Tabi shoes have emerged as one of the most fascinating and divisive footwear trends in recent memory. With their distinct split-toe design, they walk the fine line between high fashion and functional heritage. While some might see them as odd or even controversial, fashion insiders know that tabis carry a rich story that goes far beyond the catwalk.
The origin of tabi shoes dates back to 15th-century Japan, where they began not as shoes, but as socks. Worn with traditional sandals like zori and geta, the split between the big toe and the rest helped maintain grip, balance, and comfort. Made of soft fabric, these socks were essential in Japanese attire, particularly during ceremonial and formal occasions.
By the early 20th century, the tabi evolved further with the invention of the jika-tabi, a sturdier version with rubber soles. Introduced in the 1920s, this adaptation was designed for labourers and farmers who needed durability and flexibility. The jika-tabi remains popular in Japan today, especially among construction workers and gardeners who value its practical benefits.
Poll
Do you consider tabi shoes to be more of a fashion statement or functional footwear?
However, it was Martin Margiela, the elusive Belgian designer known for his avant-garde sensibility, who catapulted the tabi into the world of high fashion. In 1988, during his debut runway show, Margiela unveiled his now-iconic hoof-like tabi boots, reimagined in luxurious materials and exaggerated silhouettes. The design was instantly polarising, it shocked audiences with its surreal form, but also laid the foundation for a fashion revolution. What was once traditional Japanese utility footwear was now a fashion-forward statement.
Since then, the tabi has become a cult classic, an insider’s icon in the world of footwear. Loved by fashion purists, collectors, and creatives, it carries a certain mystique: if you know, you know. It’s a symbol of both rebellion and reverence, challenging norms while paying homage to its roots.
In recent years, the silhouette has been reinterpreted by major brands across the fashion spectrum. Collaborations with Reebok, Christian Louboutin, and Gentle Monster have brought the split-toe style into sneakers, heels, and even futuristic designs. Whether it’s streetwear or couture, the tabi seems to fit in everywhere.
Interestingly, the trend has made its way to Indian fashion labels as well. Homegrown brands have also embraced the tabi silhouette, blending it with Indian craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics to offer something unique and wearable.
On the celebrity front, tabi shoes are having a serious moment. At the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards, rapper Doechii stole the spotlight in a pair of Oxford-style tabi heels, proving the look could be as glamorous as it is unconventional. Other high-profile fans include BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Zendaya, and Kylie Jenner, each styling their pairs in bold, head-turning ways.
In a world where fashion often recycles the familiar, the tabi stands out as a refreshingly weird, deeply historical, and boldly modern choice. It’s more than a shoe, it’s a conversation starter, a statement of identity, and a tribute to fashion’s global, ever-evolving nature.
