I have a sneaking suspicion that my love for the "ugly" sneaker started when Balenciaga's Triple S trainers were doing the rounds. To be honest, I was always going to be predisposed to like this style. As a child of the '80s, I've often been drawn to the more dad-like of sneakers inspired by that era. (I blame fashion's current obsession with nostalgia.) But it's not just Balenciaga's sellout shoes that caught my eye. Adidas, Nike and New Balance all have their own iterations. This kind of sneaker has a very specific look. They're oversized but still look like you could run in them too.
I now have another similar pair of trainers that I want to add to my growing list: the Axel Arigato sneakers. I'd not heard of this brand before, but suddenly, it started appearing all over my Instagram feed (always a sign that a brand is about to take off) and being worn by some of the coolest influencers.
Unsurprisingly, it's a Swedish brand and was launched in 2014, and while it initially only did men's it soon created a women's line that has become incredibly popular. One of my favourite minimalist influencers, Ems Wells, has been wearing these sneakers for a while, and I love how she pairs them with a matching tracksuit and a long coat. It's definitely giving me more Rosie Huntington-Whiteley vibes. If you're a fan, then keep scrolling to see where to shop these sneakers and similar versions.
SHOP AXEL ARIGATO TRAINERS
SHOP SIMILAR SNEAKERS
Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2021 fashion trends to know.
-
48 Hours in L.A. Was All It Took to Convince Me These 6 Trends Are ItYou’re gonna want to write these down.
-
It's True: Julia Roberts Just Brought Back Princess Diana's Favorite $70 SneakersShe just landed in Venice, Italy.
-
The Exact Sneakers That Everyone With Cool Taste Will Wear This FallBuh-bye, boots, flats, and loafers.
-
If You Want to Freshen Up Your Shoe Collection, Start With These 33 Sneakers, Kitten Heels, and FlatsSending my apologies to your wallet.
-
These Are the It Sneakers Celebrities Love to Wear With Baggy Pants and JeansEvery It girl's go-to.
-
Bella Hadid Just Wore the $160 Designer-Passing White Sneakers That Will Sell Out by September 1Hurry, there are only a few sizes left.
-
Enjoy Your End-of-Summer Ice Cream Trips in These 26 Chic Pieces From J.Crew, Nordstrom, and ZaraKeep cool without sacrificing style.
-
Cue the Makeover Montage: My Bestie Wants a Closet Refresh, so I Sent This List of 11 Must-Have BasicsLace-trimmed skirts and mesh ballet flats ahead.
