From Japanese socks to high-fashion shoes: the story of Tabi

The Tabi shoe, with its distinctive split-toe design, originated as socks in 15th-century Japan during trade with China. Initially worn by the upper class, color indicated social hierarchy: gold and violet for nobility, blue and white for workers. Samurai could wear all colors except those reserved for the elite. In 1921, entrepreneur Tokujirō Ishibashi added a rubber sole to create Jika-Tabi work boots for laborers. The design entered Western fashion in 1988 when Martin Margiela debuted his first collection featuring Tabi boots, painted red to leave visible footprints. Margiela's Tabi became a brand symbol, spawning numerous variants from sneakers to ballet flats. Prada introduced soft leather Tabi in spring 2013, while Thom Browne paired Tabi socks with samurai suits. Despite initial public ridicule—exemplified by harsh reactions to Sarah Jessica Parker wearing them in 2015—Tabi shoes have recently gained cult status, going viral on social media and becoming coveted items.