The History of Axel Arigato
The story of Axel Arigato began in 2014 with two Swedish sneaker enthusiasts, Max Svärdh and Albin Johansson. The current Creative Director and CEO founded Arigato because they didn’t feel that they could identify with any brand currently in the scene. In their eyes, it was time for a change: a brand for the next generation.
Max and Albin wanted to take a completely different approach to their competitors at the time. Back then, brands often copied each other and most companies were quite formal towards their audience.
So what did the Swedish brand do? Exactly the opposite.
They spoke directly to their audience via social media and managed without the help of wholesalers. When creating the luxury brand, the focus was on minimalist design, sustainability and diversity.
Their designs blended premium craftsmanship with clean lines and understated branding, using high-quality materials like Italian leather and monochrome or muted colour palettes. The Clean 90 sneaker became their most iconic and best-selling product due to its sleek, low-profile silhouette and affordability compared to other designer brands.
The high-end streetwear brand immediately gained a wide reach on social media. By embracing a ‘drop of the week’ strategy, the brand created a sense of urgency and exclusivity that attracted fashion-conscious consumers and encouraged engagement. This enabled Axel Arigato to expand further and develop accessories and clothing for men and women.
In 2016, the brand opened their first flagship store in London, quickly expanding to Paris, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Berlin. Their stores aren’t just stores – they’re cultural hubs that host events, live music, and art installations.
"We've both always had a passion for sneakers. We both worked in the scene before and felt that something was missing. Sneakers are an interesting product because even though they are so small, you can change or modify so many parts."
Max Svärdh
In recent years, Axel Arigato has begun placing more emphasis on sustainability. Their strategy OUR:TOMORROW is divided into three key pillars – OUR:CLIMATE, OUT:CREATIONS, and OUR:COMMUNITY.
Through these, the brand focuses on minimising their impact on the environment, creating high-quality products that last a lifetime, and inspiring and engaging customers and partners in their mission to minimise negative impact.
Axel Arigato: Answering Your Questions
When was Axel Arigato founded?
Axel Arigato was founded in 2014 by creative director Max Svärdh and CEO Albin Johansson in Gothenburg, Sweden.
What does the name Axel Arigato mean?
Axel Arigato is a blend of Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese precision, which is reflected in the brand name. ‘Axel’ is a common Swedish name, while ‘Arigato’ means ‘thank you’ in Japanese.
Is Axel Arigato good quality?
Axel Arigato’s products are primarily made in Portugal, a country known for its high-quality leather and shoemaking. Their sneakers are constructed from Italian leather uppers with glued and stitched rubber soles, costing between €180-€260. While not cheap, they are a solid investment for their quality and durability.
Are Axel Arigato comfortable?
Axel Arigato’s sneaker are comfortable for daily wear, with good padding and a solid structure. They are not designed for high-impact use, and can feel stiff at first, but break in over time.
Are Axel Arigato unisex?
All Axel Arigato designs are unisex, however, some styles are only available in specific sizes, mostly ranging from EU 39 - EU 49 for men, and EU 35 - EU 41 for women. Size conversions might be necessary when switching between men's and women's sizes, so women will need to size down one size when purchasing a men's sneaker, and men will need to size up one size when purchasing a women's sneaker.
Do Axel Arigato fit true to size?
For the full guide on how different Axel Arigato sneaker models fit, check out our Axel Arigato sizing guide here!
How do you tie Axel Arigato sneakers?
For guidance on tying your Axel Arigato laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
How do I clean my Axel Arigato sneakers?
Am Axel Arigato sneaker should be cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
Where can I buy Axel Arigato?
Do you have your eye on this brand? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse Axel Arigato at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Axel Arigato restocks and new releases!
Popular Axel Arigato Models
Clean 90
The Clean 90 is the brand's most popular model, its timeless design featuring subtle branding and clean stitching.
The sneaker has a smooth leather upper and comes with a cushioned footbed and arch support for maximum comfort.
Dice Lo
The Dice Lo Sneaker is a modern silhouette inspired by retro design. The upper is a combination of suede, mesh, and Italian leather.
The leather has a vintage effect, where the leather will wear off over time, giving you a worn effect.
Area Lo
Inspired by vintage basketball styles, the Area Lo comes in a combination of leather and recycled polyester.
Its chunky, structured design still has a high-end streetwear feel, standing out with a confident and edgy aesthetic.
Marathon Runner
This chunky ‘Dad Shoe’ model combines leather, suede and mesh in an aggressive, layered design with oversized soles.
Surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, the Marathon Runner has good breathability and is a statement piece for fashion lovers.
Genesis Vintage
The Genesis Vintage comes in a combination of leather, suede and textile with a monochromatic design.
The model has a sleek finish from the laces to the soles, balancing retro running style with a modern edge.
Orbit Vintage
The Orbit Vintage is a sleeker, more minimal design with a nod to retro court shoes. Its round toe and subtle branding offers a polished yet casual look.
Soft, full-grain leather with vintage tones and a textured, worn-in vibe elevates this nostalgic silhouette.
Onyx
A newer model from the brand, the Onyx infuses modern flair with 80s aesthetics, drawing inspiration from robust basketball silhouettes.
It has a wider profile and thicker sole, made from supple, premium leather, combined with mesh, elastane, and polyester from a contemporary design.
For more FAQs on your favourite sneaker brands and models, visit the Sneaker FAQ page.
