The Allure of Maison Margiela’s Tabis Shoes

For those not in the know, the Maison Margiela‘s Tabi shoe is a split-shoe design with a feature that separates the big toe from the rest of the toes, and was made to help promote flexibility, comfort and stability.

They were first inspired by the traditional 15th century Japanese tabi sock, which was invented following the importation of cotton and made specifically for the classic socks and sandals (thonged shoes) look.

In 1988, Belgian designer Martin Margiela catapulted the design back into mainstream when his haute couture fashion house debuted the tabi boot in its first collection. Following this, there has been no looking back.

The statement shoe can now be yours in a classic cutesy Mary Jane loafer style, heeled sandal, ballet flat, or tall knee-high boot. There is no limit to what Maison Margiela has been able to reimagine.

One scroll through TikTok proves the cult status of the shoe, with many thanks owed to the confidence of Euphoria actresses Hunter Schafer and Tessa Thompson who commonly parade the effortlessly cool shoe.

Despite being commonly regarded as a divisive shoe, there is a reason the tabi shoe, in all its iterations, has become a fundamental item in the wardrobes of stylists, fashion enthusiasts, and celebrities. So, make sure you don’t miss out on being in the know.