# Japan-Inspired Split-Toe Shoes maharishi Creates Its Own Version of the Tabi Boot By Amy Duong | Published 2018-05-01 | Updated 2018-05-04 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tabi-boot References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2018/5/maharishi-maha-tabi-boot-release-date) & [tm.org](https://www.tm.org/) London-based fashion label maharishi unveils its own version of the iconic Tabi boot. The shoe silhouette boasts a [split-toe design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nikeskims-air-rift-satin-pack) and is based on the traditional Japanese 'jika-tabi,' hence the name of the model. The jika-tabi was made famous by [Maison Margiela](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iconic-tabi-footwear) and the latest iteration by the label taps back to the boot's utilitarian heritage. There is a deeper focus on the Tabi boot being functional for construction workers, gardeners, soldiers, and farmers. The Tabi split toe boot is available in either a black or white colorway and has an upper constructed from canvas. It also has a classic gum sole as its foundation and adjustable heel fasteners with the Japanese "MILTYPE" design. The shoes will be launching exclusively at maharishi's London retail location and online beginning May 4 and will also come with a dust bag and Jason Markk travel cleaning pack. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Traditional Japanese Footwear:** The rise of traditional Japanese footwear designs, like the Tabi boot, presents an opportunity for fashion brands to incorporate cultural influences into their products. - **Functional Workwear Fashion:** There is a trend towards merging fashion with functionality, as seen in the Tabi boot's focus on utility for construction workers, gardeners, soldiers, and farmers. - **Canvas Footwear:** Canvas is gaining popularity as a material choice for footwear, offering durability and a casual aesthetic that appeals to a wide range of consumers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion and Apparel:** Fashion brands can tap into the trend of traditional Japanese footwear by incorporating similar designs into their collections and offering consumers a blend of style and cultural influence. - **Workwear and Safety Gear:** The functional focus of the Tabi boot for construction workers, gardeners, soldiers, and farmers creates opportunities for innovation in the workwear and safety gear industry. - **Textile and Materials:** The growing demand for canvas footwear presents opportunities for textile and materials companies to develop new materials and technologies to enhance the durability and performance of canvas shoes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Iconic Footwear Tribute Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iconic-tabi-footwear.md) - [Metaverse Footwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maison-margiela-2.md) - [Athletic Tabi-Style Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fire-red-2.md) - [Limited Reflective Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tabi-broken-mirror.md) - [Military Grade-Inspired Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mogami-terra.md) - [Digital-First Luxury Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mmerch-1.md) - [Split-Toe Barefoot Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome-tabi-gen-01-sandal.md) - [Fuzzy Dynamic Collaborative Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/five-finger-shoe.md) - [Paint-Adorned Rugged Fashion Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1460-8eyelet-boot.md)