Axel Arigato Clean 90 vs Balenciaga Triple S Sneaker

The Axel Arigato Clean 90 is the better everyday shoe: full leather upper and lining, a stitched-and-glued cup sole, and a removable cushioned footbed with arch support. The Balenciaga Triple S is a statement piece with a chunky 4 cm platform and a complex three-layer sole, but its upper is mesh and faux leather, not leather. Reviewers rate the Clean 90 well on comfort and versatility; the Triple S draws praise for its look and authenticity checks, with complaints about sizing and stock.

• Choose the Axel Arigato Clean 90 if you want a low-profile leather sneaker you can wear daily with jeans, chinos or tailoring.
• Choose the Balenciaga Triple S if you want a chunky, recognizable designer silhouette and accept mesh and faux leather in place of full leather.