Reimagining Waste: Our Zero-Waste Tabi Collaboration with IRO IRO Zero Waste

In our journey toward sustainable fashion, we sought a footwear design that was not only eco-friendly but also addressed real comfort issues. That’s when we landed on Tabi shoes—a design deeply rooted in Japanese culture—while working with IRO IRO Zero Waste, a brand dedicated to repurposing textile waste. Together, we created a shoe made entirely from waste materials, including discarded tyres and textile scraps, offering both style and functionality.

Rediscovering the Tabi: A Unique Approach in India

While Maison Margiela helped bring the Tabi silhouette into global fashion decades ago, we independently explored this design in India over four years ago, unaware of its growing international influence. At the time, the split-toe shoe was still a rare sight in Indian fashion, and we saw an opportunity to merge Japanese aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality into a locally relevant product.

Fast forward to today, and Tabi shoes have become an avant-garde statement in luxury fashion, embraced by designers worldwide. While we weren’t the first to introduce the concept globally, we take pride in having developed a zero-waste version, using repurposed materials to create a shoe that not only looks unique but also prioritizes foot health and environmental impact.

Why Tabi? A Shoe with Purpose and Heritage

Tabi shoes have a centuries-old history in Japan, originally worn by samurais, workers, and performers for their unique split-toe design. The separated big toe enhances balance, stability, and natural movement, making it a practical choice for those constantly on their feet. Over time, the tabi evolved, influencing modern footwear, including contemporary fashion-forward iterations seen today.

We didn’t just pick the tabi for its aesthetic—it also serves a functional purpose. Many people suffer from bunions, a foot condition exacerbated by narrow, restrictive shoes. The tabi’s split-toe design naturally reduces pressure on the big toe, providing better comfort and support.

Sustainability at Its Core: A Zero-Waste Innovation

Our commitment to sustainability drove the material choices behind this project. Every pair is crafted using:

Upcycled tyres for durable, long-lasting soles.

Textile waste repurposed into the upper, reducing landfill waste.

Handcrafted techniques, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

This collaboration with IRO IRO Zero Waste was not just about making a shoe—it was about rethinking waste and turning discarded materials into something meaningful, functional, and culturally rich.

Merging Japanese Aesthetics with Conscious Fashion

IRO IRO Zero Waste’s Japanese-inspired design ethos aligned seamlessly with the tabi concept. We delved into Japanese craftsmanship, culture, and sustainability principles to ensure our interpretation remained true to its origins while bringing in modern functionality.

With the rise of avant-garde fashion, the Tabi shoe is now experiencing mainstream acceptance, but we take pride in knowing we approached it from a fresh, sustainable perspective. Our work has been about more than just fashion—it’s been about rethinking how we use waste and how tradition and innovation can intersect.

By choosing tabi as the foundation for our collaboration, we didn’t just create another pair of shoes—we redefined what waste can become, proving that sustainability and innovation can walk hand in hand.

Would you wear zero-waste tabi shoes? Let us know your thoughts!