Once used as functional socks and later as durable work shoes in 15th-century Japan, their unique silhouette has found new life on international runways and celebrity wardrobes.

Belgian designer Martin Margiela played a pivotal role in this revival, debuting a hoof-like reinterpretation of the tabi shoe in 1988 that shook the fashion world. Since then, their quirky and edgy design has gained a cult following, admired for pushing boundaries and sparking conversations.

Recent collaborations with major brands like Reebok and Christian Louboutin have reinvented the tabi in sneakers, heels, and boots. According to designer Jeetinder Sandhu, their popularity is driven by the perfect mix of comfort and statement style. Indian fashion houses like Shop Mistry and Kilchu are also adding local flavor to the trend.

While the design remains polarizing, it is celebrated by fashion-forward communities and celebrities alike. Stars such as Doechii, Rose from BLACKPINK, Zendaya, and Kylie Jenner have been seen sporting variations of the tabi, helping cement its place in pop culture.

Though not universally embraced, tabi shoes are undeniably defining a niche space in today’s style landscape—bold, unconventional, and rooted in rich cultural history.