About Tabi socks
What is Tabi?
Tabi shoes actually started as socks. The idea came from ancient China during the Tang Dynasty, and later made its way to Japan when cotton was introduced there in the 15th century. The Japanese began making them in large numbers, shaping them with a split toe so they worked better with traditional thong sandals like Zori and Geta.
Over time, as rubber became more common, tabi evolved from socks into shoes — first used in things like military boots.
They really hit the global stage in 1951, when a runner named Shigeki Tanaka won the Boston Marathon wearing split-toe running shoes made by Onitsuka Tiger. After that, tabi-style shoes became more popular in Japan and started gaining attention around the world.
Since the 1700s, Gyoda in Japan has been known for making tabi. By the 1930s, the town had over 200 workshops and many other businesses supporting them. At its peak, they made over 84 million pairs every year.
After World War II, people in Japan started wearing more Western-style shoes, so production of tabi declined significantly. Today, only six tabi makers are left in Gyoda — but tabi still have a strong influence and haven’t disappeared.
Tabi got popular again in 1996 when Nike released the Air Rift, inspired by barefoot runners in Kenya. The name came from the Great Rift Valley, and the colours were based on the Kenyan flag.
In 1988, Belgian designer Martin Margiela brought tabi into western high fashion during his first show in Paris. His idea for tabi boots came after a trip to Japan — he wanted to create a shoe that felt almost invisible.
Models walked on white fabric with red paint on the soles, leaving footprints behind. He did this so the shoes wouldn’t go unnoticed.
Since then, the split-toe design and red footprints became a key part of his brand, appearing again and again in his shows.
Modern split-toe shoes weren’t invented by Maison Margiela, but the brand is the one most people link them to today. More than 30 years after they first appeared on the runway, tabi have become a fashion icon, loved by celebrities and fashion fans alike.
Admittedly, Tabi are also one of the most debated tyle of shoe in current times. Their split-toe design is very “love it or hate it.” Some people love them in all styles, while others don’t like the look at all.
Regardless in any circumstance, their original purpose was for practicality and for their uncompromising comfort. They represent an ode to Japanese history and culture, and will always remain to be a timeless silhouette.
