In today’s ever-changing fashion landscape, staying ahead means staying creative. Forget about the likes of oxfords and derbies - while they’re timeless, their designs don’t see dramatic shifts. Sneakers, on the other hand, are where innovation thrives. Just take a look at Kanye West's Yeezy Boost line. With a palette of endless colorways, Kanye knows the golden rule: innovate or fade into obscurity.
One name shaking things up in the sneaker world is Axel Arigato. The Swedish brand stands out by launching a fresh shoe design every single week. Yes, you read that right. For over a year and a half, they’ve consistently released something new every Tuesday - be it a novel design, a fresh colorway, or an exciting material.
Even style icons like Mariano Di Vaio are avid fans of Axel Arigato’s sneakers.
Recently, I was lucky enough to get my hands on their latest release, the Clean 90, as a gift from the brand. Full disclosure: I received it a while back, but laziness delayed this review 😅
According to Max Svardh, Axel Arigato’s Creative Director, the Clean 90 is an evolution of their popular Low Sneaker. What makes it stand out? It’s handcrafted in Portugal, a country celebrated for its exceptional footwear. The Clean 90 also features a slightly thicker sole and a close-to-ankle fit, setting it apart from more traditional sneakers.
There are plenty of color options available for the Axel Arigato Clean 90.
The gift from Axel Arigato for me is a navy leather version of the Clean 90.
Here’s what sets my pair apart:
Premium smooth leather with a subtle natural wrinkle on the sides
Made in Portugal
Margom rubber soles (crafted in Italy and also used by brands like Common Projects)
Soft calfskin lining for ultimate comfort
Suede heel counter for added grip
Slightly thicker sole (about 0.5 cm) for a sturdy feel
Gold foil logo - discreet yet sophisticated
Packaged in a simple box with a dust bag and a surprising bonus: an elegant pair of Japanese chopsticks 🤔
Retail price: $205 (~4.6 million VND).
Performance Review After a Week:
1. Comfort
Thanks to the ultra-soft calfskin lining, the Clean 90 delivers exceptional comfort. Even after a long day of walking, my feet felt fine - something I rarely experience with brand-new sneakers.
2. Design
The Clean 90 lives up to its promise of minimalist elegance. It’s versatile enough to pair with a tailored suit but truly shines when styled casually - think jeans and a leather jacket.
3. Resilience
On day three, I encountered an unexpected test: heavy rain. The shoes were soaked, especially at the toes. To my surprise, after drying and a bit of cleaning, the leather held up beautifully - no shrinking or unsightly wrinkles, just its original sleek charm.
The Clean 90 is a harmonious blend of minimalist design and subtle detail that sneaker enthusiasts will appreciate. As Creative Director Max Svardh put it, this model caters to the growing demand for simplicity and versatility.
For me, it’s a refreshing alternative to the over-the-top designs flooding the sneaker market. If you’re after a clean, stylish pair of kicks that balances elegance and practicality, the Clean 90 is well worth the investment.
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