Maison Margiela, best recognized for its deconstructed designs and signature split-toe Tabi, has linked up with various brands over the years to dream up unique takes on some classic silhouettes. The Paris-based fashion label with John Galliano at the helm has hand-painted Converse models and cut away portions of the upper of one of Reebok‘s most timeless styles.
Ahead, FN takes a closer look at some of the most notable Maison Margiela shoe collaborations to date.
Maison Margiela x Converse, 2014
The Parisian fashion house’s 2014 collaboration with Converse applied its signature “Bianchetto” technique to the Chuck Taylor All-Star and Jack Purcell. The white paint treatment is designed to chip off over time and eventually reveal four different bright blue and red colorways. Each shoe was finished with a premium leather lining and subtle Margiela branding.
Maison Margiela x Reebok Instapump Fury Tabi Boot, 2020
In January 2020, Margiela showcased a striking silhouette in collaboration with Reebok on its runway. The shoe merged components of the athletic brand’s iconic Instapump model with Margiela’s split toe and set it on a massive block heel.
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Maison Margiela x Reebok Classic Leather, 2021
The 2021 Classic Leather Tabi was crafted in black nappa leather with a hand-painted white coating designed to chip away and fragment with wear.
Maison Margiela x Reebok Classic Leather Tabi Décortiqué Low, 2022
The second reinterpretation of Reebok’s Classic Leather applied Margiela’s décortiqué technique. The shoe was again designed with a split toe but incorporated cut-out details throughout to create a cage-like design.
Maison Margiela x Reebok Instapump Fury, 2022
After debuting an Instapump Fury Tabi Boot two years prior, Reebok and Maison Margiela joined forces again to rework a brand new iteration new iteration. The 2022 edition combined Reebok’s trademark iconic Pump Technology with Margiela’s staple toe design.
Maison Margiela x Reebok TZ Pump Deadstock, 2022
Yet another 2022 release saw Reebok and Margiela intentionally age the beloved high-top Reebok silhouette made popular in the ’90s by basketball legend Dominique Wilkins. The appearance of the cracked midsole was achieved by hand painting. The squishy, bright orange basketball emblem stamped with “The Pump” on the sneaker’s tongue ties things together.
MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon Cross Low, 2022
Debuting on the runway for fall 2022, the eye-catching shoe boasts outdoor-ready construction with weatherproof drawstring uppers featuring bold pops of color and chunky tread outsoles offering a subtle lift at the heel. The unique silhouette was also offered in mid and high versions as well as different color schemes.
MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon ACS Pro, 2023
MM6 Maison Margiela linked with Salomon for a third time to collaborate on the ACS Pro trail running shoe for fall 2023. Designed in monochromatic colorways of blue, white, or black, the functional runner is complete with a glossy trim and the “Margiela 6” logo subtly stamped throughout.
MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon XT-4, 2023
MM6 redesigned Salomon’s popular XT-4 sneakers with a mule backing and added its logo to the tongue and toe region. The sporty slip-on shoe came in three interesting color palettes.
Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin, 2024
Premiering at Paris Fashion Week last month, the two high-end brands debuted six different tabi shoes — all of them fusing Loboutin’s signature red sole with Margiela’s split-toe silhouette.
