Surely I’m not the only fashion-lover to admit that split-toe shoes took some getting used to. But after spotting them on the street, on my housemate, my colleagues, and flooding my social media feeds, it began to click for me. The silhouette, inspired by traditional Japanese tabi shoes, which separate the big toe in a “Y” shape for balance and grip, started to feel intentional, thoughtful, and chic! In all honesty, though, it took me a couple of months to come around to their unique appeal and dive in myself. And just as I was finally intrigued, I learned the classic designer version retails for over £800 – AKA well out of my budget.
Obviously, those were an automatic no-go. Instead, I waited for the lookalikes to make their way into the market (all part of the trickle-down fashion process) – and right on cue, Steve Madden delivered. The Carin black leather ballet flats look very similar to the designer version, but are priced at a much more purse-friendly £120. Or, you can plump for the Cyra black leather pumps with a 3cm block kitten heel that look way more expensive than their £130 price tag.
Naturally, it was the duty of the Cosmopolitan Fashion Team to put them to the test. So below, find our honest review of the Steve Madden split-toe ballet flats and whether they measure up to the beloved originals.
Steve Madden Carin Black Leather Ballet Flats
Steve Madden Cyra Black Leather Pumps
Design and Aesthetic
The fact that Cosmo UK's Senior Fashion Editor (and proud designer Tabi shoe owner) was surprised by how similar they looked to the OGs was all the validation I needed. Aesthetically, they hit all the same notes: the signature split-toe everyone loves, a sleek silhouette, and a subtle lift at the heel to provide a bit more structure and arch support.
However, there are some key distinctions. Mainly, the Steve Maddens have a shinier look rather than a matte finish and lack the distinctive creasing and gathering in the leather. The knotted tie at the top of the shoe has also been replaced on the ballet flat style (but remains on the block heel design) with a bow for a younger, more feminine feel.
All in all, they look luxe, are easy to style, and feel way more high-end than you’d expect. Sometimes, more affordable shoes can feel a little meh because of lower-quality materials, but these are very much the opposite.
Fit and Comfort
Based on online reviews, the original Margiela Tabis have been reported to give minor blisters the first few times you wear them, but after that initial break-in period, you shouldn't have any issues. When I first put on the Steve Madden ballet flats, I fully braced myself for some temporary suffering – but surprisingly, there was none. They fit like a glove, are true to size, and never once rubbed against my skin, even after a full day of wear. The material is super lightweight and flexible, and it never felt tight or restrictive.
In comparison, the block heels do have an elasticated heel (a necessity to keep them on your feet, I presume), which felt very tight and did dig in around the back of my ankle. I do wonder if this would give over time with consistent wear and become more comfortable.
Also, it was my first time wearing a split-toe shoe, and I won’t lie, it felt a little strange at first having my big toe separated from the rest. Thankfully, that feeling faded quickly as the day went on, and it never caused any discomfort. Honestly, I could’ve worn them for another 12 hours without a problem!
Price and Value
Let’s not forget that buying the original Tabis basically means dropping the price of a brand-new laptop. And I don’t know about you, but in this economy, I’d rather have functioning technology than designer shoes. In comparison, Steve Madden’s version – priced at a reasonable £120 – doesn’t even come close. They are wildly comfortable and feel like they’ll last.
Final Verdict
If you’ve been eyeing the luxury pair but simply can’t justify the price tag, consider this our official endorsement to pivot to the Steve Madden designer-inspired style and fully commit. I promise you’ll be the only one who knows they’re not designer (and we all know that’s what matters). They deliver the same It Girl energy without costing a bajillion pounds. Plus, I can say firsthand: there was no painful adjustment phase here. Bottom line? These check every box, save your wallet, and still make you feel like a fashion queen!
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
