Let’s back up for a second.
Tabi shoes weren’t always a fashion statement. Originally designed in Japan, the split-toe silhouette was created for stability and grip — worn by workers and even samurai to help maintain balance during movement. The form was function-first. But somewhere along the line, the split-toe design became a canvas for fashion innovation.
Fast forward to today, and Margiela’s iconic tabi shoes have become a cult classic — a high-fashion symbol that straddles the line between beauty and discomfort. But recently, something’s shifted. Suddenly, there’s a wave of new contenders entering the ring: some functional, some futuristic, some surprisingly affordable. It’s unclear why this surge is happening now — maybe a loosening of design rights, or maybe the influence of TikTok and resale culture cracking the style open — but the result is a long-overdue appreciation for one of the boldest silhouettes in footwear.
If you’re tabi-curious but not quite ready to drop Margiela prices, here are 5 of the most compelling tabi shoes out there right now.
Woodchuck Sato Leather Tabi Boots
If you want Margiela energy without the Margiela price, these are the most convincing match. Clean, minimal leather with a classic ankle boot shape — they’re definitely closer to fashion than functionality, but for styling purposes, they’re basically plug-and-play. The kind of tabi shoes you build an outfit around.
Tabi Footwear High-Top Sneakers
A modern remix on the tabi shoes legacy. These high-top sneakers keep the split toe but build it into something more wearable day-to-day. Think of them as part Nike, part performance sock. They manage to be weird and wearable at the same time — walking the line between heritage and forward-thinking design.
These are the most approachable of the bunch — soft, minimal, and clearly riffing on the original Margiela flat without being a direct dupe. They don’t shout fashion history, but they do whisper quiet luxury. Ideal for someone who wants to dip a toe (literally) into the split-toe silhouette of tabi shoes without spending a fortune.
Tabi shoes, meet streetwear. These feel like the most modern of the bunch — chunkier, minimal, and built with that plush-on-the-ground kind of silhouette that works perfectly with wide trousers or cropped cargos. The thick outsole gives it more presence than the classic tabi boot, but the styling potential is just as strong. This one’s for the rotation if you like your shoes a bit weirder, but still wearable.
If you want the real deal, this is it. These are traditional Japanese jika-tabi boots — the same kind worn by martial artists and workers for balance and grip. The gum sole and flexible canvas upper are made for movement, not aesthetics. But that in itself makes them stylish — they lean so far into function they loop right back into form. Bonus: the soft, minimal sole design feels like a spiritual predecessor to the original Yeezy Pod shoe — stripped back, foot-shaped, and quietly ahead of its time.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to say exactly why tabi shoes are trending now. Margiela’s versions have always been iconic — loved quietly by the fashion world — so it’s not like this design was hiding. Maybe it’s just time. Or maybe someone somewhere let go of a design patent. Either way, the result is a refreshing moment where split-toe shoes aren’t just for runway insiders or collectors.
They’re for anyone curious enough to try something different. And honestly? That feels like a good thing.
If you’re into unusual silhouettes like these, you might like our post on how to style jorts without looking like you’re trying too hard. It’s all about balance — wide shapes, weird textures, and making each piece feel like it belongs.
