Love Tabi shoes but your budget says 'no'? Here are some affordable options that even Margiela would be wary of.

The Tabi (horseshoe) shoe trend is currently very popular. However, Maison Margiela isn't the only brand offering this style; now you can find more affordable options from Nike, ASICS, or the original Japanese brands of this shoe.

From an "unconventional" design reserved only for high-end connoisseurs associated with Maison Margiela, the toe-slit shoe (Tabi) is making a spectacular inroads into mainstream life. No longer a thousand-dollar luxury item, the "horseshoe ideology" is now ubiquitous, from Nike's dynamic sneakers to Kiko Kostadinov's experimental designs and Vibram's excitingly extreme creations.

Tabi shoes with split toes became widely known thanks to Maison Margiela's promotion as a luxurious design, but now many brands have brought this style back to the mainstream, just as it was originally.

Leading this trend is none other than the Nike Air Rift (or NikeSKIMS Rift Mesh), thanks to its perfect combination of ballet flat elegance and sneaker comfort. This craze isn't just sentiment; it's proven by numbers: according to Poshmark, searches for "Nike Air Rift" have skyrocketed by 95% since December 2024.

Launched in 1996 and inspired by Kenyan runners, these shoes, priced between $145 and $170 (approximately 3.8 - 4.4 million VND), offer a much more accessible entry point into the world of Maison Margiela's thousand-dollar split-toe shoes. Not only are they an affordable option (about 1/7 the price of Margiela), but they also demonstrate that you can walk 20,000 steps a day and still look incredibly stylish.

Nike Air Rift

The Nike SKIMS Rift Mesh is priced at $150 (approximately 4 million VND).

The Nike Air Rift also comes in Polka Dot colorways – a Japan Limited Edition version.

Besides the popularity of Nike, in the slightly higher price segment of around $230 (approximately 6 million VND), there's the collaboration between Kiko Kostadinov and ASICS with the ILARGI FF model. While Nike offers a more accessible and mainstream design, Kiko brings the Tabi back to its true "protective shoe" essence from Japan, but upgraded with modern FlyteFoam technology. This is a design with a strong architectural character, blurring the lines between performance running shoes and avant-garde fashion. It's for those seeking a deeper conceptual value, where the marathon heritage of the 1950s meets the surreal creative thinking of the future.

Collaborations between Kiko Kostadinov and ASICS.

The ILARGI FF shoes cost $230 (6 million VND).

If the split Tabi wasn't bold enough, the Vibram FiveFingers is the strongest statement of the "freaky-chic" trend. By separating all five toes, Vibram isn't just selling a pair of shoes; they're selling a barefoot lifestyle. Despite aesthetic controversies, its appeal is undeniable, having been named a trend of 2025 by Vogue. The natural comfort and liberating feeling are the reasons why young people are willing to manually guide each toe into its correct slot, enjoying absolute freedom with every step.

The unique Vibram FiveFingers are a pair of shoes that Jennie once promoted.

The barefoot shoes cost around $150-170 (4-4.5 million VND).

Before Margiela turned Tabi into a fashion icon, the Japanese had worn Jika-tabi (rubber-soled Tabi) as work shoes for centuries. Marugo and Moonstar are two giants in this field. With prices typically ranging from $30 to $70 (approximately 800,000 to 1.8 million VND), you can own a pair of truly durable, split-toe shoes.

The great thing about Marugo and Moonstar is that they retain their original "ninja" essence with thin, flexible rubber soles and durable canvas uppers. If you're going for a workwear or techwear style, these are the perfect choices. In particular, Moonstar also has very artistic and modern color combinations, enough to make you look like you just came back from the construction site when you go for coffee.

The Japanese brand Marugo offers comfortable Tabi shoes at a very affordable price.

If Margiela is rebellious with gothic flair and sophistication, then Sou Sou (from Kyoto) defines cuteness, whimsy, and a distinctly East Asian aesthetic. Sou Sou doesn't just make shoes; they create a lifestyle. Their designs are often filled with vibrant floral and geometric patterns on hand-woven fabrics.

Sou Sou shoes typically range from $80 to $120 (approximately 2-3 million VND). They're a great choice for those who love the Mori-girl style or are looking for high-top or low-top sneakers with superior comfort compared to protective footwear. Sou Sou proves that split-toe shoes don't have to be "weird"; they can be incredibly sweet.

These Jika-tabi shoes are from the Sou-Sou brand.

It would be a huge oversight not to mention Steve Madden in this game, especially since the American brand is famous for its ability to quickly adapt high-end designs to bring them to more affordable prices for the general public. If you're looking for a pair of ballerina flats with a sophisticated split toe in the true spirit of Maison Margiela but don't want to spend tens of millions, then Steve Madden's split-toe flats are the perfect new choice.

The Tabi Ballet Flats by Steve Madden are minimalist and elegant, priced at $120.

Many people liken this to a Margiela version for everyone, because the shape is very cleverly refined, not too "bold" but still enough to let others know you have a sophisticated sense of style. Steve Madden's entry into this trend further proves that Tabi is no longer the exclusive domain of avant-garde luxury but has truly become a versatile, accessible accessory with a price around $120 (over 3 million VND).

Steve Madden's Tabi shoes are popular, receiving many positive reviews on TikTok, and even being compared to Maison Margiela.

The arrival of ballerina socks completes the range of affordable Tabi products we've been looking for: from Nike Air Rift for active souls, Vibram for rebels, to Steve Madden for ladies who love contemporary romance. It seems that in 2026, owning a pair of split-toe shoes has become easier than ever, and you can confidently express your personal style without worrying too much about the price tag. Just start with a pair of split-toe socks, choose a style that suits you, and you'll find the world under your feet becomes much more interesting.

Internet photos, Instagram