I get it: Tabis are divisive. I wasn’t sure how I felt about them either. Do they look like hooves? But honestly, do I care if they do?
I first started warming up to them last spring, when they were suddenly everywhere. Seeing them styled with track pants and athletic shorts piqued my interest and started to shift my perception.
As the weather’s been warming up, I’ve been spotting them yet again. A couple of months ago, someone at the office wore them with a midi skirt, and I thought it looked so chic. That was probably the moment I decided I wanted a pair.
At the end of the day, they feel like they make any outfit automatically feel more interesting. As someone who loves artful minimalism, it’s hard not to feel drawn to them.
When a friend recently asked how I felt about them, I told her I’d been on the fence for years, but I’ve finally come around. Maison Margiela, of course, has become the gold standard for tabis, which are available at Nordstrom, Ssense, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. But I’ve also been eyeing a brand called WoodchuckSato that offers a more accessible price point.
Here are all of the pairs that stood out to me—from pumps to mules.
WoodchuckSato
Tabi Split-Toe Mary Jane
WoodchuckSato
Tabi Split-Toe Mary Jane Shoes
The slingback silhouette is chic.
Maison Margiela
Tabi Knee High Boot
Maison Margiela
Tabi Ballerina Flat
Maison Margiela
Tabi Mary Jane Flat
For the Mary Jane lovers.
Maison Margiela
Tabi Ballerina Flat
Maison Margiela
Black Tabi Elastic Band Mules
Maison Margiela
Off-White Tabi New Ballerina Slingback Heels
Maison Margiela
Tabi Slingback Pump
Maison Margiela
Black Tabi City Mary-Jane Mules
Maison Margiela
Black Tabi Leather Slingback Heels
Maison Margiela
Women’s Tabi Ballet Mules
Maison Margiela
Tabi 80 Pumps
Maison Margiela
Black Tabi Ballerina Flats
I’d love a pair of these, too.
Maison Margiela
Tabi Broken Mirror Ballerina Flats
The color is called Broken Mirror.
Maison Margiela
Black Tabi Ballerina Flats
I see people wearing these the most.
WoodchuckSato
Tabi Split-Toe Mary Jane Shoes
Maison Margiela
Tabi Ballerina
WoodchuckSato
Tabi Split-Toe Ballet Flats
I put my friend onto WoodchuckSato, and she ended up ordering this pair.
Maison Margiela
Pink Tabi Ballerina Flats
The pink satin ones are so sweet.
Maison Margiela
Burgundy Tabi Knee-High Tall Boots
The knee-highs in burgundy.
WoodchuckSato
Tabi Split-Toe Ballet Flats with Elastic Band
Maison Margiela
Tabi Babouche Loafers
I’ve never seen this slip-on version before.
Maison Margiela
Tabi County Platform Penny Loafers
Maison Margiela
White Tabi New Ballerina Flats
The trendy painted style.
Maison Margiela
Blue Tabi Ballerina Flats
Maison Margiela
Loubiella
maison margiela
Marlougiela
I can’t get over this collaboration.
WoodchuckSato
Tabi Split-Toe Ballet Mule
Explore More:
