tabi

thumb|Pair of |alt=A pair of white tabi. Tabi are traditional Japanese socks with split-toe construction. are traditional Japanese socks worn with thonged footwear such as zori, dating back to the 15th century.

==History== Japanese are usually understood today to be a kind of split-toed sock that is not meant to be worn alone outdoors, much like regular socks. However, were originally a kind of leather shoe made from an animal hide, as evidenced by historical usage and the earlier form of the word, , written , with the kanji literally signifying "single hide". As Japanese footwear evolved, also changed, with the split-toe design emerging towards the late Heian period (794–1185 CE) to allow the wearer to accommodate the thong of sandals. Outdoor versions of involved some kind of reinforcement, with soles traditionally made of cloth, leather, or straw.