Axel Arigato has introduced a new low-profile sneaker for spring 2025, named the Slow Runner. This silhouette offers a streamlined, hybrid interpretation of a traditional running shoe. This design marks the latest drop following the brand’s internal restructuring a year ago, providing a clear indication of Axel Arigato's new direction.
The Slow Runner showcases a multi-layered upper, paying homage to the brand’s popular Marathon style, paired with an outsole inspired by knit designs that echo the interlocking stitches found throughout the SS25 collection.
Both the sneaker and its name embody a sense of softness, conjuring images of spring breezes and leisurely strolls through urban landscapes, as Axel Arigato captures a feeling of youthful reminiscence. The shoe incorporates exposed zigzag stitching for a raw yet polished appearance, a slender gum sole unit that relates to the interlocking stitch elements in the rest of the collection, an elevated sole unit that hints at the action of walking, and a rear gel bubble that reflects earlier Axel Arigato designs.
“The Slow Runner originated as a project focused on naive, straightforward design – an intentional deconstruction of the past to forge something entirely new for the brand. In our reinterpretation of the Marathon style, our goal was to create something pure in its simplicity. It involved stripping back elements to develop something that feels both contradictory and familiar. Themes of memory and nostalgia, central to this season, became a crucial inspiration for shaping the future. The Slow Runner encompasses these contrasts—old and new, technical yet humble, acting as a bridge between the past and what lies ahead,” explained Jens Werner, Creative Director.
For the campaign, Jens Werner further explores themes of nostalgia and youthful simplicity. The setting features six custom brown suede chairs reminiscent of impact cushions and paddle horses, arranged on a wooden floor marked with colorful lines akin to a school gymnasium. Longtime collaborator Linus Morales was invited to capture the campaign through a soft, vintage lens. The sneaker comes to life in a video campaign depicting a game of musical chairs from an overhead perspective, accompanied by a live soundtrack composed by soundscape artist Li Yilei.
Founded in Sweden in 2014, Axel Arigato has established a strong reputation for its high-quality sneakers and distinctive Scandinavian minimalism. Over the past decade, the brand has positioned itself at the intersection of music, art, and design, creating a unique niche in the industry with seasonless releases and unconventional activations.
Last year, the brand celebrated its 10th anniversary with significant internal changes, promoting experienced sportswear designer Jens Werner to take over from Max Svärdh, one of Axel Arigato’s co-founders. With this new chapter, Werner infuses a design-oriented perspective, leveraging interior design elements (like the brown chairs and gymnasium-inspired setting in this campaign) and nostalgic narratives to create an immersive experience for Axel Arigato's growing community.
Available at axelarigato.com
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Axel Arigato has introduced a new low-profile sneaker for spring 2025. Named the Slow Runner, this new design presents a hybrid and sleek interpretation of a