Launching worldwide at the end of January, the collaboration includes a design exclusive to the UAE

On January 30, Reebok will be holding a very special raffle on its Mena Instagram page.

On offer will be the chance to purchase the new and exclusive Maison Margiela x Reebok Classic leather Tabi sneaker.

The collaboration between the two companies will see the merging of two famous designs, the Reebok Classic – first launched in 1983 – and the Maison Margiela Tabi Boot, which debuted in 1988.

The hotly anticipated launch is the culmination of months of development, which has seen Reebok completely re-engineer its sneaker to allow for the famous Maison Margiela split toe.

The shoe has been engineered using Nappa leather and an Eva sole, and UAE customers will have exclusive access to the Bianchetto finish, which uses a closely guarded hand-painted technique. The designs have been purposely made so that paint flakes off with wear, a finish long-favoured by Margiela for the unique character it gives each shoe.

Originally from Japan, the split-toe design dates from the15th century and comprises a fabric sock that buttons tightly around the ankle. Called tabi, it is worn either alone or with thong shoes, while a harder-wearing version with a thin sole is called a jika-tabi. Worn with kimono, tabi is a cherished part of Japanese cultural identity.

Designer Margiela was so struck by the unique shape and design, he turned it into a leather ankle boot, which he dubbed the Tabi Boot. Launched in Europe in 1988, it became a signature of the house.

Today, the house is headed by John Galliano, who has expanded the Tabi Boot range, including this first collaboration with Reebok to create the sneaker version.

thenationalnews