In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of fashion, staying relevant means staying creative. While classic styles like derby and oxford shoes remain timeless and rarely see dramatic design shifts, let’s dive into the dynamic world of sneakers. Take the Yeezy Boost line by Kanye West, for example - there's always a new color or twist, proving that innovation is the name of the game. Evolve or get left behind!
Enter Axel Arigato, a Swedish brand shaking up the sneaker scene like few others. What sets them apart? They drop a new model every single week. Yes, you read that right. Every Tuesday, they introduce something fresh - whether it’s a new design, color, or material. It’s an impressive feat, considering they’ve kept this rhythm going for nearly 18 months.
Even fashion icons like Mariano Di Vaio are sneaker addicts when it comes to Axel Arigato.
Recently, the brand gifted me their latest release, the Clean 90 sneaker. While they were kind enough to send them in advance, my laziness delayed this review 🙃. According to Max Svardh, Creative Director of Axel Arigato, the Clean 90 is an upgrade to their best-selling Low Sneaker line. Handcrafted in Portugal, a country known for its premium footwear, the Clean 90 features a slightly thicker sole, making it stand out in a sea of minimalist sneakers.
Here’s what I love: it comes in a variety of colors, so you’re bound to find one that speaks to you.
My gift from Axel Arigato? A stunning navy blue leather Clean 90, which I’m absolutely biased towards because, well, I love navy blue 😍.
True to Its Name: Clean Design with a Twist
The Clean 90 lives up to its name, boasting an ultra-smooth, sleek design. The precise stitching at the front is the kind of subtle detail that makes all the difference. Here’s the rundown of the specs for my navy blue pair:
Soft, premium leather that creases naturally
Handcrafted in Portugal
Margom rubber soles from Italy (same as those used for Common Projects)
Luxurious calf leather lining
Suede heel padding for extra grip and comfort
A slightly thicker sole (about 0.5 cm more than standard sneakers), giving a sturdier feel
Discreet gold foil logo on the side—classy, not flashy
Simple packaging, dust bag included
And, for some reason, it came with a pair of Japanese chopsticks 🍣😆
Price: $205 (around 4.6 million VND)
My Experience After a Week
After wearing the Clean 90 consistently for a week, here’s how it held up:
Comfort:
Thanks to the soft calf leather lining, it felt like walking on clouds. Even after a day of heavy walking, my feet didn’t ache - a rarity for new shoes.
Style:
Understated, clean, and elegant. While the Clean 90 can be paired with a sharp suit, it truly shines with casual outfits like jeans and a leather jacket. It's versatile enough to go from street style to smart casual without skipping a beat.
Durability:
On day three, I got caught in a downpour—my sneakers were soaked. I was worried they’d lose their shape, but after drying them out, they looked as good as new. The leather held up beautifully, showing no signs of wrinkling or sagging.
Final Thoughts:
The Axel Arigato Clean 90 is the epitome of minimalism with just the right amount of flair to keep things interesting. As Creative Director Max Svardh pointed out, the Clean 90 reflects the demand for sleek, versatile sneakers that fit any occasion. I’d call it a smart investment - especially for those looking for something minimalist without being boring 😉.
Shop here: http://axelarigato.com/ (Free shipping to Vietnam, taxes not included).
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