CULTURE

Margiela’s Tabi is Reimagined as a Reebok Sneaker

And by “affordable,” we mean that they still cost $350.


A Margiela Tabi as a Rebook sneaker.
Image via Reebok

Maison Martin Margiela has teamed up with Reebok to create a Tabi version of the Classic Leather sneaker, and yes, it looks as blessed or cursed as you think it does. It’s also the most affordable version of Margiela’s flagship Tabi shoe, though we use that term in a relative matter.

The Classic Leather Tabi sports a few of Margiela’s signature style cues. The “bianchetto” colorway is a cool-toned white, hand-painted on top of a black nappa leather base that peeks through like a coat of wall primer. As you wear the shoe, the paint is designed to chip off the upper and black cotton laces, so it will never look the same way twice.

Kim Kardashian recently gave us a first look at the shoe on her Instagram Stories, reported Hypebeast.

Reebok’s Classic Leather sneaker is the brand’s most instantly-recognizable silhouette; it debuted in 1983, and the unassuming white sneaker became the It shoe for every 80s neon ensemble. Margiela’s Tabi line is the brand’s take on the traditional Japanese tabi sock and boot, which dates back to the 15th century. Since 1988, the luxury fashion house has reinterpreted the split toe on almost every type of shoe imaginable, from their best-selling ankle boots with a cylindrical heel, to a strappy pump, and a conceptual topless design that is affixed to the foot with tape.

It will retail for $350, making it the most affordable Margiela-branded Tabi shoe that the brand has produced. Reebok’s Classic Leather sneaker, by contrast, costs $75 for a basic pair. If you want to cop this Frankenstein footwear, it will be available exclusively on maisonmargiela.com and reebok.com on January 30 — though, as every sneaker nerd knows, it is bound to sell out quickly. Enter your payment details into the sites early to increase your chances of catching this shoe.

Related: Would You Wear Givenchy’s “Three-Toed” Heels?