If you're a Maison Margiela Tabi virgin, you're probably wondering what all the fuss is about. Especially after the footwear managed to make it onto The Lyst Index's The Year in Fashion 2023 report. The striking silhouette actually debuted back in 1988 and has stayed in fashion thanks to the likes of celebrities like Zendaya, Dua Lipa and Kylie Jenner. But Maison Margiela Tabi shoes were thrust into the TikTok spotlight when a TikToker's Tabis were snatched by a Tinder date this September.
Ever since then, the cleft-toe style has been coveted by non-fashion folk. Despite their growing popularity, they're definitely a hard shoe to pull off IRL. Luckily, Maison Margiela has designed an almost infinite line of styles to choose from. Some easier to rock than others. Which is why we went ahead and rounded up the best versions to take for a test drive.
The French fashion house's loafers, canvas sneakers and derby shoes offer a subtler approach. Opt for black or green to subdue the illusion. When it comes to knee-high boots, stick with a stark shade or an acid-wash pattern a la the brand's Tabi Bianchetto Boots. The recently introduced slouchy Western-style boots are also a safe bet.
Maison Margiela's Mary Jane takes are fan favorites. As are the ballerina flats, which come in an array of colors. We suggest going with a pop of purple so people have something else to focus on besides that infamous indent. Another hot commodity is the red patent leather pump that strutted down Maison Margiela's Fall 2023 ready-to-wear runway.
Now all of these top Tabis come with hefty price tags. Several are over $1,000 or pretty close to that figure. Don't despair, however. We did find quite a few pairs ranging from $428 for the rubber boots to $693 for the derby shoes. We're assuming we have the holidays to thank for the dramatic dip in cost. (Make sure to take advantage of these discounts while you still can.) Based on Tabi's staying power, any one of our favorite pairs is a great long-term investment.
Here are the top Maison Margiela Tabi shoes to step out in this year and in 2024 and beyond. We promise that once you try a pair out, you'll want to buy even more.
Maison Margiela Green Tabi Loafers, $665 at SSENSE
Maison Margiela Tabi 55mm Slouchy Western Boots, $1,990 at Farfetch
Maison Margiela Tabi Split-Toe Leather Flats, $990 at Net-a-Porter
Maison Margiela Tabi Canvas Sneakers, $590 at Mytheresa
Maison Margiela White Tabi Bianchetto Boots, $1,720 at SSENSE
Maison Margiela Tabi County Leather Chelsea Boots, $1,350 at Farfetch
Maison Margiela Tabi Leather Loafers, $990 at Mytheresa
Maison Margiela Purple Tabi Ballerina Flats, $483 at SSENSE
Maison Margiela Tabi 110mm Patent Leather Pumps, $660 at Farfetch
Maison Margiela Tabi Leather Knee-High Boots, $1,590 at Mytheresa
Maison Margiela Taupe Rubber Tabi Boots, $399 at SSENSE
Maison Margiela Tabi Leather Derby Shoes, $693 at Mytheresa
Maison Margiela Off-White Tabi Mary-Jane Heels, $950 at SSENSE
