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The Japanese Tabi socks are an interesting oddity. Their main distinguishing feature, a separation between the big toe and other toes, has become an elemental feature of the Japanese kimono, though before the Edo period they were only available to nobles. Later during the 17th century the Tabi socks became widely available to the general populace, but they never became popular footwear outside of Japan to any large degree.

Now my question is how can tabi socks spread beyond Japan?

Since they were worn with thonged footwear in Japan I would assume that their use could spread to societies where sandals were more common footwear than boots and shoes. Interestingly enough, the Egyptians seem to have used an ancient precursor.
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