A Chameleon Of A Sneaker

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Axel Arigato Clean 90 Review: Sneaking in, every day

Unboxing: A moment of sunshine

Building anticipation from the moment it lands on our doorstep, the eco-friendly FCS Certified box is instantly recognizable by the brand’s trademark shade of yellow. 

In case we forget what we’re unwrapping (impossible, I know), the sneakers are enveloped in branded tissue paper. Nestled within this eco-friendly cocoon, the Clean 90s await their debut, accompanied by a sleek, recycled polyester dust bag emblazoned with the brand’s minimalist logo.

Right out of the box, the first thing you will notice about your new Axel Arigato Clean 90 is the quality of the leather and the build. Its leather feels luxe, featuring a smooth surface and tonal stitching throughout. I love that the sneakers come perfectly laced up. 

Materials & craftsmanship: Japandi quality made sustainable

Handmade in Portugal, the Clean 90 draws from the time-honored artisanal traditions of both Japan and Scandinavia to achieve a level of thoughtful craftsmanship that is both seen and felt. 

The sneaker utilizes eco-friendly materials, including LWG-certified leather. Incorporating recycled materials, such as recycled polyester sourced from used plastic bottles, alongside partially recycled rubber for the soles, further accentuates this commitment without compromising on quality or design.

Aesthetic & design: An ode to Scandinavian simplicity

The Axel Arigato Clean 90 sneaker, rooted in Scandinavian simplicity, offers an aesthetic that marries minimalist design with functional elegance. 

As one of our best luxury sneakers for men and women, the Clean 90 comes in various colors and designs, but to me, the white renditions best honor the shoe’s essence—clean sophistication.

I tried two of the brand’s most popular models: the Clean 90 Contrast and the Clean 90 Bird. As the name suggests, the Clean 90 Contrast is characterized by a metallic contrast heel and the brand’s discreet “Arigato” logo in gold, adding a touch of contemporary sophistication to the Axel Arigato white sneaker. While still undeniably versatile, the Clean 90 Bird is a little more playful, embroidered with the brand’s iconic Bee Bird on the sidewall. I’ve tried the women’s version for this review, but the Clean 90 also exists in men’s sizes. 

Subtle differentiations aside, the perfectly pared-back pair is known for its sleek, straightforward profile and clean, contemporary lines.

Since launching in 2016, the sneaker has continually been updated with new patterns and colorways. But its versatility and wearability remain a constant: Elevating any ensemble—from denims to dresses—this multi-tasking master of a shoe is both chic and casual.

Variants: From crisp-chic to casual-cool

Forever keeping it fresh, Axel Arigato has a unique system of weekly drops, following a cultural cadence rather than the traditional seasonal calendar. 

The collection features a spectrum that ranges from playful heel tabs to embroidered bee birds. While all Clean 90 models are quintessentially clean and gender-neutral, slight distinctions exist between the men’s and women’s collections.

The men’s line is simple to its core, while the women’s line embraces spirited accents, such as leopard print heel tabs and neon lace tips. Differences aside, both collections feature bee bird editions, suede renditions, and the untouched black or white base model.

Comfort and fit: Room to splay my toes

When it comes to fit and function, the low-cut tongue and rounded toe make them comfortable and easy to slip on. The tongue initially felt stiff, but it softened with time as the sneaker adapted to the shape of my foot. 

The Clean 90 features a removable cushioned footbed and a padded collar. The rubber sole’s ridged grip offers secure footing, making the sneaker as practical as it is stylish.

The sturdy leather means having the right size is even more important. The Clean 90 fits true to size. It looks more compact than my Koio’s Capris, making it a great choice for those with bigger feet. 

The signature style is available in whole sizes and in selected half sizes. However, the unique drop system and high demand mean some sizes can be hard to come by.

Price: Premium but justified

It isn’t the cheapest pair out there, but when it comes to essentials, I’d rather spend a little more on quality and wearability. They’re the pieces in our wardrobes that typically receive the most wear, so this isn’t the time to skimp. 

Axel Arigato’s Clean 90 sneaker liberates us from the depressing choice between mediocre quality and fancy price tags. 

The pricing of the Clean 90 collection varies, generally falling within the range of $200 to $300, with the more understated designs at the bottom end and the more attention-grabbing designs at the top.

Considering the durability and sustainability of the materials used and the design’s timelessness and versatility, the cost per wear of Clean 90 sneakers is relatively affordable.

Care & maintenance

Made from wipeable leather, the Clean 90 requires little maintenance to be in first-date-ready condition, although we always recommend a little TLC to prolong the lifespan of any sneaker.

Of course, the full-grain leather means they’re naturally prone to developing creases over time. 

Pro tip: Invest in an Axel Arigato care kit. This essential set is tailored to maintain the Clean 90’s distinctive materials with a water-based cleaning solution that gently yet effectively lifts dirt and stains without compromising the integrity of the leather or suede. The kit also includes a soft microfiber cloth and a double-sided beechwood brush featuring soft bristles (for delicate surfaces) and stiff bristles (for stubborn marks). 

Who is it best for? Style-conscious sneakerheads and minimalist sartorialists

Looking for a minimalist sneaker with a fashion-forward feel? The Clean 90 is precisely that. 

Counting Emily Blunt, Margot Robbie (Hi Barbie!), and Chris Evans among its ever-growing fanbase, Axel Arigato Clean 90 certainly isn’t short of big-name wearers. 

The Clean 90 sneaker’s quintessential minimalism makes it effortless to style—a blank canvas for any ensemble. More playful renditions speak to those who love a slightly eccentric accent. Whether channeling Hailey Bieber in an oversized tee or keeping it classy like Beckham, there’s no look that the Clean 90 doesn’t complement. 

Alternatives to Axel Arigato Clean 90

Koio Capri

As one of our best minimalist sneakers, the Koio Capri is a compelling alternative to the Clean 90. Both models are handcrafted from sustainable LWG Certified leather, with the Clean 90 bearing its roots in Portugal and the Capri in Italy (in the same factories as Chanel at that). Both models are quintessentially clean, versatile, and timeless. However, the Axel Arigato sneaker has more playful versions. Both models fall within the $200—$300 price range. 

We found Koio (Regenerative) Capris to be more comfortable and its leather softer. The Capri is also narrower at the toe, creating the illusion of elongated feet. 

Check our dedicated hands-on Koio Capri review if you want to learn more.

Oliver Cabell Low 1

The Oliver Cabell Low 1 is hand-stitched in Italy and is similarly characterized by simplicity and versatility.

The Low 1 line also has more upbeat options, accented with the brand’s iconic “O” logo and Oliver Cabell’s trademark scuff marks, amongst many other design details. 

The Oliver Cabell Low 1 also falls within the $200—$300 price range, so the choice ultimately comes down to design preference.

Learn more about them in our Oliver Cabell Low 1 review.

Common Projects Achilles Low 

The OG of minimalist sneakers, celebrated for its clean aesthetic, superior materials, and exceptional craftsmanship, Common Projects Achilles Low is entirely free from branding. So, if you are looking for more high-fashion designs, Axel Arigato’s will be a better fit.

The Common Projects Achilles Low sneaker epitomizes quiet luxury, featuring a sleek, low-top silhouette crafted from premium Italian leather. Renowned for its subtle yet striking design, it includes a signature gold foil stamp serial number (the shoe’s style, size, and color, in case you were wondering), adding an exclusive touch to the otherwise simple design. 

While equally durable and timeless, the Achilles Low is also more expensive. 

Where to buy Axel Arigato Clean 90?

Since its inception as a direct-to-consumer online platform, this accessible luxury brand has expanded its footprint, establishing physical stores across Europe and Dubai. These stores are celebrated for their modern decor and unique events, making them must-visit destinations when nearby.

However, if you’re not down the road, the official Axel Arigato website offers an equally thrilling shopping experience. Enjoy the benefits of direct purchasing—no unnecessary costs—and secure your designer sneakers at a more affordable price. It’s also where you’ll find the best deals and discounts from the brand, and the largest inventory available.

Frequently asked questions about Axel Arigato