If you have been watching Anime or old Japanese movies, you might have noticed those odd socks that they have been wearing. It is the sock that looks like a cow’s hoof because it has a separation between the big toe and the other toe.

These extraordinary socks are called Tabi. They are traditionally worn together with other Japanese thonged footwear like the geta or zori. Over the years, the Tabi has evolved and its soles have been replaces with a tougher material like rubber so working men and women can wear them outdoors without the need for wearing footwear.

Modernization has hit the Tabi again and more and more designers are inspired with this footwear. There are now Tabi sneakers, boots and even, yes, high heels. Several Hollywood celebrities have been spotted strutting their hoof-like footwear.

If you don’t have a kimono to wear with your traditional Tabi socks, you can just wear modern Tabi shoes with your jeans and tank top!