WORDS BY OLIVIA WOODHOUSE

A now-iconic brand signature, the women’s Maison Margiela Tabi has been a fixture on the runway — and a favorite of cool girls everywhere (we’re looking at you Chloë Sevigny) — since Martin Margiela’s 1988 debut. Its split-toe design dates back to 15th-century Japan, where tabi began as traditional socks. Inspired by a trip to Japan with the Antwerp Six, Margiela reinterpreted this silhouette into an avant-garde footwear phenomenon.

Decades later, the split-toe shoe spans modern colorways and silhouettes, celebrated for its artistic edge and surprisingly comfortable fit. But navigating the unique shape requires the right fit. Whether investing in boots or flats, discover our definitive Maison Margiela Tabi size guide plus tips on how to wear Margiela Tabi shoes thanks to senior merchandiser, Charlotte Berry. We break down Maison Margiela Tabi sizing across its essential silhouettes — from boots and flats to loafers and sandals.

A classic, the Margiela Tabi ballet flat is crafted from soft nappa leather and features ruching along the body to create a worn look. These are perhaps the most straightforward of the Tabi styles to style, lending themselves to casual looks while adding that bit of Tabi edge. 

Styling tips: ‘The classic Tabi ballet flat is the ultimate versatile piece, style it with a floaty dress or skirt in the summer or with a casual pair of jeans or capri pants for a more casual look. The Tabi instantly elevates and gives any outfit a more fashionable edge.’

Size and fit: True to size. We recommend your usual size, however, ballet flats in general don’t provide your foot with a lot of support. We suggest avoiding all-day wear.

Maybe you already own the Tabi flats? Perhaps you’re looking for the next iteration? You’re in luck, the Maison Margiela Tabi heeled ballerina is here to answer your preppy outfit dilemmas.

Styling tips: ‘A more recent trend, the slightly heeled ballet flats are a great option for a more polished and formal look whilst still having a comfortable, everyday heel height. These can be styled similarly to the classic Tabi ballet but think about pairing with smarter tops such as a shirt or blazer.’

Size and fit: True to size. We recommend your usual size. Tabis are meant to be worn like a second skin so they should feel snug.

An asymmetric toe design, ankle strap and block heel would feel right at home in your vacation luggage. Exuding retro 60s energy, this pair of Maison Margiela Tabi pump sandals are the kind of statement shoe you build an outfit around and, yes, we recommend building on the archival theme. 

Styling tips: ‘The most elevated of the Tabi collection with the 8cm heel, the Tabi pump sandal is best styled with a skirt to showcase the interesting strap detail. Think about pairing them with a 90s-style A-line skirt and a V-neck top or cardigan.’

Size and fit: True to size. We recommend your usual size. A block heel provides more stability, making these heels more comfortable than most.

Workwear, completed. These Maison Margiela Tabi loafers are the preppy staple you’ve been waiting for. A shining supple leather and penny loafer design is upgraded by the classic Tabi toe-split and a collapsible heel. A later addition to the Tabi line, the loafers became an instant hit. 

Styling tips: ‘The Tabi loafers are paired perfectly with a tailored trouser or bermuda short in the summer for a smart but edgy look. They can also be worn more casually with a wide leg jean and plain T-shirt.’

Size and fit: True to size. We recommend your usual size. A soft collapsible heel makes for comfortable wearing whichever way you decide to wear them.

Carrying through the signature block heel, the Maison Margiela Tabi ankle boots have adorned the feet of many famous faces of the fashion crowd. A failsafe option for smarter dress codes or simply your mid-week dinner plans. The shoe lends itself as easily to a pair of jeans as they do a slip dress. 

Styling tips: ‘The Tabi ankle boots are an autumn/winter staple when it may be too cold to wear the ballet flats. The perfect heel height for day-to-day comfort, the ankle boots can be paired with a wide-leg tailored trouser or jean, jumper and a tailored coat for a staple winter look.’

Size and fit: True to size. We recommend your usual size unless you have wide feet, in which case we recommend going up half a size.

Maison Margiela Tabi mules are one of the most recent additions to the Tabi collection. Riffing on the fashion community's obsession with mule sandals over the last few years, this Margiela version pays homage to the suede shoe of the moment while adding its signature split toe into the mix. Extra points for a chunky strap with chic silver hardware. 

Styling tips: ‘The newest addition to the Tabi collection, the Daily Mule is the perfect slip-on style for ultimate chic comfort. Pair with an oversized low-rise jean or wide-leg trouser and basic top for a laid-back look.’

Size and fit: True to size. We recommend your usual size. The open-ankle mule design makes it the easiest of the Tabi styles to get right size-wise.

The age-old conundrum. The standard sock just won’t cut it with a pair of Tabis but luckily, Margiela has a line of socks specifically designed for the Tabi style. From jersey-wool blend to silk, there’s a pair for every occasion. 

The history of the Tabi and its distinctive split-toe design dates back to 15th-century Japan, where it started out as socks worn with thonged footwear and later as workwear. Margiela, who was often inspired by Japanese designers like Comme des Garçons’ Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto, started to work with the silhouette after a trip to Japan with the famous Antwerp Six. Now, Maison Margiela’s Tabi shoe comes in an array of silhouettes and colorways, and is known for its surprisingly comfortable fit — especially when worn with Tabi socks. 

Related articles: If you like this, you might like Zimmermann dresses size and style guide | Trending women’s sneakers | How to build a capsule wardrobe