Hey there, fellow fashion lover! If you‘re looking for a sneaker brand that combines sleek Scandinavian design with top-notch quality and sustainable practices, look no further than Axel Arigato. As a fashion enthusiast who‘s always on the hunt for the latest and greatest, I‘ve been wearing and loving Axel Arigato shoes for years now. In this comprehensive review, I‘ll share everything you need to know about the brand, from their best-selling styles to customer experiences and more.
What is Axel Arigato?
Founded in 2014 by Swedish duo Max Svärdh and Albin Johansson, Axel Arigato is a contemporary footwear and clothing brand that‘s all about fusing Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian cool. The name "Axel Arigato" means "thank you" in Japanese, reflecting the founders‘ appreciation for Japanese culture and design.
What sets Axel Arigato apart from other sneaker brands is their commitment to sustainability and ethical production. They use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and chrome-free leather whenever possible, and work closely with trusted suppliers to ensure fair labor practices. Plus, with their unique "Drop of the Week" model, they release limited edition styles every week to keep things fresh and minimize waste.
Materials and Craftsmanship
One of the things I love most about Axel Arigato shoes is the premium quality of the materials. The brand sources their leather from ethical tanneries and treats it with natural oils to make it super soft and durable. The cotton they use is GOTS-certified organic, and they even use recycled plastic bottles to create their polyester fabrics.
Axel Arigato sneakers are handcrafted by skilled artisans in Portugal, with a focus on traditional techniques and attention to detail. The result is a shoe that looks and feels luxurious, with neat stitching, butter-soft linings, and cushioned insoles for all-day comfort.
Best-Selling Styles
Axel Arigato offers a range of shoe styles for men and women, from minimalist low-tops to chunky high-tops and everything in between. Here are some of their most popular designs:
Clean 90
The Clean 90 is the OG Axel Arigato sneaker, with a simple, streamlined silhouette that goes with everything. The upper is made from smooth leather with a subtle crocodile embossing, while the sole is a clean white rubber. I have the Clean 90s in both white and beige, and I wear them constantly – they‘re the perfect everyday sneaker.
Genesis Vintage Runner
If you‘re into the chunky sneaker trend, you‘ll love the Genesis Vintage Runner. Inspired by old-school running shoes, it has a thick, sculpted sole and a mix of leather and suede on the upper. The coolest part? The upper is actually made from recycled plastic bottles! I have the Genesis in the beige and green colorway, and I always get compliments when I wear them.
Orbit
For a futuristic, high-fashion look, check out the Orbit sneaker. It has a super chunky sole with a wavy, sculpted design, and a sleek leather and mesh upper. I love the Orbit in the all-black colorway – it‘s edgy and cool, but still versatile enough to wear with a lot of different outfits.
Platform Sneaker
Axel Arigato‘s Platform Sneaker is the perfect way to add some height to your look without sacrificing comfort. The thick, chunky sole is balanced out by a simple leather upper with suede overlays. I have the Platform Sneaker in the pale pink colorway, and it‘s become one of my go-to shoes for dressing up jeans and a tee.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Don‘t just take my word for it – here‘s what other Axel Arigato customers have to say about the brand:
"I bought the Clean 90 sneakers in white, and I‘m obsessed! The leather is so soft and comfortable, and the minimalist design goes with all my outfits. I get compliments every time I wear them." – Jessica, 28
"I was hesitant to splurge on the Genesis Vintage Runners, but I‘m so glad I did. The quality is amazing, and I love that they‘re made from recycled materials. Plus, the chunky sole is super on-trend." – Mark, 35
"I have wide feet, so I was worried about sizing, but Axel Arigato‘s customer service team was really helpful. They suggested I size up, and my Orbit sneakers fit perfectly. I‘ve been wearing them non-stop!" – Olivia, 24
In terms of comfort and durability, Axel Arigato shoes generally hold up well. The leather does require some breaking in, but once you do, the shoes mold to your feet for a custom fit. I‘ve had some of my Axel Arigato sneakers for over a year, and they still look great with minimal signs of wear.
Sizing and Fit
Axel Arigato shoes run true to size for the most part, but if you have wider feet, you may want to size up. The brand offers sizes 35-46 for women and 39-46 for men. Here are some helpful sizing stats:
| Size | Women‘s EU | Women‘s US | Men‘s EU | Men‘s US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 35 | 5 | – | – |
| 36 | 36 | 6 | – | – |
| 37 | 37 | 7 | – | – |
| 38 | 38 | 8 | – | – |
| 39 | 39 | 9 | 39 | 6 |
| 40 | 40 | 10 | 40 | 7 |
| 41 | 41 | 11 | 41 | 8 |
| 42 | 42 | 12 | 42 | 9 |
| 43 | – | – | 43 | 10 |
| 44 | – | – | 44 | 11 |
| 45 | – | – | 45 | 12 |
| 46 | – | – | 46 | 13 |
If you‘re unsure about sizing, Axel Arigato offers free returns and exchanges, so you can always order a couple of different sizes to try on at home.
Pricing and Value
There‘s no denying that Axel Arigato shoes are a splurge – most styles retail for around $200-$300. However, when you consider the premium materials, ethical production practices, and unique designs, I think they‘re worth the investment.
Plus, Axel Arigato often has sales and promotions that can help you save. If you sign up for their email newsletter, you‘ll get 15% off your first order and early access to limited edition drops. They also have a dedicated sale section on their website where you can find past-season styles at discounted prices.
Shipping and Returns
Axel Arigato offers free standard shipping on all orders over $200, with a flat rate of $15 for orders under that amount. They currently ship to over 100 countries worldwide, with delivery times ranging from 2-7 business days depending on your location.
If you need to return or exchange your shoes, Axel Arigato makes it easy with free returns for customers in the US, UK, and EU. You have 30 days from the delivery date to return your shoes, as long as they‘re unworn and in the original packaging.
One thing to note is that Axel Arigato doesn‘t offer refunds on sale items, only exchanges or store credit. So if you‘re buying from the sale section, be extra sure of your size and style choice.
Customer Service and Support
In my experience, Axel Arigato‘s customer service team is top-notch. They‘re responsive, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to help. You can reach them via email, live chat, or phone, and they typically respond within 24-48 hours.
I once had an issue with a pair of shoes I ordered (the stitching was coming undone on one of the tongues), and Axel Arigato sent me a replacement pair right away, no questions asked. They even let me keep the original pair while I waited for the new ones to arrive, so I wouldn‘t be without shoes in the meantime.
Collaborations and Limited Editions
One of the coolest things about Axel Arigato is their frequent collaborations and limited edition releases. They‘ve partnered with artists, musicians, and other brands to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs that sell out fast.
Some of my favorite Axel Arigato collabs have been:
- The Keith Haring capsule collection, featuring the artist‘s iconic graphics on sneakers and apparel
- The Cat Footwear collab, which put a modern spin on the classic Cat boot
- The Max Mara collaboration, which included sleek, tonal sneakers in luxe materials like cashmere and silk
Axel Arigato also releases limited edition colorways and styles as part of their "Drop of the Week" model. These drops are always super hyped, and often sell out within hours or even minutes. If you see a drop you like, you‘ve gotta act fast!
Styling Tips and Outfit Ideas
One of the best things about Axel Arigato shoes is how versatile they are. You can dress them up or down, depending on the style and occasion. Here are some of my favorite ways to wear Axel Arigato sneakers:
- Clean 90s with straight-leg jeans, a white tee, and a blazer for a polished, put-together look
- Genesis Vintage Runners with cargo pants, a hoodie, and a denim jacket for a cool, streetwear-inspired vibe
- Orbit sneakers with a mini dress and leather jacket for an edgy, night-out look
- Platform Sneakers with wide-leg trousers and a cozy sweater for a chic, off-duty outfit
I also love mixing and matching Axel Arigato shoes with other brands and styles in my wardrobe. They pair well with everything from Levi‘s to Gucci, making them a truly versatile addition to any fashion lover‘s collection.
FAQ
Before we wrap up this Axel Arigato shoes review, let‘s go over some frequently asked questions:
Are Axel Arigato shoes comfortable?
Yes, Axel Arigato shoes are generally very comfortable, thanks to their cushioned insoles and soft leather lining. However, some styles (like the chunkier sneakers) may require a bit of breaking in.
How do I care for my Axel Arigato shoes?
To keep your Axel Arigato shoes looking their best, avoid wearing them in wet or muddy conditions, and wipe them down with a soft cloth after each wear. For tougher stains, use a mild leather cleaner and follow the instructions on the label.
Do Axel Arigato shoes run true to size?
In general, Axel Arigato shoes run true to size. However, if you have wider feet, you may want to size up for a more comfortable fit. The brand offers free returns and exchanges, so you can always order multiple sizes to try on at home.
Where are Axel Arigato shoes made?
The majority of Axel Arigato shoes are handcrafted in Portugal by skilled artisans using traditional techniques. The brand works closely with their suppliers to ensure fair labor practices and high-quality craftsmanship.
The Bottom Line
If you‘re looking for a sneaker brand that combines style, quality, and sustainability, Axel Arigato is definitely worth checking out. From their minimalist low-tops to their chunky statement sneakers, there‘s a style for every taste and occasion.
While the price point is definitely on the higher end, I think the premium materials, ethical production practices, and unique designs make Axel Arigato shoes a worthwhile investment. Plus, with their frequent sales and promotions, you can often score a great deal on a pair of kicks you‘ll wear for years to come.
As someone who‘s been wearing and loving Axel Arigato shoes for years now, I can confidently say they‘re one of my favorite sneaker brands out there. The combination of style, comfort, and sustainability is hard to beat, and I always feel good about supporting a company that prioritizes ethical practices.
So if you‘re ready to step up your sneaker game, give Axel Arigato a try. Your feet (and your fashion sense) will thank you!
