Buyer's Guide

A Buyer’s Guide to Axel Arigato Sneakers

Whether you like a chunky sole or clean minimal shapes, Axel Arigato sneakers deliver on all fronts. From the Clean 90 to their newer Marathon styles, the brand’s selection of footwear has become renowned for their versatile styling options and signature shapes.

Their progressive designs are inspired by a variety of influences including music, art and architecture; all references that Axel Arigato wants to project. For everything you need to know about the Scandinavian designer, here’s our guide to all things Axel.

Axel Arigato

@jessicajroche

#1 Where is Axel Arigato From?

The brand was founded in Sweden by Max Svärdh and Albin Johansson, but you’ll be forgiven for thinking that the brand is of Japanese origins. The designs are known for fusing both Japanese and Scandinavian minimalism in their collections. The label prides itself on being part of the luxury market and only uses the most quality materials, sourcing its leather from the luxury footwear capital, Italy.

#2 Axel Arigato Brand History

Founders and friends Max and Albin met through mutual friends in Gothenburg before realising that they both shared the same creative vision, and in 2014 that vision came to life. The pair have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, with Max at the age of 17 taking his first steps in the industry setting up his first ecom business selling imported denim. Fast forward a few years and after spotting a gap in the market for affordable luxury footwear, Axel Arigato now has six bricks and mortar stores and ships internationally to sneaker lovers across the globe. Determined to create a brand that is constantly evolving with the contemporary landscape, Axel Arigato moves with the changing needs of consumers. The brand is influenced by art, music and culture and fuses both Scandi and Japanese influences into designs. Even the name Arigato is a translation of the word ‘thank you’ in Japanese.

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Axel Arigato

@axelarigato

#3 Where are Axel Arigato sneakers made?

Although the materials for their sneakers are sourced in Italy, Axel Arigato trainers are made in Portugal.

#4 Are Axel Arigato sneakers true to size?

As a general rule, Axel Arigato sneakers fit true to size and their soft leather will in time mould to the shape of your foot, so when choosing your size go for your usual.

#5 Axel Arigato Clean 90

The iconic shape of the Clean 90 trainers is what makes them so recognisable. Coming in a variety of styles from the signature bird motif to the minimalist clean style with chunky rubber soles. The unisex style is the perfect addition to almost every outfit and made from the highest quality leather. Pair with dresses and skirts, trousers or shorts, the Scandi Japanese aesthetic perfectly compliments a variety of looks.

#6 Axel Arigato Clean 90 Bird

A contemporary take on the Axel Arigato Clean 90, the  Clean 90 Bird features the brands signature Bee Bird embroidery symbol in the classic silhouette of the Clean 90. The sole of the sneaker is made from 20% recycled rubber and crafted from the smooth Italian leather.

#7 Axel Arigato Marathon Runner

For those of you embracing the dad sneaker, the Axel Arigato Marathon Runner is the answer to your chunky sneaker prayers. Inspired by the running shoes of the 90’s the Marathon Runners feature wide weave mesh and leather on the upper, chunky rubber soles and reflective webbing for even more of a retro feel.

#8 Axel Arigato Dunk

Taking inspiration from athletic silhouettes, the Axel Arigato Dunk features contrasting side panels on its simple white aesthetic. Complimenting the design of the Clean 90, the Dunk also keeps the chunky rubber sole and cushioned footbed for ultimate comfort. Super versatile, the clean design means Axel Arigato Dunk can be paired with almost every look.

Axel Arigato

@axelarigato

#9  Axel Arigato Genesis

Taking us back to the 80’s, the Axel Arigato Genesis sneakers are inspired by vintage running silhouettes and is the brands most lightweight design. The retro design trainers are also crafted from recycled nylon uppers with tonal suede leather side straps. The sneakers also feature a removable cushioned footbed which provides long-lasting comfort.

#10 Axel Arigato Apex Knitted Running Style

The lightest style in Axel Arigato’s collection, the Apex trainers are made from responsible material to lessen the environmental impact. Knitted from recycled polyester, the monochrome style has custom-designed midsoles with soft and lightweight EVA, which is partially made from sugarcane.

#11 Axel Arigato Orbit Trainers

The Orbit trainers have a streamlined profile that’s made from leather and partially recycled rubber sole. They’re offset with suede framing the toe and heel providing a really nice contrast for casual and smart dressing.

#12 Axel Arigato A-Dice Trainers

This is a popular trainer for its basketball-esque trending style with a retro-inspired aesthetic. The A-Dice trainers have Italian leather and suede detailing. Lined with responsibly produced, recycled polyester and with the low top style sports capital ‘A’ detail on the side, they are the in-demand style right now.

#13 How to clean Axel Arigato sneakers

For the leather

As the trainers are crafted from leather, it’s essential that you care for them as soon as you start wearing them. We’d recommend purchasing a leather balm to treat them fresh out of the box. Rub the balm onto the leather and leave to dry for 15 minutes. Once dry, buff the leather with a clean brush to keep them in good condition. To future protect, spray with leather protector to keep them resistant to dirt and water. Lastly, for when you want a quick touch-up, invest in some sneaker wipes for the small marks that don’t warrant a full cleanse.

For the rubber soles

To clean the rubber soles of excess dirt from daily wear and tear, soak them in a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water for approximately ten minutes. Then, grab a spare toothbrush and scrub the dirt off, once you’re happy the excess dirt is off use a damp cloth to wipe and dry.

For more tips and tricks, read here

#14 Axel Arigato Kids

Start your mini me off in style with Axel Arigato kids, now offering a range of their signature Clean 90 styles for children.

#15 How to style Axel Arigato sneakers

Team your chunky runners with monotone utility looks for ultimate streetwear style, demonstrated here by @ssun.10.

Axel Arigato

@ssun.10.

Paired just as well with dresses and sport socks, the Marathon Runner gives your look an injection of 90’s retro.

Axel Arigato

@axelarigato

Axel Arigato

@axelarigato

For when loungewear is the only appropriate outfit, pair with axel arigato sneakers for a cool casual style.

Axel Arigato

@josefinehj

SHOP ALL AXEL ARIGATO

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Sarah Atkinson

Sarah Atkinson

Writer and expert