Let’s talk about the shoe that broke the internet, the group chat, and possibly a few relationships: the Maison Margiela Tabi.
If you know, you know—and if you don’t, you probably saw them once, whispered “what the hell?”, and never quite recovered. These shoes, with their famously split toe (yes, camel-style), have been called everything from “avant-garde genius” to “hoofwear from hell.”
And here’s the thing: I love them.
Yes, I am here to proclaim I love the Tabi. I love the drama. I love the discomfort they cause—not to the wearer (they’re surprisingly comfy) but to everyone else. They’re high fashion with a wink and a snarl. And they do exactly what high fashion should, get a reaction out of you. They are, simply, not for the faint of foot.
A Little History
First designed by Martin Margiela in 1988, the Tabi was inspired by traditional Japanese split-toe socks and footwear. But instead of blending in, Margiela turned the tabi silhouette into a full-fledged fashion confrontation.
He debuted them in a now-legendary runway show where models left painted Tabi footprints down the catwalk. From day one, they weren’t just shoes. They were a statement—about identity, anonymity, and yes, about taste.
Why People Hate Them
Let’s address the elephant—or hoof—in the room. People hate, no… people loathe the Tabi for a few clear reasons:
- The Toe Split. It makes people uncomfortable. It challenges their idea of what beauty in footwear looks like.
- They’re Too “Fashion”. There’s a sense that wearing Tabis is performative, precious, or pretentious.
- They Look Like Animal Feet. (Which is, ironically, part of what makes them amazing.)
But what these critiques miss is that every great fashion piece once looked bizarre. Remember when people first saw Balenciaga’s Triple S sneakers? Or Crocs with platform heels? The Tabi just hit the scene earlier—and harder.
Why I Love Them
The Tabi is for people who understand fashion as art. It’s not about following trends—it’s about starting conversations. You don’t wear Tabis to blend in. You wear them to remind people that fashion is weird, and personal, and sometimes a little bit ugly—in the best possible way.
They look sculptural. Alien. Chic. And yes, just the right amount of wrong.
The heel versions are a dream—delicate yet architectural. The boots? Iconic. The Mary Janes? My favorite.
There’s something delightfully subversive about putting on a pair of shoes that split your toes and dare the world to say something. And it always does.
The Tabi Renaissance
Thanks to TikTok, Instagram, and a healthy dose of resale culture (yes to vintage!), the Tabi has had a major resurgence. Gen Z is fully onboard, styling them with everything from oversized trousers to floaty dresses. And the ongoing Tabi theft drama (if you know, you know) has only added to the shoe’s infamy.
They’ve gone from obscure to cult, from reviled to revered. And they still manage to offend sensibilities in all the right ways.
The Hard Truth
Wearing Tabis says: I know what I’m doing. Even if other people don’t get it. And maybe that’s the point.
So yes—split-toe shoes may not be for everyone. But for those of us who worship at the altar of the avant-garde, the Tabi isn’t just a shoe. It’s a philosophy.
And to the haters? You don’t have to like them. You just have to respect the hoof.
