Tabby is a split-toe sock that represents the RAL brand. It is a favorite among all the Circles staff, and it’s a great choice for both everyday use and outdoor activities.
Because they are so incredibly comfortable, they have become my favorite pair. I usually wear them with sneakers, but sometimes I pair them with trail running shoes. Most importantly, I’ve found they pair best with BEDROCK SANDALS .
I have actually been testing samples of this new version for a while now, and I still wear them frequently, often for hiking. Unlike the previous version, these have been designed with more room in the length and width of the toe area, so they don’t feel cramped, and the space between the big toe and second toe doesn’t get sore. I’ve also found that split-toe socks allow for a much better grip, making them suitable not just for hiking, but for a variety of activities.
They are so comfortable that I wear them constantly, and despite many washes, they haven't shrunk at all. Feel free to just toss them in the washing machine without any worry.
My own experience served as fuel for these improvements, and the new Tabby has finally been perfected. We’ve kept you waiting a long time, especially since the previous version was so well-received, but we are finally ready to introduce them to you.
[RAL]
Tabby
COLOR: Natural / Purple, Natural / Mustard, Natural / Olive, Border / Blue, Border / Grey, Border / Mustard
SIZE: S (23-24.5 cm), M (25-27 cm), L (27.5-29.5 cm), XL (30 cm-)
MATERIAL: Acrylic 38%, Wool 21%, Cotton 17%, Polyester 16%, Nylon 5%, Polyurethane 3%
Price: 2,400 JPY (excl. tax)
Fabric Evolution
While the previous model was popular for its 100% wool yarn, we took “better” as our motto. Based on feedback and repeated testing, we have developed an evolved version by blending shrink-proof wool with anti-pilling acrylic, and mixing in a cotton/acrylic blend yarn that features moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and anti-bacterial/odor-resistant (Lonfresh®) properties. This has dramatically improved the fabric's moisture absorption, quick-drying performance, and anti-odor capabilities. Of course, we have also knitted reinforcing yarn into the toes and heels, which are subject to the most stress, to improve durability.
Manufacturing Evolution
We also switched the knitting machines used for production, opting for a special machine—rare even within Japan—that allows for a larger knit than standard sock machines. Thanks to this, we were able to provide more room in the length of the toes, allowing them to fit deeply into the gap between the big toe and index toe, as well as more width to fully cover the toes. This eliminates any sense of restriction, resulting in a stress-free fit.
Most conventional Tabby-style and other split-toe socks are produced on standard knitting machines used for casual, sports, or outdoor socks. With those machines, even if you want to design the toe section—the colored part in this Tabby—to be longer or wider, there is a limit. If you look closely at the socks you own, you’ll likely see that not many of them have toe sections that fully cover the entire toe. To achieve the main benefits of split-toe socks—maintaining separation between the big and index toes for better grip, while managing moisture between the toes—using a different type of knitting machine was essential.
Additional Benefits of the Specification Change
These specification changes also mean that when wearing huarache-style sandals like BEDROCK SANDALS, the sandal strap is less likely to dig into the gap between your toes. This reduces the strain on the toes and naturally leads to improved durability.
The sole is knitted using a "tuck" method, ensuring a secure fit to the sole of the foot to support your grip on the ground, while the pile structure provides extra cushioning. This superior cushioning reduces the load on your feet during daily life, as well as during activities like running or trekking.
The sock design continues to be supervised by designer Motonobu Nakamura, a man of many faces—runner, hiker, and DJ—affectionately known as "The Director." The lineup consists of 6 models in total, featuring 2 styles and 3 colors each, much like a collection of great pop songs.
With so many choices, you might have trouble deciding, but they are the kind of socks you’ll want to buy in every color and wear every day! Please give them a try.
[RAL]
Tabby
Price: 2,400 JPY (excl. tax)
Border / Blue 
Border / Grey 
Border / Mustard
Natural / Mustard 
Natural / Olive 
Natural / Purple