The unusual journey of the “split-toe” shoe that was once mocked, now stands tall as a symbol of cultural sustainability.
Tabi – A Fashion Shock from the First Step
In 1989, at Maison Margiela’s debut show in Paris, something appeared on the runway that stunned the fashion world:
A pair of white, split-toe shoes that separated the big toe from the others — resembling, quite frankly, a camel’s hoof.
Many laughed. Some walked out. Fashion editors called it “weird,” “ugly-chic,” even “offensive.” But Martin Margiela — the elusive designer who rarely showed his face and let his work speak for itself — remained silent.
Because he knew: a fashion revolution had just begun.
The Cultural Roots of Tabi – A Journey Back to 15th Century Japan
Tabi wasn’t invented by Margiela. It was inherited.
The word “Tabi” in Japanese literally means “journey”, and originally referred to traditional white split-toe socks worn with wooden sandals like Geta or Zori. Tabi represented elegance, ceremony, and the wabi-sabi aesthetic — embracing imperfection, simplicity, and subtle beauty.
When Martin Margiela encountered an antique pair of Japanese Tabi during his travels, he didn’t just see footwear — he saw a cultural story that hadn’t yet been told through Western fashion.
From “Weird” to Iconic: When Fashion Becomes a Statement
Margiela didn’t replicate Tabi — he rebirthed it.
He transformed socks into heels, boots, sneakers, sandals — all with that iconic split-toe design.
At first, only the bold and the underground dared to wear Tabi. Artists. Rebels. Avant-garde enthusiasts. But over time, Tabi evolved into a fashion statement of individuality:
- The courage to be different
- The rebellion against conventional beauty
- A rite of passage into the avant-garde community
Celebrities like Rihanna, Bella Hadid, FKA Twigs, and ASAP Rocky helped bring Tabi into mainstream consciousness — but never in a mainstream way. Tabi wasn’t about trends — it was about truth.
Why Tabi Is a Timeless Cultural Icon
In an industry where trends live and die within months, Tabi has lasted over 30 years — and continues to fascinate.
It doesn’t chase the market — the market finds its way to Tabi. It doesn’t scream with logos or seek mass appeal — yet it lives on in the hearts (and closets) of the fashion elite.
Tabi has endured because it:
- Bridges East and West in a respectful, artistic way
- Evokes deep emotional responses — from curiosity to obsession
- Continuously evolves — from leather boots to metallic PVC, from runway couture to streetwear
- Has become a collectible — with vintage versions hunted down by fashion curators worldwide
Most importantly, Tabi isn’t just a design — it’s a dialogue between fashion, identity, and cultural storytelling.
Tabi Isn’t for Everyone — And That’s Why It’s Legendary
Tabi isn’t “easy to wear.” It draws attention. It makes people look. It refuses to blend in.
But that’s exactly why those who wear Tabi, wear it proudly.
“Tabi isn’t a trend. It’s a way of thinking.”
– A fashion curator once said.
Are You Ready to Step Into the World of Tabi?
Tabi isn’t for everyone. But maybe that’s the point.
If you’re tired of shoes that all look the same —
If you want to express your identity with meaning, artistry, and cultural depth —
If you want fashion that tells a story —
Then Tabi is waiting for you to take your first step.