Everything you need to know about Axel Arigato and Axel Arigato shoes, including: how do Axel Arigato fit? Who is Axel Arigato? And who owns Axel Arigato?

Axel Arigato is the Swedish fashion powerhouse renowned for its extensive collection of sneakers. From the minimalist Clean 90 to the chunky Catfish, there’s an Axel Arigato shoe for every style.

But who is the designer behind the brand? And who owns Axel Arigato?

Who is Axel Arigato?

The Axel Arigato brand was founded in 2014 by Max Svärdh and Albin Johansson. The two met in Gothenburg, Sweden, through mutual friends. They shared an interest in fashion and had a similar professional background. As they noticed a gap in the footwear market for high quality yet affordable sneakers, they joined forces and launched Axel Arigato.

But then… if it isn’t the brand founder’s name, who is Axel Arigato? 

“We didn’t want to be the faces of the brand,” Max Svärdh said in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. “The name Axel Arigato was intended to represent a mythical figure who would live on long after us”. 

“Arigato” means “thank you” in Japanese, a nod to the Japanese influence on the brand’s aesthetic. But the literal translation of the word is “difficult to exist”, indicating something rare and valuable.

Axel Arigato calls itself a “people-powered lifestyle brand”. Over the years, the brand has built a social media empire, and works to bring people together by hosting events at their stores: album signings, magazine launches, pop-ups… Axel Arigato believes in the power of community and inclusivity.

Who owns Axel Arigato today? In 2020, private equity firm Eurazeo acquired a majority stake in the Axel Arigato brand for 56 million euros.

Axel Arigato shoes

Axel Arigato is constantly evolving, and since launching in 2014 the Swedish brand has expanded into menswear, womenswear, and accessories—think oversized sweaters, cropped hoodies, and printed tees. But sneakers remain the beating heart of the label.

One of the most iconic designs is the Axel Arigato Clean 90. Introduced in 2016, this minimalist sneaker is a wardrobe staple—timeless and understated, it will complement any outfit. Today the Axel Arigato Clean 90 is available in a wide range of colors and materials, including PETA-approved vegan leather. Equipped with a cushioned footbed and arch support, this shoe is stylish and comfortable.

The Genesis Vintage Runner is another one of our favorites. It’s no secret that dad shoes are back in fashion, and this chunky sneaker is the perfect combination of retro and contemporary style. The vintage-inspired upper sits on a modern, lightweight sole, providing long-lasting comfort. This Axel Arigato shoe is available in a range of colors, and is made using recycled PET bottles and plastic marine litter.

We also love the Marathon Runner, a classic athletic shoe inspired by the styles of the 90s, featuring a chunky sole and an upper made of leather and wide-weave mesh, and the Apex, a futuristic running shoe made from GRS-certified recycled polyester yarns, sugarcane and recycled rubber.

Axel Arigato embraces a season-less business structure—there’s a new drop every week, and every style is developed taking customer feedback into account.

How do Axel Arigato fit?

How do Axel Arigato shoes fit?

Axel Arigato shoes come in half sizes: women’s US 5 to US 10 and men’s US 7 to US 13.

Generally, Axel Arigato sneakers fit true to size. Axel Arigato only uses the best materials, such as bovine leather, cotton, and recycled polyester, which will in time stretch and soften, adjusting to the shape of your foot. 

Most Axel Arigato shoes also feature a cushioned sole and arch support for maximum comfort.

The Genesis Vintage Runners and the Marathon Runners run small–if you are between sizes, we recommend going up to the nearest whole size.

The same is true for the Cryo Combat Boots—we recommend sizing up.

Now that you know more about Axel Arigato shoes, you might be wondering where to buy Axel Arigato. 

At italist.com, we guarantee that you’re buying brand new, in-season, completely authentic luxury goods, and we have an extensive selection of Axel Arigato shoes for men and Axel Arigato shoes for women, including the Axel Arigato Clean 90. 

And we usually have the best offer on the market, which means you can save up to 40% on Axel Arigato and other luxury brands!

 

About the Author

Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.