Everyone Should Be Wearing Fake Margiela Tabis

Erradicating the pretentiousness of the split toe

The Tabi was originally worn by Samurai to plant their feet firmly on the ground. The split toe has many benefits like relieving knee and lower-back pain, and increasing your brain’s awareness of your toes so that you are less likely to fall. The Tabi is meant to keep you grounded, from head to toe. Japan has been known for the split toe since the 15th Century, yet everyone in Soho believes they are breaking barriers (and the bank) by stepping out in a pair of Margiela Tabis. While Margiela celebrated this Eastern design by bringing the shoe style into his collection in the 80’s he did not invent the style which I believe is a common misconception.

I am all for a funky shoe and have always enjoyed the split toe but the rise of Margiela maniacs in the past year is something I must address. The root of this style is grounded in nature, health, and hard work although, because of Margiela, the style has become a status of elitism, pretension, and a vast “knowledge of fashion” that others just wouldn’t understand… The price alone of Margiela Tabis is extreme, especially for the quality to not uphold. Everyone I know who has a pair of Margiela Tabis has had to have them fixed soon after purchase which is insane for the price point to be upwards of $600.

After recently returning from Japan, I saw this style so casually everywhere from children’s shops to traditional ensembles (I got a pair of Pokeman Tabi socks duh). At first, I was shocked because in America a Tabi means high status whereas in their home country, a Tabi is for working men on their feet all day. It only just reaffirmed my belief in the drastic difference in quality and meaning. I’m excited that the style has finally successfully crossed over and claimed the spotlight in fashion although I want the air to be the same as in Japan. I want there to be Tabi’s sold everywhere. I want better quality and a cheaper price. I want everyone to split their toes and I want everyone to be grounded. The question won’t be “Are those real or fake Margiela Tabis” but “Where did you get your Tabis from? I got designer ones from Margiela.”