The Japanese “Tabi” style split-toe shoes have influenced fashion designers throughout the years, notably the Tabi Boots designed by Belgian fashion designer Martin Margiela. Since its debut at Margiela’s Spring/Summer 1989 collection, the shoes have remained a wardrobe staple for women. Recently Japanese clothing label UNITED ARROWS & SONS partnered with Italian design studio SearchNDesign for a pair of collaborative sneakers called “Bifida”, inspired once again by the traditional Tabi design, just like the Margiela’s, but this time is for men.

The idea came from Poggy, the creative director of UNITED ARROWS AND SONS, who traveled to Florence and met with the SearchNDesign team. The design combines the classic tennis shoe silhouette with a split-toe front, resulting in a fashion crossover between Japanese traditional fashion culture and Italian craftsmanship. The all-white leather shoe also features a contrasting heel tab, boasting black and white leather for a luxurious look.