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Maison Margiela‘s Tabi shoes have been a longtime fascination of both the fashion and footwear worlds — and below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the famed shoe silhouette.
First launched in the ’80s, Margiela’s split-toe shoe took inspiration from “tabi” socks worn in ancient Japan. Today, the shoe has grown as a frequent seasonal style for the French luxury brand — with regularly released boots, flats, loafers and more crafted in a range of colors and textures with cloven toes. It’s also become favored by stars like Kylie Jenner, Chloe Sevigny and more, growing as a surrealist go-to shoe for celebrities across the fashion spectrum.
But what exactly are Tabis, and why are they popular right now? We did a deep dive to find out — and found a wealth of information along the way, from the shoe’s origins and place in pop culture to why it’s trending at this very moment.
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Below, discover everything you need to know about Margiela’s Tabi shoes.
What are Tabi shoes?
“Tabi” is a shoe style that is a signature of luxury fashion brand Maison Mareigla. The silhouette features a split-toe front, creating a geometric appearance. The style hails from the Japanese “Tabi” socks — which feature a similar split shape to increase balance, flexibility and comfort in one’s feet — that were first made in the 15th century, according to Earth Runners.
When did Tabi shoes come out?
Martin Margiela first introduced his debut Tabi style in Maison Margiela’s 1988 fashion show, taking the form of split-toe leather boots. The style made waves for its cloven sole shapes — particularly as they were covered in red paint before the models stepped on his runway, creating an artistic, surreal statement, according to Vogue.
What types of Tabi shoes are there?
Tabi shoes have since expanded at the Margiela brand outside of only boots. Today, the style encompasses ballet flats, slingback pumps, mules, Mary Janes, slip-on pumps, ankle-strapped pumps, lace-up sneakers, slippers and sandals. Where formal shoes are concerned, Tabis can be seen in lace-up brogues (both matte and crystal-covered), penny loafers, and even a more narrow-toed stiletto-heeled pump. The brand also regularly produces the silhouette in classic knee-high and ankle boot silhouettes, as well as rubber and Western-heeled boots — all in hues ranging from classic black and brown to red, blue and metallic silver.
Maison Margiela Tabi Mary Janes
Are there Tabi shoe collaborations?
Yes — and quite a few of them, to be exact. Over the years, Margiela has added his Tabi toes to multiple shoe releases with Reebok — including the athletic brand’s signature leather styles and even heeled sneaker-like boots. The most recent Maison Margiela x Reebok drop occurred in Dec. 2022, with the Classic Leather Tabi Nylon sneaker.
Have Tabi shoes been part of pop culture?
They have! In 2021, Tabi shoes became recognizable on a significantly mainstream scale when a pair of tan leather Tabi ankle boots were worn by Lily Collins on Netflix’s hit romantic comedy “Emily in Paris.” At the British Fashion Awards that same year, Nick Jonas also made a memorable appearance in a set of red leather Maison Mareigla x Reebok leather sneakers with wife Priyanka Chopra.
Why are Tabi shoes trending right now?
Tabi shoes are currently trending due to their latest viral moment, courtesy of TikTok. At the start of September, knitwear designer Alexis Dougé took to the social media platform to share her dating experience where her date stole her new Margiela Tabi Mary Janes. Thanks to the help of her TikTok followers, Dougé was able to track down the thief and get her shoes back — as previously reported on Footwear News.
Which celebrities wear Tabi shoes?
Margiela’s various Tabi styles have graced the feet of countless celebrities over the years — particularly during its trendier periods. In recent years, stars including Dua Lipa, Kylie Jenner, Alton Mason and more have been seen in the style’s split-toed boots and flats for a surreal outfit base. The silhouette has also become instant clickbait for the street style set, making frequent appearances on fashion bloggers like Young Emperors, Caroline Vazzana and Joel Gallucks. For some stars — like Chloe Sevigny and Hunter Schaefer — Tabis have also become a go-to shoe silhouette.
