1, the highest standard of optical clarity and visual quality.
Photochromic lenses: intelligent adaptation
Perfect for moving between sunshine and shade, these lenses darken automatically in bright light and become clearer as light levels fall.
Mirrored lenses: style and performance
Available in colours including blue, red, gold and lavender, they reduce glare and add personality, even away from sports.
Materials and comfort that make a difference
- Bio-based Rilsan® nylon frames: lightweight, flexible and more environmentally conscious.
- Durable metal hinges: ideal for intensive use.
- Featherweight: just 24 grams: about the weight of a handful of almonds. So light you will forget you are wearing them, even after hours of running or cycling.
- Base-7 lens curvature: an ergonomic lens curve that widens your field of view, reduces incoming light from the sides and offers superior stability. A technical solution that combines lightness with comprehensive protection.
- Wraparound design: maximum visual coverage and long-lasting comfort.
At just 24 grams, with a base-7 lens curve, these glasses deliver exceptional lightness, panoramic vision and enhanced side protection.
High-performance eyewear for every sport
Cycling sunglasses
Designed for riders travelling at high speeds who want maximum protection. Aerodynamic and ventilated, they minimise air resistance and help prevent fogging on climbs or hot days. High-definition lenses, also available in photochromic and mirrored versions, provide clear vision in all lighting conditions.
The wraparound design and non-slip temple tips ensure excellent stability, even on the fastest descents.
With Fulmine, you get lightweight (24 g), impact-resistant cycling sunglasses optimised for long rides. For more advice on making the right choice, read our ultimate guide to cycling sunglasses.
Running sunglasses
Designed for runners seeking lightness and comfort.
- Ultra-lightweight: just 24 grams, ideal for long-distance runs.
- Non-slip grip on the nose pads and temples, keeping them in place even when you sweat.
- 100% UV-protective lenses, also available with mirrored finishes to reduce reflections.
- Ergonomic fit: they adapt to your face without pressure points, so you can focus entirely on your pace.
With Saetta, you can run without distractions in stable, high-performance running sunglasses. Discover all the details about lens technology and selection in our complete guide to running sunglasses.
Sunglasses for mountain sports
Designed for trekking, mountaineering and high-altitude adventures.
- Maximum protection with photochromic or dark mirrored lenses, ideal for intense sunlight, snow and glaciers.
- Filter category 3/4 for eye protection even in extreme conditions.
- Side shielding and a wraparound design protect against the elements and peripheral light.
- Low-temperature resistance and bio-based materials that combine performance and sustainability.
Saetta is the ideal sports eyewear for mountains and glaciers: robust, technical and boldly styled. Find out more in our ultimate guide to mountain sunglasses.
Design and style: more than sports sunglasses
Arena Eyewear was born from a collaboration with Frank Stephenson Design, creating a unique combination of innovation, aesthetics and functionality inspired by the expertise of one of the automotive world's most visionary designers. Frank, who has designed icons for Ferrari, McLaren and other legendary supercars, has brought the same philosophy to high-performance eyewear as he does to dream cars: aerodynamic lines, outstanding performance and painstaking attention to detail.
The result is an accessory that not only protects and enhances vision but also expresses speed, energy and character, just like a luxury sports car on the track.
Frequently asked questions about Arena Eyewear sports sunglasses
What is the difference between photochromic and mirrored lenses?
Photochromic lenses respond to sunlight: they darken automatically when UV exposure increases and become clear again in lower light. They are ideal for sports in changing environments, such as trail running, road cycling and triathlon.
Mirrored lenses, on the other hand, have a reflective coating that reduces glare and improves visual contrast. They also make a bold style statement, with colours including blue, gold, red and green.
What is VLT?
VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is the percentage of visible light that passes through a lens.
- A high-VLT lens (lighter tint) lets more light through: ideal for cloudy days or low-light conditions.
- A low-VLT lens (darker tint) lets less light through: ideal for bright sunshine and extreme environments such as snow and ice.
Understanding VLT helps you choose the right lens for your sport and the conditions in which you practise it.
Filter category 3 vs 4: what is the difference?
Filter categories define how dark a lens is:
- Category 3 (VLT 8–18%) → ideal for everyday use and outdoor sports in strong sunshine, including cycling, running and beach activities. This is the most common category.
- Category 4 (VLT 3–8%) → very dark lenses, ideal for high mountains, glaciers and extreme sunlight. ⚠️ Not suitable for driving because they restrict visibility too much.
In short: category 3 is versatile and suitable for most outdoor sports; category 4 is intended for specialised mountain use.
Optical class 1: what does it mean?
Optical class 1 is the highest standard of lens optical quality. It ensures:
- maximum visual sharpness;
- freedom from distortion;
- lasting comfort even when worn for many hours.
For endurance athletes and long competitions, this means less eye fatigue and better concentration.
What are the benefits of bio-based Rilsan® nylon?
Bio-based Rilsan® is an innovative material made from renewable resources (castor oil). Its advantages include:
- exceptional lightness and flexibility;
- resistance to impacts and mechanical stress;
- a lower environmental impact compared with conventional plastics.
It is an ideal choice for combining performance, durability and respect for the environment.
How can you keep your lenses in good condition?
To extend the life of your sunglasses and keep your lenses clear:
- use only microfibre cloths and lens-specific cleaning solutions;
- avoid tissues and rough fabrics that could scratch them;
- keep your sunglasses in their hard case when not in use;
- rinse with fresh water after exposure to seawater or chlorine.
These simple precautions help lenses retain their optical properties and protective coating for longer.
Arena Eyewear sports sunglasses are the choice for anyone who demands the very best in protection, comfort and style.