Tabi culture

Notes on Japan

Everything at Kohaze starts with one shape: the tabi. Here is a little of its story, and of the Japanese words behind our pairs.

What is a tabi?

A tabi is a Japanese sock with a split toe: the big toe in its own section, the other four together. It was made to be worn with sandals such as zori and geta, whose strap passes between those two toes. You still see white tabi today with kimono, at tea ceremonies, weddings and on the stage.

The kohaze, the clasp that holds it all

A traditional tabi closes at the back of the ankle with a row of small flat metal clasps, the kohaze. Hooked into thread loops, they keep the tabi snug around the foot. It is a tiny detail that few people notice, and it is the one that gave our shop its name.

From sock to shoe

In the 1920s, a rubber sole was stitched under the tabi and the jika-tabi was born: a light, flexible shoe that let builders, farmers and festival runners feel the ground under their feet. Since then, the split toe has travelled far beyond Japan and become a quiet signature of modern style.

Why the split toe feels good

With the big toe on its own, the foot spreads naturally and each step feels steady and grounded.

Hoshi Tabi Flat in Black, seen from the side

How to wear tabi socks

Split-toe shoes are most comfortable with split-toe socks: the seam sits right where the shoe divides, so nothing rubs. Low-cut tabi socks disappear inside ballet flats; mid-calf and polka dot ones peek out with cropped trousers and skirts. Have a look at our tabi socks.