There was once a time when tabi shoes stood for pure and utter freakdom, when a split toe was all it took to telegraph your edginess to the fashion world. Originally rooted in traditional Japanese footwear, the distinctive split-toe design was catapulted into contemporary high fashion decades ago, immediately signaling an avant-garde sensibility for anyone bold enough to wear them. Now, with their alternative status firmly a thing of the past and mainstream adoption softening their initial shock value, it takes a little bit more to truly pervert footwear and push the boundaries of modern styling. Fortunately, the fashion landscape has style icons continually willing to experiment, test the limits, and inject fresh energy into polarizing pieces.
Zendaya, an ardent tabi fan herself, is perpetually on a quest to funk up her ever-expanding footwear collection. The acclaimed actor, known just as much for her fearless red carpet choices and off-duty streetwear as her critically lauded on-screen performances, knows how to make a statement with the subtle addition of an unconventional accessory. Whether she is stepping out for casual errands or attending high-profile fashion events, her wardrobe choices consistently spark conversations across the global style community, turning everyday street style moments into masterclasses in contemporary dressing.
Following her appearance at the Louis Vuitton spring 2027 ready-to-wear show in Paris earlier this week—where she notably rewore one of her memorable press tour looks from The Odyssey—the actor opted to stick around the French capital to enjoy the city and take in the shifting seasonal atmosphere. Today, Z and her longtime assistant, Darnell Appling, were spotted stopping by the renowned French concept store Merci, located in the historic heart of Paris. It was during this casual daytime outing that the actor effortlessly zhuzed up a classic, understated look, demonstrating once again why she remains one of the most closely watched dressers in the modern entertainment and fashion industries.
Zendaya’s base layer for her afternoon excursion in Paris was as classic as they come, relying on foundational wardrobe staples that have stood the test of time: light-wash denim jeans and a crisp white shirt. But clearly ready to break out of her lighter seasonal attire and lean into the rich textures of her fall wardrobe, she added a striking black leather Prada duster coat sourced directly from the fashion house’s iconic fall 1999 collection. The Matrix-y coat, with its tough, glossy leather finish and futuristic architectural touches, possessed an intense, heavy aesthetic that demanded a footwear choice to match its formidable energy. Zendaya found precisely that in her choice of footwear, turning to a pair of shoes that instantly elevated the entire ensemble.
Rather than sticking to safer, more conventional options, Zendaya opted for her black leather Maison Margiela tabi wedge heels. While she is known to possess a diverse assortment of split-toe styles in her closet—ranging from classic split-toe flats and sleek ankle boots to tailored loafers—the wedge variation added a dramatic architectural element that harmonized seamlessly with the structured lines of her vintage Prada duster. The choice underscored a broader footwear narrative that had been building throughout the year. Summer 2026 proved to be a major renaissance for the humble wedge sandal, as designers and trendsetters alike breathed new life into the silhouette. Now, as the seasons transition and the weather cools, Zendaya is clearly hoping that the bold energy of the wedge will successfully follow her into the fall, bridging the gap between summer statement pieces and heavy-weather outerwear with characteristic ease and sartorial confidence.
