Axel Arigato’s very unserious new sneaker
Axel Arigato has unveiled Squish, its brand-new unisex sneaker for Spring/Summer 2026.
The Squish is the antithesis of the brand's usual sharp, architectural lines of past styles featuring soft, rounded curves, the design embraces playfulness over precision.
Inspired by skate parks and modern sculpture, Squish takes a playful approach to form. The sole is curved in every direction – concave, convex, never straight – with deliberately offset lines that create a sense of movement and irregularity. Proportions are intentionally blown out, with an oversized toe that rises dramatically up the foot, while an exaggerated woven label replaces the brand’s usual leather tab, reinforcing the silhouette’s relaxed and unserious character.
Handcrafted in Portugal, Squish combines premium nubuck and suede uppers with split-colour thermoplastic rubber (TPR) outsoles. Each pair is finished with wool laces that bring a tactile edge, and the outsole itself appears caught mid-pour, forming a shell that encases the upper. The unique toe design – inspired by mould-making and sculpture – gives the shoe its signature character, turning an everyday sneaker into a three-dimensional object.
Squish is part of SS26’s Green Space collection, which explores how we shape and construct natural spaces within the city – Squish reflects this dialogue through its sculptural form and crafted details.
“I wanted Squish to feel like a form in motion – inspired by the playfulness of literally squishing the upper into the sole, almost like a baking mold. The sound of things squishing together was present in my mind, and the sneaker became a visual and physical manifestation of that concept.” Jens Werner, Creative Director.
The first release features five colorways for both men and women: light beige, black, lilac, tan, and bright yellow. A men’s-only tonal pack follows, featuring light taupe and black/off-black.
Available online and in stores from November 28, 2025, Squish will be priced at £240 / $365 / €260.
