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.<\/p>\n
Glassons recently dropped its Faux Leather Tabi Flat for just $49.99, sparking a fierce debate online.<\/p>\n
The flats feature a controversial split-toe design, mimicking the luxury Maison Margiela Tabi flats, which retail for upwards of $1000.<\/p>\n
For many everyday shoppers, it is their first introduction to the unique silhouette, which has affectionately, and sometimes not-so-affectionately, been dubbed the \u2018camel toe\u2019 or \u2018hoof\u2019 shoe.<\/p>\n
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Fashion content creator Emma Butler recently went viral on TikTok <\/a>after sharing a look at the budget shoes, and told news.com.au that the reaction has been a total mixed bag.<\/p>\n \u201cThe response has been completely divided,\u201d Ms Butler said. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been really interesting because there doesn\u2019t seem to be much middle ground.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2018The most polarising item\u2019<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI honestly think the hype comes from how divisive they are,\u201d she revealed. <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re probably the most polarising fashion item I can think of.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople either absolutely love them and see them as an iconic fashion piece, or they genuinely can\u2019t stand them. <\/p>\n \u201cThat kind of strong reaction naturally gets people talking.\u201d<\/p>\n Ms Butler explained that the internet\u2019s reaction generally falls into three distinct camps.<\/p>\n People who love the affordability of Glassons\u2019 new item, people who \u201cpassionately hate\u201d the slit toe design, and others who \u201cresent\u201d the idea that they have now become a trend when they have been around for many years. <\/p>\n \u201cTabi shoes have to be a social experiment, \u2018cos they\u2019re so ugly lol,\u201d one angry user wrote. <\/p>\n \u201cTabis have been around for years. They aren\u2019t a micro trend,\u201d another defended the shoes. <\/p>\n \u201cI live in my Tabis; I\u2019m about to swap most of my shoes for Tabis as they are so comfy,\u201d a third commented in support of the shoes. <\/p>\n Can you wear them to the office?<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n \u201c100 per cent [they can be dressed up for work]. I\u2019ve seen so many people style them for any occasion, including work. They\u2019re way more versatile than people think,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can also get them in a heeled version, which gives a more elevated look. I definitely don\u2019t think they\u2019re just a casual shoe; it all comes down to how you style them.\u201d<\/p>\n However, she added a hilarious warning: \u201cThat being said, they\u2019re sure to draw some playful criticism from co-workers!\u201d<\/p>\n The expensive catch<\/p>\n<\/p>\n