My Complete Review After Owning 4 Pairs of Axel Arigato Sneakers
As both a sneaker aficionado willing to splurge on designer kicks and proponent for sustainable fashion, I’d been eagerly eyeing Sweden’s avant-garde darling Axel Arigato for months before finally copping my first pair – the signature Clean 90s in white leather.
That fateful purchase now 4 years ago spawned an escalating obsession that’s seen my collection grow to include the Aeon Retro in green, grey Orbit Chunkys and most recently, a rare limited drop of the Genesis in mirrored silver.
So now hundreds of miles and countless compliments later, I’m frequently asked – Are Axel Arigato shoes really worth price tags hovering around $250? From comfort and quality to eco-cred, I’m breaking it all down so you can decide if these hip sneakers deserve a spot in your rotation.
Overview: Axel Arigato’s Greatest Strengths and Weaknesses
There’s no denying Axel Arigato exploded onto the global scene thanks to their expert balance of minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic blended with hard edged Japanese streetwear appeal.
But beyond expert styling, Axel Arigato’s greatest strengths center around quality construction and materials that 4 years later, still keep my oldest pairs looking fresh out the box. Signs of quality include:
Full grain leather so buttery soft, they mold perfectly to your feet. The pliable uppers gently stretch and crease with wear reflecting a level of Italian craftsmanship more akin to luxe labels costing twice as much.
Flawlessly cemented construction for seamless transitions from leather uppers down through lightweight EVA foam soles. Even after all these miles, not a hint of separation or cracks.
However, a few nagging issues keep Axel Arigato’s shoes from claiming the crowns as pinnacles of perfection…
Collars and interior linings prone to pilling – Though buttery leather dominates touch points around uppers and footbeds, cheaper textiles line interiors. The pilling mostly results from friction against bare ankles.
Inconsistent sizing – Given slim European lasts, I suggest sizing down for the best performance fit locked in with laces tied tight. But those falling between sizes should try ordering multiple sizes when possible to determine ideal size choice.
While imperfect, I can emphatically say you’ll struggle finding more stylishly crafted sustainable sneakers without jumping up to luxury price tiers.
Comparing Axel Arigato’s Most Popular Styles Side by Side
Beyond the entry level Clean 90s, Axel Arigato continually experiments with new styles highlighting directional trends in unconventional streetwear. Before delving into reviews, let‘s breakdown how five of their best selling silhouettes compare:
| Model | Upper Material | Midsole | Sizing | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean 90 | Italian Leather | EVA Foam | Slim | $230 |
| Aeon Retro | Perforated Leather + Mesh | Compressed EVA | Relaxed | $250 |
| Orbit | Distressed Calf Leather | Exaggerated Foam | Oversized | $350 |
| Chelsea | Stretch Leather | Rubber | True to size | $255 |
| Genesis | Mesh Fabric + Leather | Contrast Foam + Rubber | Slim | $235 |
Next I‘ll share how four of Axel Arigato’s most sought after styles stacked up after putting them through the ringer myself.
Clean 90 Sneaker Review
As Axel Arigato’s claim to fame, the Clean 90s feature fine Italian leather paired with just enough contrast touches to show you paid for proper fashion.
Their sleek low top silhouette slides seamlessly into both casual fits and dressed up looks. And the grippy rubber soles hold their own trudging city blocks.
Beyond admirable versatility though, I especially appreciate how the reshaping full grain leather molds perfectly to wrap my feet like a custom tailored glove.
After nearly 4 years of heavy rotation, mine still draw consistent compliments and pass as new thanks to easy cleaning and gentle conditioning to nourish the calfskin. For under $250, you‘ll be hard pressed finding leather sneakers at this level.
Pros
- Luxe Italian leather quality
- Understated versatility
- Impressive durability
Cons
- Can feel stiff out of the box
- Sizing runs narrow
Aeon Retro Sneaker Review
If you ask me, everything great about Axel Arigato gets amplified through a retro lens with the Aeon.
Oversized squishy midsoles, hits of perforated metallic leather, mesh underlays…They teleport me back to youth spent idolizing 90‘s basketball kicks from brands like Reebok and Nike.
I especially like how the mix of matte and patent leathers plays against muted suede accents. And extra padded collars ensure all day comfort without any bite.
Maybe best of all, Aeons straight up force compliments anytime I‘m out and about thanks to their unapologetic bulk. After 18 months of heavy wear, they still turn heads unlike any other pair in my current rotation.
Pros
- Retro sporty styling
- Luxe mix of textures
- Cushy comfort
Cons
- Loose grippy traction
- Heavy
Orbit Chunky Sneaker Review
Let me make something clear upfront: The Orbit Chunkys WILL NOT be for everyone. Though I ride hard for Axel Arigato, even I struggled reconciling their polarizing triple stacked midsoles and exaggerated proportions.
But then a sense of courage (and maybe slight intoxication) found me pulling the trigger on a grey/blue colorway. And I‘m so glad I did!
For starters, slipping them on felt akin to stepping into hyper cushioned spin shoes ready to absorb serious impacts. And that plush comfort gets amplified by the re-shaping full grain leather upper lined in velvety sheepskin.
From crowded bars to music festivals, my Orbits always manage drawing attention and questions. They forge immediate connections unlike any other conversation piece item of clothing I‘ve owned. After a year, I do notice subtle yellowing along the foam edges. But otherwise, the rugged leathers hide scuffs exceptionally well.
Pros
- Cloud-like comfort
- Rugged durability
- Strong attention grabbing statement piece
Cons
- Heavy and clunky
- Divisive love it or hate it styling
Chelsea Boot Review
Rounding out my Axel Arigato lineup, the Chelsea Boots stand alone as my optimal foul weather pair called up for rainy day duty.
Their sleek silhouette mirrors standard Chelsea construction with stretchy side panels, pull tabs and grippy lugged soles. But per usual, Axel Arigato pushes details to the next level like adding contrast leather along the heel counters and opting for molded gum soles.
I especially appreciate how the boot opening stretches just wide enough for easy slip in/out wear without exposing ankles to the elements. And the grippy tread has proven surprisingly durable even after many salty slushy Chicago winters.
Sure, $250+ feels steep for any Chelsea not handcrafted in Italy. But rest assured, the Axel Arigatos wear and feel better than department store options costing half as much. So I can easily justify the extra expense.
Pros
- Weather-resistant materials
- Security stretch fit opening
- Grippy durable traction
Cons
- Lack internal heel counters
- Minimal insulation
Axel Arigato Shoe Sizing & Fit Reviews
When buying your first pair of Axel Arigatos, don‘t even think about just defaulting to your normal sneaker size. As I learned first-hand, that‘s a shortcut to blister city!
These slim narrow lasts build shoes catering exclusively to European sizing conventions and foot shapes. So while US sizes may match up on paper, most Americans will need sizing down at least a half if not full size.
And if you find yourself between sizes, always choose the smaller size. Unlike mesh constructions with some stretch, Axel Arigato leathers need to be cinched snug from day one so they can mold closely around your foot.
Beyond the mental adjustment to size labeling, brace for stiffer leather that‘ll need a solid break-in mileage. But after around 75 miles, the calfskin will soften exponentially racing towards custom tailored comfort.
How Axel Arigatos Stack Up to Competing Sneaker Brands
Beyond style and quality, I view a big driver toward Axel Arigato buying decisions boiling down to value expectations compared to other contemporary luxe sneakers. Let‘s evaluate how they fare.
Veja
The French eco-conscious label Veja focuses primarily on stripped down court silhouettes almost exclusively featuring their signature V logo stitched onto uppers. And though they claim sustainability utilizing recycled plastic and wild Brazilian rubber, Veja pales regarding premium material quality and construction levels. For instance, their canvas feels flimsy and unsubstantial compared to Axel Arigato leathers.
However, thanks to transparent ethical factories paying fair livable wages, Veja‘s classic kicks ring up around $120 – nearly half what Axel Arigatos demand. So determine value based on personal balance of priorities.
Greats
This direct to consumer Brookyln-based brand vaulted towards success backing minimalist leather sneakers handcrafted in Italy at radically accessible price points. In fact, exact replicas of their popular Royale silhouette retail for just $179.
But while costs stay lower, the downside is noticeably lower grade leathers and glued construction that wears down faster. So those cheaper Greats reach their expiration dates nearly twice as fast as my Axel Arigatos.
Common Projects
When discussing gold standards of luxury sneakers, Common Projects‘ Achilles silhouette featuring gold stamped style codes consistently tops "best of" rankings. And I whole heartedly agree regarding build quality and materials sitting a full tier above Axel Arigato.
However with Greats pricing hovering around $400 (often exceeding $500 for collabs), the Common Projects require BIG financial sacrifices. So at half the cost, I feel Axel Arigato delivers comparatively excellent value and style albeit marginally trailing behind the luxury leaders regarding ultimate quality.
Key Considerations for Long Term Ownership
Scoring your first pair of Axel Arigatos certainly calls for celebration. But the buying journey really just begins embarking decades of potential wear. Here’s my veteran perspective on key ownership considerations as timelines extend into years instead of just seasons.
Leather Care & Conditioning
Axel Arigato leathers will easily outlast mesh or knit fabric constructions. But don‘t take premium quality as invitation to abuse them reckless abandon!
I suggest gently wiping them clean at least once a month (more frequently if wearing daily) using a few drops of mild dish soap mixed with warm water. Always clean gently using microfiber to lift dirt versus grinding it deeper.
Follow washing by nourishing the leather with a conditioning balm or wax polish around every 3 months. This seals moisture to maintain malleability while also protecting against abrasions. With proper care prioritized, expect your leather Axels to evolve beautifully for 5+ years.
Midsole Cushioning Deterioration
Regardless how carefully you store kicks, foam midsoles will gradually lose their bounce. So by year two, expect to feel your Axel Arigato midsoles firm up a bit.
Once cushioning fades substantially compromising comfort, consider replacing the footbed. Brands like SneakersER offer replacement soles starting around $55 that restore factory feel.
If going that route, prepare for the process taking 1 to 2 weeks including shipping shoes both ways. But for just over 20% of the retail MSRP, it beats buying completely new!
Resale Value Over Time
Since most Axel Arigato styles sell out fast yet don’t restock consistently, the brand cultivated feverish demand in secondary markets. In fact, during the first year of releases, collectors on StockX and GOAT would pay near double retail on certain colorways!
However, as production caught up closer matching demand this year, we‘ve seen resell premiums decrease down closer to retail pricing. So while limited releases may still spike short term, I suggest buying strictly for personal wear versus speculative investing.
Regardless, as long as you store them properly and follow my conditioning guidance, used pairs in good shape should still fetch over 60% initial retail pricing for the first 3+ years.
Beware of Fake Axel Arigato Shoes!
As Axel Arigato popularity reached critical hypebeast levels these past couple years, scrupulous counterfeit operations unfortunately took notice ramping up fake production.
So before copping coveted sold out styles from resellers, authenticate carefully inspecting these key details:
Misspelled logos – Genuine Axel Arigato stamps always present clean precise engraved lettering. Fakes often misalign or poorly emboss logos.
Cheap rigid leather – Authentic full grain calfskin feels supple with visible texture and grain subtle variations. Fakes cut costs using cheap corrected leather that appears overly uniform lacking depth.
Sloppy glue residue – Genuine Axel Arigato shoes get cleaned meticulously pre-boxing so you won’t find messy glue. Fakes often take messy shortcuts that inspectors easily spot.
No branding on soles – Retail Axel Arigato soles should be smooth and clean underfoot without branding. Counterfeits trying maximizing profits often stamp logos underfoot hoping buyers won’t notice.
I‘ll wrap this fake spotting intro here. But given counterfeits keep flooding marketplaces duping buyers, I‘m planning a video deep dive on my site next month highlighting side by side comparisons of real vs fake Axel Arigato pairs. So subscribe if interested in the free tutorial.
Final Verdict: Are Axel Arigato Shoes Worth Their Steep Price?
After reviewing all the pros, cons and key considerations hoping to simplify your Axel Arigato buying decision, I circle back to the original question…
Should you pay $200, $250 or even $350 for Axel Arigato sneakers?
My wholehearted answer: YES!
While Axel Arigato shoes certainly don‘t qualify as everyday beaters or budget buys, their directional standout styling fused with luxe leathers and quality construction ABSOLUTELY validate designer positioning and pricing.
Approached as investments in your sneaker rotation that when properly cared for could last indefinitely, Axel Arigatos deliver tremendous long term value costing just $.25 or less per wear. And nothing feels better than having strangers ask where to buy your shoes assuming they cost WAY more than what you actually paid.
So if you appreciate forward thinking fashion born from reimagining fundamentals through more sustainable practices, go ahead and join the discerning Axel Arigato movement. Just be sure to size down and break them in properly to unleash full long term potential.
Thanks for reading and let me know which Axel Arigato style tops your personal wish list in the comments below!
