THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TABI SHOES: The most resonant footwear of the season (2024)

The biggest fashion statements are often the most controversial ones. There are certain items that may immediately come to mind when you think of polarizing fashion trends, but none are quite as distinctive as Tabi shoes.

Inspired by traditional Japanese footwear and defined by their unique split toe silhouette, these shoes have captivated the fashion world this season. They are an embodiment of uniqueness and the pursuit of innovation, two qualities that many modern designers strive towards within their clothing, footwear, and accessory collections.

Popularized by one of the industry’s most extravagant, mysterious, and talented designers, Martin Margiela, Tabi shoes are the ideal choice for those who want to stand out.

Below we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about these striking shoes, from their rich history to tips on how you can incorporate them into your own wardrobe.

Contemporary Margiela Tabi shoes are a fairly recent invention, with the designer releasing his first version 35 years ago. But the origins of the design are much deeper, tracing back over 600 years to 15th-century Japan.

This era marks the introduction of Indian cotton to Japan. Artisans began experimenting with the lovely, soft fabric, and eventually created socks with separate toe compartments that were designed to be worn with traditional footwear like zori and geta, the iconic Japanese wooden platform sandals.

A wooden T-shaped ruler used to measure the length between the foot's big toe and the heel is seen in Mukojima Myogaya in Tokyo's Sumida Ward

Yoshikazu Ishii, fifth-generation head of traditional tabi shop

"Han-tabi" socks without "kohaze" fasteners

3 decades later, and 14 years after Margiela’s retirement from his eponymous brand, Tabi shoes are as alluring as ever. Margiela’s Tabi shoes have been reimagined in various forms over the years, from the original Tabi ankle boots to Tabi ballet flats, loafers, thigh-high boots, wooden clogs, and sneakers.

Despite the continuous debate that Tabi shoes seem to create, they have an unwavering fan base of fashion-forward individuals who aren’t afraid to go against the grain.

Maison Martin Margiela Tabi boots, Spring 1990.

Rihanna sports signature leather ‘Tabi’ boots in classic black

A$AP Rocky

Dua Lipa wearing Tabis seen on a night out at Chiltern Firehouse in London.

Björk in Martin Margiela Tabi's

Tabi Mary Jane Shoes in Brown

Tabi Mary Jane Shoes in Black

Looking for an inimitable alternative to dress shoes or heels on an evening out?

Tabi loafers pair perfectly with formal looks while also adding a touch of playfulness to your outfits.

Dress them up with a suit or blazer dress, or make them appropriate for day with straight jeans and a structured jacket.

Gone are the days when you need heels to make a style statement.

Ballet flats are one of the biggest trends of the season, so Tabi flats will make your look even more on point. Keep an eye out for styles in cult-favorite silver; you’ll get the best of style and comfort.

This versatile shoe style can be paired with basically any outfit, from casual jeans and t-shirts to elegant maxi dresses and suits.

French Girl Split-Toe Tabi Ballet Flats

Self Made Tabi Ballet Flats in Silver

Whether you still haven’t quite adjusted to flat soles or you want to pay homage to the origin of the shoes, Tabi sandals will be an ideal choice. They come in a wide variety of colors, from classic blacks and browns to trendy metallics.

You can style them with your favorite everyday looks, like jeans and t-shirts, or more polished shirt dresses and tailored trousers.

Of all the varieties currently on the market, Tabi boots are definitely our favorite.

They combine all of the design's advantages with their ergonomic platforms, their soft construction, and their versatility.

You’ll be given an endless possibility for creating stylish looks, whether you’re wearing them with simple denim outfits to sophisticated tailored pieces. Like regular ankle boots, Tabi styles can be paired with just about anything!

Silver Tabi Oxford Shoes - ShoeMighty

White Tebi Oxford Shoes - ShoeMighty

This edgy design allows you to enjoy two trends at once. Mary Janes have been in the style spotlight for two seasons now, while Tabihas long enjoyed its place as the fashion world’s unconventionally cool shoe of choice.

The juxtaposition between feminine Mary Janes and androgynous Tabismay seem unlikely, as Tabi promotes comfort and ease, but fashion rules have always meant to be broken.

You can wear cutting-edge Tabi Mary Janes as your new going-out shoe for the season. It pairs well with dresses, duster coats, matching sets, and blazer looks

You now know how incredible Tabi shoes can look on the feet, but you may be wondering what goes on underneath their surface.

You may be able to get away with conventional no-toe round socks with a lot of models, but you’ll definitely be more comfortable with Tabi-style socks. It’s not always easy to find split-toe socks, which is why we’ve got your back with our excellent selection of Tabi socks. Believe us - once you’ve worn them once, you won’t want to go back to your regular socks.

Ribbed Tabi Split-Toe Socks - ShoeMighty

Ribbed Tabi Split-Toe Socks - ShoeMighty