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E! Illustration/ Steve Madden
Split-toe shoes may have once felt like a fashion risk, but the silhouette has officially crossed into cult-favorite territory.
Inspired by traditional Japanese tabi footwear—designed with a distinct “Y”-shaped toe split for balance and grip—the look has become a street-style staple and social media mainstay. While the original designer version retails for nearly $900, a far more attainable option has entered the chat: the Steve Madden Calico Black Leather ballet flats, priced at $119.95.
Visually, the resemblance is striking. The sculptural split toe, delicate knotted tie, sleek profile, and subtle half-inch heel all echo the high-fashion aesthetic. The primary difference? A slightly more textured finish compared to the smoother designer original. Still, the overall effect feels polished and elevated.
Comfort is where this pair truly stands out. Unlike many structured flats that require a break-in period, these are lightweight, flexible, and surprisingly glove-like from the first wear.
True to size and easy to style, they deliver on both trend and practicality. Proving that designer-inspired split-toe ballet flats don’t need a luxury price tag to feel like an investment.
Top Rated
Steve Madden Calico Flats
The split-toe ballet trend just became far more attainable with this sleek, designer-inspired pair. Even better, you can choose from three chic colorways to match your mood.
Here's What Shoppers Say About Steve Madden's Calico Black Leather Flats:
"I love these. They fit great and are true to size. The design is unique and they feel high-quality. The leather is soft and feels like it will stretch. They’re comfortable. There isn’t any support but they are flats so it isn’t necessary," said one reviewer.
Another customer added, "Do not listen to recommendations telling you to size down. I am a TRUE 6...I sized down, and the fit was painful. My toes were scrunched in the front, and the back of the shoe was killing my heel. I ordered my true size and I’m confident those will fit perfectly. The shoes were soft, movable, and...I’d highly recommend. They’re cute!"
One shopper commented: "Love! I have the suede, and they’re so cute and comfortable. True to size. I usually don’t buy flats because they tend to be narrow but these are perfect. Love them so much that the black and tan are on the way!
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The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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