Love Them or Hate Them, Tabis Are Here to Stay

There are few shoes in fashion that divide opinion quite like the Maison Margiela Tabi. With their iconic split-toe design — inspired by the traditional Japanese jika-tabi — Tabis have become the ultimate “love it or hate it” statement piece. To some, they’re avant-garde brilliance; to others, they’re just plain strange. But whichever side you fall on, one thing is certain: Tabis aren’t going anywhere.

When they first appeared on the runway in 1988, the split-toe silhouette caused a stir. It challenged our expectations of what beauty and elegance should look like. Decades later, that shock factor has turned into cult devotion. From fashion insiders to street-style trendsetters, Tabis have evolved from niche art piece to mainstream fashion icon.

What’s fascinating about Tabis is their power to provoke emotion — they’re conversation starters, identity markers, and wearable art. Whether styled with tailored trousers or a flowing dress, they add an unmistakable edge that says, “I know fashion, but I don’t follow it.”

As fashion cycles spin faster than ever, true originality is rare. Yet, Tabis continue to stand out — proof that good design doesn’t fade; it evolves. Love them or hate them, you’ll remember them. And that’s exactly the point.