Split-toe footwear often divides opinions, as well as toes. There’s something about such separation that provokes a visceral reaction in some. That, however, is part of the reason that split-toe footwear has always been a dark horse in the world of fashion.
From ancient Japanese design to modern iterations, the split toe has found its way to many forms of footwear, whether on sandals, flip-flops, cult Nike sandal/trainer hybrids or, perhaps most famously, Maison Margiela’s Tabi Boot.
We’ve always got time for an outsider, which is why we’re paying some attention to the world of split-toe footwear. This sometimes weird but always wonderful trend is sure to garner some eyeballs while bringing a characterful update to your wardrobe. From Suicoke sandals to Margiela’s iconic Tabi, we’ve covered all sides of the split-toe spectrum.
Suicoke’s famous sandals get the split-toe treatment, with reference to traditional Japanese footwear that inspired much of Suicoke’s design catalog. This calf-hair sandal is somehow both understated and super bold.
This cool grey version of Suicoke’s split-toe sandals features a polyamide upper that offers comfort and durability. A rubber Vibram sole unit cements this as one of the season’s comfiest options.
For those unsure about physically splitting the toes, this Maharishi collaboration is an easy way to enter the split-toe club. A split-toe sole works in tandem with padded velcro fastenings for secure off-duty style.
Suicoke’s BITA-V is one of our favorite split-toe silhouettes as it’s caught in-between home style and out-there public pieces. Thanks to a sweet beige color palette, this iteration presents lots of styling opportunities
The Nike Air Rift still stands as one of the company’s most recognizable — and divisive — designs. Love it or hate it, this split-toe sandal/sneaker hybrid definitely makes a splash.
This 2015 edition of the Nike Air Rift is resplendent in a colorway that we wish we saw more often. Black uppers play backdrop to a forest, atom red, and white color palette that grabs the attention even more than the split-toe construction.
If you’re going to go loud, go really loud. The Nike Air Rift was never made to go unnoticed, so go all the way with this summer-infused colorway that masterfully combines concord blue and gold.
One of the most recent evolutions in the Nike Air Rift saga is the Aqua Rift. This update sees a chunky change to the sole unit as well as an eye-catching pattern to the padded uppers.
Few shoes come as packed with summer fun and confidence as the Aqua Rift Gel Tie Dye. There’s no way that this style is not the centerpiece of your look.
Characterized by its hot pink and orange panels, this Aqua Rift combines pastel and electric color to perfection.
A calm pastel pink aesthetic transforms this attention-grabbing silhouette into something altogether new. Yes, it will attract eyes, but only with its quiet confidence.
When it comes to split toes, Maison Margiela is definitely the first name that springs to mind and why wouldn’t it be when it’s putting out split-toe styles like these canvas sneakers?
The split-toe high-top is certainly a niche category, but one that we’d like to see more of. This tie-dye version of Margiela’s split-toe sneaker is ideal for the summer months.
It’s all business from the side, but it’s all fashion from above. Take your loafer game to new heights with the help of Margiela.
One of Margiela’s seminal pieces, the Tabi Ankle Boot will go down in the history of fashion. Smooth leather uppers sit atop an iconic round heel and are completed by — you know it already — a split toe.
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