Zendaya Doubles Down on Controversial Shoe Trends With Velvet Tabi Flats

The actress ditched her trusty So Kates for a pair of playful split-toe shoes.

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Zendaya pictured in Tribeca on Wednesday July 1
(Image credit: Getty Images)

When I think of controversial footwear trends, split-toe shoes immediately come to mind. Designed with a structural divide that runs down the toe box, this style practically resembles a hoof. However, Zendaya has somehow managed to convince me that this quirky shoe belongs in my summer outfit rotation.

On Wednesday, July 1, while out in Tribeca, the actress traded her signature Christian Louboutin So Kates for a pair of burgundy Maison Margiela Tabis.

Zendaya wearing Maison Margiela Tabis, a white tank top, and jeans.

Zendaya steps out in a pair of burgundy Maison Margiela Tabis.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Upon closer inspection, I realized that her $1,250 ballet flats featured a sumptuous velvet construction—a daring fabric choice for a sweltering New York City heat wave. But in true Zendaya fashion, she kept the look undeniably cool.

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Z allowed her Tabis to take center stage by styling the rest of her look with simple staples. She wore a scoop-neck white tank top, a pair of cuffed baggy jeans, and a Louis Vuitton City Steamer Soft MM Bag adorned with a paisley satin scarf. The star completed the look with her shimmering Jessica McCormack wedding band and engagement ring, courtesy of her husband and Spider-Man co-star Tom Holland.

Zendaya wearing Maison Margiela Tabis, a white tank top, and jeans.

Another look at Zendaya's controversial shoe choice.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Zendaya is no stranger to playful footwear. Yesterday morning, she kicked off her press tour for The Odyssey in a set of Christian Louboutin gladiator sandals designed with buckled straps that reached her ankles. The actress channeled her inner Grecian goddess in a gauzy white Khaite Resort 2027 dress, featuring a plunging neckline, peplum detailing, and a cinched black rope belt.

Zendaya wearing a white Khaite dress and Christian Louboutin sandals

For The Odyssey press tour, the star embraced method dressing with a Khaite dress and Christian Louboutin gladiator sandals.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Back to her Tabis, though: I’m thinking of following in Z’s footsteps with a set of split-toe flats that I can wear all summer long. So, I’ve curated an edit of shoes for myself—and for anyone else looking to step outside the style box this season.

Shop Split-Toe Ballet Flats, Inspired by Zendaya

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Lauren Tappan
Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.