Say Hello to Tabi Nails, the Fashion-Forward Mani That Splits Opinions

Martin Margiela, the founder of Maison Margiela, drew inspiration from traditional Japanese footwear when he debuted the Tabi shoe in 1988 during the brand’s first Spring/Summer runway show in Paris. The split-toe silhouette immediately sparked a wave of reactions. Controversial at its introduction, the Tabi has, much like the division between the toes, created a lasting divide in the fashion world.

Time passed, style preferences evolved, and countless innovations emerged. By the 2020s, the Tabi shoe had become a popular, mainstream choice, cementing its place as a recognizable style in contemporary footwear. Its hoof-like design added a distinct flair that earned it a devoted following. Today, it stands as a bold fashion statement, bridging centuries-old traditions with modern design. Over the years, the world has seen countless iterations of the Tabi—from boots and flats to heels, and even nails.

The beauty world has developed its own take on the Tabi, which has steadily been making its way onto Instagram feeds and TikTok algorithms throughout the year. The design mimics the iconic shoe by visibly splitting the tips of long nails.

There are no restrictions on nail color—you can even go for a full polish inspired by your favorite Tabi colorway.

Another popular choice is the classic French tip, which more closely resembles how Tabi flats look when unworn. If you’re going for a full-on fashion-themed nail art, like the example below, it’s sure to fit right in.

Aside from color, some opt for a subtler approach, where the indents only appear when the finger is pressed.

There are many ways to further adorn Tabi nails—whether by adding ribbon designs or inserting small items in the center, similar to how people embellish their shoes for aesthetic effect.

There’s no telling whether Tabi nails will make everyday tasks—like washing or combing your hair—more difficult. Still, they’re inspired by a shoe that sparked controversy from the start, so the split opinions aren’t all that surprising.

What do you think? Would you get Tabi nails done?