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<div class="relative p-1 rounded-sm flex items-center justify-center bg-token-main-surface-primary text-token-text-primary h-8 w-8">The word may be associated most with Maison Margiela's popular kicks, but the toebox silhouette goes back to 15th-century Japan.</div>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The tabi may be known for its presence on <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/porcelain-doll-glass-skin-makeup-pat-mcgrath-maison-margiela-beauty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Margiela runways</a> and as a fashion insider fixture, whether worn by Chlo&euml; Sevigny or new-wave infuelncers in recent years. But, its storied history reaches back several centuries. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since its debut on Martin Margiela's catwalk in 1988, the shoe has become one of fashion&rsquo;s most provocative and enduring footwear designs. But the story of the Tabi does not start with the Belgian designer. To the surprise of many, its origins are rooted in 15th-century <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/japan-travel-summer-2024-destination-fashion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Japan</a> where the split-toe silhouette was first introduced as a sock.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The original tabi socks, dating back to 15th-century Japan, were crafted to be worn with traditional footwear like zōri (flat sandals) and geta (raised wooden clogs). The socks were initially reserved for the upper classes, and they were often dyed based on class. Upper-class wearers usually sported purple while those below often wore blue. Over time, the use of tabi socks began to spread, and acceptable colors for the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/how-to-wear-socks-with-heels-styling-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">socks</a> began to grow. They became widely available in neutral colors like white for formal occasions and black for everyday use. The unique design eventually transcended its cultural roots, becoming a bold statement in modern fashion and solidifying its place as an icon of innovation.</span></p>

Asakusa Japan Street 1925. Photo: Getty Images.

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As Japan modernized during its Meiji Era, between 1868-1912, the traditional tabi design began to evolve alongside footwear preferences. This is where <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/shopping/entern-the-western-renaissance-and-shop-these-black-cowboy-boots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Western-style boots</a> and shoes are introduced, leading to the development of ji</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">ka-tabi, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">a rubber-soled iteration of the split-toe sock. This innovation seamlessly blended the traditional tabi-socks with more contemporary footwear, showing the adaptability of the hoof-like design.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today, the tabi split-toe design has moved past being defined by its functionality. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Margiela debuted his reinterpretation of the Tabi shoe in 1988, when the designer revealed the show on his inspired silhouette. It was featured on the brand&rsquo;s very first runway show for its Spring/Summer 1989 collection, which took place in Paris. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thanks to the Belgian designer, the tabi has transcended its utilitarian roots to become a bold fashion statement&ndash;one that bridges centuries of tradition with the cutting edge of modern design.</span></p>

Japan 20th Century Tabi sock and shoe. Photo: Getty Images.

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recent trends have also boosted the silhouette's appeal. What started as a sock shape is now available in many iterations from split-toe thigh-high boots to sneakers, flats, and heels. Each interpretation continues to challenge traditional notions of footwear, solidifying the Tabi as a hallmark of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/10-rare-facts-about-martin-margiela" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Margiela</a>&rsquo;s avant-garde legacy and influence on broader trends. Other brands have launched their own shoe of the same shape, like Nike's Air Rift or Sou Sou's kicks. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keep scrolling to see archival runway looks showcasing Maison Margiela&rsquo;s interpretation of the historical Tabi split-toe design.</span></p>

Maison Martin Margiela Fall 1996 RTW. Photo: Getty Images.

Maison Martin Margiela Spring 1995 RTW. Photo: Getty Images.

Maison Martin Margiela Spring 1993 RTW. Photo: Getty Images.

Maison Martin Margiela Spring 1999 RTW. Photo: Getty Images.

Japan History 19th Century featuring Tabi Socks. Photo: Getty Images.

Japanese women in traditional clothing, chromolithograph, published in 1888. Photo: Getty Images.

Image courtesy of the L'OFFICIEL Paris archives

The Surprising Origins of the Viral Tabi Shoe

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The Surprising Origins of the Viral Tabi Shoe

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