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About Axel Arigato Shoes
Axel Arigato is a cutting-edge fashion brand that seeks to redefine the way fashion is viewed.
From their sustainability pledge to their designs loaded with cultural vibes, their collections include clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and kids. The brand has an impressive social media following with over 616k followers on Instagram.
In this Axel Arigato shoes review, we’ll give you a thorough look at the brand, best sellers in their collections, what customers think, and more, so you can decide if they’re worth the buy.
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Overview Of Axel Arigato Shoes
In 2014, Max Svärdh and Albin Johansson launched Axel Arigato, arigato meaning “thank you” in Japanese.
The brand draws inspiration from cultural references consisting of music, art, and architecture, to create fashion in ways that haven’t been done before. Though based in Sweden, 96% of the Axel Arigato collection is produced in Portugal with sustainability in mind.
After noticing how the fashion industry directly impacts the environment, like textile and production waste, Svärdh and Johansson set out on a mission to “reinvent the production process and pledges to make positive changes for the betterment of our planet”.
Axel Arigato does not have a staple collection, meaning the offered designs are only temporary, reflecting the fleeting way of the world before us, and keeping the focus on tomorrow.
Pros & Cons
Before we steer this Axel Arigato shoes review over to the shoes themselves, let’s take a look at the brand’s pros and cons:
Pros
- Sustainable fashion: Axel Arigato incorporates a love for straightforward and sustainable fashion in their designs.
- Lightweight design: Axel Arigato Genesis sneakers are the brand’s most lightweight design.
- Extensive offering: Axel Arigato has an extensive offering of sneakers, ranging from retro-inspired styles like the Genesis and Aeon to the minimalist Clean 90 or the chunky-soled Orbit. They also offer contemporary streetwear-inspired clothing and accessories.
- Ready-to-wear sneakers: Axel Arigato makes ready-to-wear sneakers for men, women, and kids as well as lifestyle accessories.
- Premium materials: A variety of sneakers, runners, boots, sandals, and slides are available in premium materials.
Cons
- Chunky soles: The soles of Axel Arigato shoes are made of rubber, which can make them feel a little chunky when walking around.
- Flare-up leather: The leather on Axel Arigato shoes tends to flare up when kept in bad temperatures, so proper care of shoes should be adhered to enable the shoes to live up to their true nature.
Features
Axel Arigato products are known for their unique and groundbreaking designs that put the needs and desires of customers at the heart of product design and creation.
The majority of their products are manufactured in Porto, Europe, using carefully chosen materials such as leather, which is a by-product of the meat industry and sourced from tanneries with environmentally good practices.
The brand is committed to incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of their business, from sourcing materials to day-to-day operations.
Despite being considered a luxury brand, Axel Arigato products are relatively more affordable than other high-end labels without compromising on quality.
They offer a range of products including ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories for both men and women, with new drops weekly.
Some notable products include the Clean 90 sneakers, which feature a smooth embossed leather upper with a crocodile skin texture and a white rubber sole, and puffer jackets made from recycled polyester and filled with reused down.
Overall, Axel Arigato products are characterized by their unique designs, sustainable materials and practices, and relatively affordable price points compared to other luxury brands.
Materials
In terms of materials, Axel Arigato uses 100% bovine leather, which is sourced in line with strict ethical and animal welfare policies.
The brand also works with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) to ensure that the cotton it uses is produced in a sustainable and socially responsible way.
Recycled polyester is used as the base of many of Axel Arigato’s garment and footwear collections, chosen for its versatility and durability, as well as its low environmental impact compared with standard polyester.
Axel Arigato’s products are manufactured by a small number of suppliers based in Europe, and the majority of production is based in Porto, Portugal. The factories are all family-run businesses, with years of know-how and craftsmanship expertise.
The brand’s leather shoes are crafted in Portugal using premium quality hides. Since leather is a natural material, there might be subtle contrasts between products or small imperfections in the grain – these should not be considered flaws but what makes each pair unique.
8 Best-Selling Axel Arigato Products
The Axel Arigato collection is full of luxurious-looking and feeling apparel basics, classic and modern shoes, and artistically-designed accessories. Take a look at some chic Axel Arigato sneakers and boots, plus some popular accessory designs to boot.
Axel Arigato Clean 90 Sneaker Review
The Axel Arigato Clean 90 Sneaker is sleek and straightforward. They’re a great basic black option for casual wear in your closet. Pair with jeans and a tee, or add a hint of effortless cool to a mini skirt or skater dress.
Made from premium leather, the Clean 90 Sneaker has a rubber cup sole, a cushioned footbed, arch support, and flat cotton laces. The shoes come with an attractive gold logo stamp and are low cut–a great alternate pair to Axel Arigato high-top sneakers.
The Clean 90 Sneaker contains a leather lining and 20% recycled rubber soles. The cushioned footbed is removable if needed, and the shoes are completely cemented and won’t lose their shape.
The women’s Clean 90 Sneaker come with a recycled polyester dust bag to keep them safe when traveling or storing them in your closet. These stylish sneaks from Axel Arigato retail for $230.
Axel Arigato Chelsea Boot Review
The Chelsea Boot is the first of its design with Axel Arigato and it is ready for action. With a badass vibe, these boots feature a sole with a tread pattern for extra grip. These black leather boots have a gold Arigato stamp on the side and are fully leather lined for comfort.
These Axel Arigato Chelsea boots have a removable cushioned footbed and the leather is completely cemented on the sole to ensure the shape stays intact.
The Chelsea Boot has tonal elastic panels and a webbing pull-on loop at the back for an easy slip-on. These Axel Arigato boots come with a recycled polyester dust bag for safekeeping.
This Axel Arigato review should note that this $270 Chelsea Boot fits smaller than other Arigato styles, so it’s best to size up if you’re in between sizes.
Axel Arigato Single Bee Bird Hoodie Review
Luxury, sustainable loungewear that is ultra-comfortable is sometimes hard to find. The Single Bee Bird Hoodie is made from 100% organic cotton, with a brushed inside for a cozy, never-want-to-take-this-off feel.
Though a classic style, this is Axel Arigato’s first sustainable loungewear design for women. This super-soft and lightweight hoodie is designed to be roomy and works around the house or for running errands in style.
This Axel Arigato hoodie is offered in a pale beige and black, with a Bee Bird embroidery detail on the chest. The hoodie is produced in Turkey and costs $215, with designs available for men, women, and kids.
Axel Arigato V2 Messenger Bag Review
The V2 Messenger Bag pairs nicely with the Single Bee Bird Hoodie for a laidback, effortless look. The minimalist bag features a main pocket and front slit pocket to fit your most essential items (like your phone, of course).
The black V2 Messenger Bag features 100% polyester canvas and an adjustable Jacquard woven branded strap (61-116 cm). The V2 is accented by black metal trims and a gunmetal logo, while PU piping around the edges of the bag maintains its original structure.
The Axel Arigato V2 Messenger Bag is made in China and retails for $100.
Axel Arigato Clean 90 Croc Sneaker Review
These Axel Arigato sneakers are fierce yet low-key. Called ‘Clean’ for a reason, the Clean 90 Croc has a smooth, embossed grey leather upper with a crocodile skin texture. A white rubber sole and grey cotton laces accentuate its streamlined aesthetic.
These Axel Arigato shoes feature a luxurious 100% leather upper and lining. A 20% recycled rubber sole absorbs shock, and you can leave in the removable cushioned footbed for long city walks on ruthless pavement.
The Clean 90 Croc comes with a protective recycled polyester dust bag for safekeeping and retails for $235.
Axel Arigato Genesis Vintage Runner Review
These Axel Arigato runners are designed with the future in mind, made from a combination of sustainable practices and materials. These minimalistic runners have a thick heel, giving them a futuristic vibe that matches their intention.
A mix of modern and retro, the Genesis Vintage Runner upper and lining are made from leather, recycled PET bottles, and plastic waste. The upper contains 40% polyester and 60% leather, while the lining is 100% polyester fabric from recycled plastic bottles.
The Genesis Vintage Runner is available in beige with a black heel tab and green suede accents, plus the gold logo stamp. The lightweight rubber sole is nice and airy, cemented to ensure shape retention.
These kicks come with a recycled polyester dust bag and retail for $235.
Axel Arigato Stamp Hoodie Review
Classic, polished, and comfortable are the first things that come to mind when admiring the Stamp Hoodie. A remake of a former Arigato look, this hoodie is brushed for maximum comfort and made from 100% organic cotton.
This luxe hoodie is a closet staple for wearing to class, chilling, or wearing to the gym. The dark green Stamp Hoodie fabric originates in Portugal with Arigato embroidery on the chest, priced at $185.
Axel Arigato Alton D Frame Sunglasses Review
The Alton D-Frame Sunglasses reflect their mission to design for the future. Inspiration from art and architecture can be seen in the rounded bottom and flat top ridge, as Axel Arigato traditionally likes to combine opposites in their pieces.
The tortoiseshell Alton D-Frame Sunglasses contain cellulose acetate, with black CR-39 lenses and 100% UV Protection. Durable hinges connect the arms to the frame and the Arigato logo is engraved on both sides.
Thse sunglasses come with a branded sleeve and cleaning cloth. These shades look great on both men and women, currently on sale for $144 (regularly priced at $180).
Who Is Axel Arigato For?
Axel Arigato is a fashion brand that offers contemporary and sustainable footwear, clothing, and accessories for both men and women.
Their designs are a fusion of Japanese innovation and Scandi simplicity, appealing to those who appreciate modern minimalism. The brand’s customer-centric approach, with a unique “Drop of the Week” release model and the use of constant customer feedback in product development, makes it ideal for conscious and trend-conscious shoppers.
Axel Arigato’s commitment to integrating sustainability into all aspects of its business, from material sourcing to production, will appeal to those who prioritize eco-friendliness.
Additionally, the brand’s focus on community building and hosting events that nurture local talents and bring people together makes it attractive to those who value socially-driven shopping.
Axel Arigato Shoes Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
No Axel Arigato shoes review would be complete without taking a look at what their customers truly think of them. With that in mind, we put on our best detective hats to get the full scoop as of May 2023.
Starting on Trust Pilot, regarding customer service, we found many statements to the tune of “the company replied immediately” and “their after sale service is all that I could wish for.”
Another Trust Pilot review praised the quality of the products, saying that they were “incredible” and “well worth the price.”
In regards to the quality of the shoes, one Axel Arigato review stated: “Oh My God, I love them. The leather is amazing quality, and I wear mine constantly…They are a bit stiff to begin with, but now they are so comfortable.”
Reviews on Reddit say that the shoes “have held up well” and that “the quality is unsurpassed for the price.” Some note that Axel Arigato shoes require an initial breaking-in period.
While you can’t find many reviews on customer sites, while researching for this Axel Arigato review, we found out that the brand is offered by high-end retailers including Selfridges, SAKS Fifth Avenue, Harrods, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales. That’s definitely worth something.
All in all, we came across a few negative testimonials with regard to shipping practices. This hasn’t been the experience of every customer, but it did come up enough to be worth mentioning. At the end of the day, though, Axel Arigato shines in product quality and customer service.
Is Axel Arigato Worth It?
Now we get to the main question: is Axel Arigato a good brand?
Their sustainability mission is admirable and something that we believe is important.
With that in mind, using recycled materials does increase the cost of production. Some report that the shoes don’t hold up, while others say the opposite and that the quality is worth the price.
The verdict in this Axel Arigato review is that if you’re in the market for high-quality shoes made in Europe at a great price, definitely try them out. Worst case scenario, if you don’t like the products, you can return them.
Axel Arigato Promotions & Discounts
There is currently no Axel Arigato promo code available on their website, but there is a permanent Axel Arigato sale section.
For deals on their merchandise, you can also subscribe to their newsletter to receive updates about upcoming Axel Arigato promotions.
Where To Buy Axel Arigato
You can purchase products from the brand’s official website, AxelArigato.com. European customers can walk into an Axel Arigato store in London, Alsterhaus, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oberpollinger, and Stockholm.
Axel Arigato is also sold in big brand retailers like Selfridges, SAKS Fifth Avenue, Harrods, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales.
Alternatives
Looking to cop the perfect sneaker? Here are a few more options to consider:
- Veja: Veja is a sustainable sneaker brand that offers a range of minimalist styles. They use eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods. Their sneakers are also more affordable than Axel Arigato’s.
- Greats: Greats is a sneaker brand that offers a range of minimalist styles at a more affordable price point than Axel Arigato. They also have a focus on sustainability and ethical production.
- Adidas Originals: Adidas Originals is a well-known sneaker brand that offers a range of minimalist styles similar to Axel Arigato. They are known for their high-quality materials and comfortable fit. While they are not a luxury brand like Axel Arigato, they offer a more affordable alternative.
FAQ
Is Axel Arigato Japanese?
Though the brand name is Japanese, the company is actually Swedish.
What does Axel Arigato mean?
Axel Arigato means “thank you” in Japanese. The name reflects what their clothing is all about, as the founders incorporate counter-cultural references in their designs.
Is Axel Arigato a designer brand?
Axel Arigato is led by designer Max Svärdh and is a contemporary fashion brand.
Is Axel Arigato sustainable?
Axel Arigato always tries to incorporate the most sustainable option for their materials when available. Some of the items that are made from polyester are sourced from recycled water bottles or recycled textiles. Their cotton is 100% organic.
What are Axel Arigato sizing options?
There is a size guide for each Axel Arigato item on its product page but listed below is their general sizing:
- Men’s clothing: XS-XL
- Women’s clothing: XS-XL
- Women’s shoes: 5-9.5
- Men’s shoes: 7-13
What is Axel Arigato’s Shipping Policy?
Axel Arigato ships to 130 countries around the world. They are based in Sweden, where their products ship from. Shipping locations and perspective delivery times and fees are as follows:
- Sweden
- Standard delivery: 2-4 business days 40 SEK
- Express delivery: 1-3 business days 90 SEK
- Norway
- Standard delivery: 3-5 business days 99 DKK
- Express delivery: 1-3 business days 199 DKK
- Denmark
- Standard delivery: 3-5 business days 50 DKK
- Express delivery: 1-3 business days 99 DKK
- Great Britain
- Standard delivery: 3-5 business days £8
- Express delivery: 1-3 business days £25
- Europe
- Standard delivery: 3-5 business days €9
- Express delivery: 1-3 business days €30
- USA
- Express delivery: 3-5 business days FREE
- *International duties have already been added to orders under $800
Axel Arigato aims to process all orders within 24 hours. When your order ships, they’ll email you a tracking number that you can track online via the carrier website.
What is Axel Arigato’s Return Policy?
Returns are always free with the return label included in your order. To qualify for an Axel Arigato return, you must meet the following:
- All products must be returned within 30 days from the date you receive it
- The product must be in its original condition, with tags on
- The product must include the original packaging
You can start a return by following these steps:
- Fill in your return form and put the UPS return label on the package (included with your order)
- Leave your package at a post office or mail collection point
- UPS will scan your return and you’ll get an email from Axel Arigato that your product has been picked up
- Your return will be processed within 7 days
- You will see a refund within 2-5 additional business days
In this Axel Arigato review, we must note that you need to include the pre-printed return label they include in your order. Without this, the company cannot process your return.
How to contact Axel Arigato
If you’re looking for further information that this Axel Arigato review did not touch on, you can email them at the following addresses:
- Email: [email protected]
- Fill out the Contact Form on their website
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Im in Swaziland..can my products be delivered here.?