An affordable Aussie fashion retailer has sent internet shoppers into an absolute spin after releasing a budget-friendly flat, similar to one of the most divisive, high-end designer shoes on the planet.
Glassons recently dropped its Faux Leather Tabi Flat for just $49.99, sparking a fierce debate online.
The flats feature a controversial split-toe design, mimicking the luxury Maison Margiela Tabi flats, which retail for upwards of $1000.
For many everyday shoppers, it is their first introduction to the unique silhouette, which has affectionately, and sometimes not-so-affectionately, been dubbed the ‘camel toe’ or ‘hoof’ shoe.
Fashion content creator Emma Butler recently went viral on TikTok after sharing a look at the budget shoes, and told news.com.au that the reaction has been a total mixed bag.
“The response has been completely divided,” Ms Butler said.
“It’s been really interesting because there doesn’t seem to be much middle ground.”
‘The most polarising item’
According to Ms Butler, the comments section on her video quickly turned into a battleground between those desperate to get their hands on a pair, and those completely horrified by the design.
“I honestly think the hype comes from how divisive they are,” she revealed.
“They’re probably the most polarising fashion item I can think of.
“People either absolutely love them and see them as an iconic fashion piece, or they genuinely can’t stand them.
“That kind of strong reaction naturally gets people talking.”
Ms Butler explained that the internet’s reaction generally falls into three distinct camps.
People who love the affordability of Glassons’ new item, people who “passionately hate” the slit toe design, and others who “resent” the idea that they have now become a trend when they have been around for many years.
“Tabi shoes have to be a social experiment, ‘cos they’re so ugly lol,” one angry user wrote.
“Tabis have been around for years. They aren’t a micro trend,” another defended the shoes.
“I live in my Tabis; I’m about to swap most of my shoes for Tabis as they are so comfy,” a third commented in support of the shoes.
Can you wear them to the office?
While critics might think the split-toe look is strictly for eccentric weekend outfits, Ms Butler insists they can actually make it into your Monday-to-Friday corporate rotation.
“100 per cent [they can be dressed up for work]. I’ve seen so many people style them for any occasion, including work. They’re way more versatile than people think,” she explained.
“You can also get them in a heeled version, which gives a more elevated look. I definitely don’t think they’re just a casual shoe; it all comes down to how you style them.”
However, she added a hilarious warning: “That being said, they’re sure to draw some playful criticism from co-workers!”
The expensive catch
Maison Margiela Tabi shoes generally range from $750 to $1490 depending on the style and silhouette.
The iconic classic Tabi ankle boots retail between $1300 and $1490, while Tabi ballet flats and loafers typically cost between $1000 and $1300 at full price.
While the Glassons version offers the high-fashion look for a fraction of the cost, Ms Butler warns that you get what you pay for when it comes to longevity.
“They look very similar at first glance, but the biggest difference is the quality,” she shared.
“The original Margiela Tabis are made from 100 per cent leather; the Glassons pair are completely synthetic.
“I think that’s where you’ll really notice that over time, they’ll lose their shape and start showing wear much sooner.
“The original Tabis are an investment piece that people keep sometimes their entire lives.”
Are they here to stay?
While the split-toe look might feel like a bizarre new TikTok craze to some, the design actually has a rich history.
The original Maison Margiela Tabi debuted all the way back in 1988, inspired by traditional 15th-century Japanese split-toe socks.
“So while they might feel like a new trend, they’ve actually been an iconic piece for decades,” Ms Butler explained.
“I think social media has just introduced them to a much wider audience recently.”
As for whether we’ll still be seeing the Glassons dupes everywhere in six months, Ms Butler thinks the mainstream obsession will be short-lived, even if the original shoe remains a timeless classic.
“There are plenty of pieces that dip in and out of the mainstream every few years, like Converse, Doc Martens, polka dots, or pinstripes … I think the Margiela Tabis fall into that same category. They’ll always be respected and loved by people who are genuinely interested in fashion,” she said.
“That said, I do think the current mainstream hype around them will fade pretty quickly.
“Once social media moves on to the next big trend, I think they’ll go back to being more of a fashion insider piece rather than something everyone is wearing.”
News.com.au has reached out to Glassons for comment.