Mary Jane shoes are everything we could ask for in a pair of everyday shoes. The elegant older sisters to our beloved ballet flats, they’re similarly versatile enough to dress up or just slip on before heading out the door and available in just as many different styles, silhouettes, materials and even heel heights. So what makes them different from your everyday pair of flats, and why are we completely convinced they’re the next pair of women’s shoes you need to add to your closet?
“Mary Janes feel a bit more structured and polished compared to ballet flats,” stylist Coco Schiffer said. Their signature detail — a strap across the foot — gives them a slightly more intentional, playful and polished look that complements the minimalist, slightly more delicate feeling of traditional ballet flats. “That tiny detail transforms them from ‘basic flat’ into something more styled and considered,” added stylist Ellie Richards.
“Both are feminine, but Mary Janes have a touch more presence and vintage charm,” stylist Julie Kraus said. Traditionally categorized as shoes for young girls, the shoes are perfect for adding “some whimsy to a more traditional outfit,” according to stylist Abby Arad. And like hardware on horsebit loafers or laces on boat shoes, the signature detail of the Mary Jane strap adds that extra bit of style to an everyday shoe.
A longtime editor favorite, these are as classic as Mary Janes get. The soft leather and padded footbeds go a long way in terms of all-day comfort, and the strap, though not adjustable, is elastic for an added bit of stretch and to accommodate those with wider feet.
Rothy’s is well-loved for its super comfortable shoes, and these are no exception. Stylist Kathryn Hamed is a self-proclaimed fan of this pair’s T-strap style, which she describes as “something different than everything else on the market right now.”
With stylish metal-buckle straps and chic yet practical scrunched openings — which will give your feet a bit of room for swelling throughout the day — these faux-leather flats look way more expensive than their price tag would suggest.
Ballet sneakers were a breakout trend this year, combining the femininity of ballet flats with the sportiness and comfort of your favorite sneakers. With their low profile, multi-strap design and under-$100 price point, Puma’s Speedcats are among the most popular takes on the trend.
Arad loves these Mary Janes for their timelessness, buttery-soft leather and cloud-like comfort that you can walk around all day in. “The metal detailing on the strap makes these feel current, while adding a little bit of edge for a twist on a classic shoe,” Kraus said.
If you love the elegance and polish of Mary Janes, patent leather is a lovely material for leaning into a more elevated look. Schiffer recommends this style from Sam Edelman, which is available in tons of stunning shades and materials.
Described by Arad as “the ‘it girl’s’ Mary Jane of choice,” these velvet shoes feature the brand’s signature colorful piping and dainty buckle closure. Made from a completely cotton velvet exterior and organic cotton interior, they’re both breathable and lightweight. “They come in so many different styles and colors and look great styled with socks,” Arad said.
“I love how soft and padded these are,” Arad said. “They’re similar to a style from The Row from a few years ago and are overall just a great, timeless slipper-style take on the Mary Jane.”
Dolce Vita was a top-recommended brand among our stylists. “This perforated style not only adds texture to your outfit,” Kraus said, “but the soft suede material makes the comfort level a 10 out of 10.” If you’re looking to make a statement, Schiffer recommends the cow print calf hair version of Dolce Vita’s Reyes flats.
Fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw said that she’s seen a rise in sporty Mary Janes, like this pair from Ryka that she’s been wearing all over New York City. Made specifically to suit the shape, build and muscle movement of women’s feet, these walking shoes are ultra-comfy thanks to anatomical insoles, shock-absorbing cushioning and durable rubber outsoles.
My personal pair of everyday Mary Janes, these have taken me far and wide across New York City (and even the world), carrying me through just about every season, from sweaty summers to rain and even sleet. The padded insoles make these just about as comfortable as a pair of sneakers, and they’re a source of endless compliments.
Hamed loves the color options and buckle detailing on this stunning pair of Mary Janes. “I also want to call out the V-shaped detailing on the foot opening on these,” she said. “It’s super flattering and helps elongate your foot.” Meanwhile, the flexible knit material is a lifesaver when it comes to swelling, and the heel-to-toe cushioning is designed so that you can be on your feet all day without any issues.
Vionic is a popular option for shoes that prioritize comfort, these sporty Mary Janes included. Associate editor Rachel Dennis considers them among the best shoes for arch support and loves their walkability. She called out their superior cushioning, contoured arches and supportive heel cups as key features for keeping her feet happy.
These Dr. Scholl’s shoes will have you wondering why all flats don’t have foam insoles. Providing cushion and comfort with every step, they’re also made with anti-odor and anti-microbial technology. They come in regular and wide widths, which is an important consideration since they are made of synthetic materials and won’t stretch out as much as genuine leather.
We just can’t get enough of Rothy’s, and neither can our experts. Arad said it’s her go-to brand when shopping for Mary Janes. “These are so versatile, comfortable and, of course, machine-washable,” Arad said.
“I love that these come in burgundy,” explains Arad — what we’ve all been calling the “it color” of the season. “That plus the bow detail at the top of the shoe is such a nice touch.”
Hamed also loves this subtle square-toe style from Margaux. The brand’s flats are well-loved for their incredibly soft and flexible leather, with this one featuring a glove-like silhouette that hugs your foot. Shaw vouches for their comfort too, and noted that her pair have become one of her favorite travel shoes since they don’t take up space in luggage and provide all-day comfort.
Stylist Isabelle Lange recommends styling these satin pointe-inspired shoes — which are surprisingly designed for everyday and not studio wear — with scrunched white socks or sheer white tights for a fully ballet-inspired look. If you love the look of satin, but not the price tag, these nude flats from Charles & Keith are a great alternative for under $80.
Kraus recommends these chic double-strap Mary Janes, which show a popular variation on the style’s signature single strap. “The leather creates an elevated feel, while the pop of color is a lot of fun,” she said. “And this red is right on trend.”
Comfort-forward Clarks is another brand we often turn to for shoes that we can last in all day long. These Mary Jane pumps have a classic and professional look with 1.75-inch heels and Ultimate Comfort footbeds.
“Dr. Martens is known for its super-durable and long-lasting shoes, and these leather Mary Janes are no exception,” Lange said. She’s a fan of the platform for extra height and their secure strap for all-day security and support. “They’re a staple fall shoe and look super chic paired with denim.”
The color, the buckles, the silhouette — what’s not to love? “These feel fun and different with a small block heel that gives you a lift without sacrificing comfort,” Kraus said.
Lange described these as perfect for when you want to look chic while lounging or running errands. “The biggest complaint I hear about Ugg slippers and moccasins is that they’re super slippery and people have a hard time keeping their feet in them,” she said. “With these, you get the comfort of a slipper with the added security of the strap.”
A modern and dressy take on Mary Janes, these feature chic block heels that are under an inch tall alongside adjustable straps and sleek square toes. They’re perfect for pairing with wide-leg trousers or skirts, since you can be sure the strap will still show.
Our experts agree that comfort comes first. Especially when it comes to Mary Janes and ballet flats, both traditionally very flat shoes. Schiffer and Lange both said that cushioned soles make all the difference, especially if you’re wearing your shoes all day long.
“The strap is the signature detail,” Arad said, “so make sure it sits comfortably across your foot.” Both she and Hamed recommend a placement that’s not too high or too low on the shoes, since improperly placed straps “can cause blistering, chafing or rubbing,” Hamed said. If you’re concerned about strap comfort, Arad recommends looking for Mary Jane shoes with elastic on the sides of the straps, which can lend a bit more flexibility to the fit around your feet.
Materials and fabrics that make sense for you
The material of your Mary Janes has both practical and aesthetic implications. When it comes to an all-around classic option, Hamed said you can’t go wrong with a soft leather material. This will typically be the most comfortable, as well as classic and elevated-looking. Patent leather will feel more feminine and is “perfect for dressier occasions,” she said, though it can be harder to break in due to the stiffness of the material. Satin is another chic option, though it can be a challenge to keep clean.
Both suede and velvet add a soft yet luxe touch to your shoes, and are especially popular during the colder months and around the holidays, while canvas or similar fabric materials will feel more casual and breathable. “They’re great for warmer weather and usually quite easy to break in,” Hamed said.
When it comes to Mary Jane shoes, an almond or round toe is the classic option, Schiffer said. Square- and pointed-toe styles are also becoming more popular, which can lend more of a modern and masculine edge to the traditionally very feminine shoes, Richards said. If you’re stuck on what style is best for you, Lange recommends considering the kind of pants or bottoms you typically wear. “For an oversized and baggier pant, I usually prefer a square-toed or pointed shape rather than round,” she said. This can help to balance out the bulkiness of your outfit and overall shape.
“When shopping for Mary Janes, decide if you want flat or block heels,” Kraus said. While the former is perfect for everyday wear and comfort, a heel can instantly elevate your outfit into something dressier, Richards said. “There are a bunch of different heel heights Mary Janes come in that can change the vibe of your whole look,” Lange said.
Versatility across occasions and seasons
As always, you’ll want to consider the rest of your wardrobe when shopping for a new pair of shoes, especially when it comes to a style as versatile as Mary Janes. Neutral colors and timeless, durable materials like leather are a great place to start, since they’ll work for a variety of more casual and formal outfits. “Make sure you can picture yourself in them day and night,” Hamed said. If you’re looking to have a bit of fun, metallics or patterns like leopard and cow are a fun way to try out trends in a way that’s easy to incorporate into an otherwise simple outfit.
The following FAQs have been answered by stylists Abby Arad, Kathryn Hamed, Julie Kraus, Isabelle Lange, Ellie Richards and Coco Schiffer.
One of the main reasons Mary Jane shoes are so popular is their styling versatility. “They add a little whimsy and fun to an outfit,” Arad said. “One of my favorite ways to pair them is with a traditional suit pant.” Both she, Richards and Hamed love the contrast of menswear staples — like tailored suits or loose denim — styled alongside these very feminine shoes.
You can also lean into the femininity of the style. “My favorite way to style Mary Janes is with a pleated miniskirt and a button-down,” Kraus said. “There’s something that feels trendy without being over the top.” Both Lange and Schiffer also recommend pairing Mary Janes with skirts or minidresses. “They look great with sheer tights,” said Lange, “which makes for a look that’s super polished and shows off the whole shoe.”
They’re also timeless shoes for pairing with wide-leg pants or tailored trousers, especially during the fall and winter months. Schiffer recommends adding on a cozy knit for “that perfect balance of classic and playful.”
“Whether or not you can wash Mary Janes depends on the material,” Kraus said. “If they’re leather, they can be cleaned with a damp cloth. With suede, treating with a protector spray before you wear them can prevent staining.” Generally speaking, spot-cleaning and hand-washing footwear when needed is the best way to “minimize risk of damage and allow you more control,” Hamed said.
If you’re concerned about daily wear, Mary Janes that are specifically designed to be machine-washable are a great option. “My absolute favorite washable Mary Janes are by Rothy’s,” Arad said. To clean them, she recommends using a shoe laundry bag, which is inexpensive and easy to find. “Just pop the shoes inside, toss them in the machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and then let them air dry,” she said.
As with all shoes, sizing when it comes to Mary Jane shoes will depend on a few key factors, namely the brand of the shoes, their material and whether you choose to wear them with or without socks. Generally speaking, our experts recommend opting for your typical size. “Always, always, always look for reviews online when buying footwear from a new brand, because you never know if they run true to size,” Hamed said.
If you’re in between sizes, our experts recommend sizing up. “Your toe and heel might have a bit more room than in ballet flats, but the strap will keep them secure,” Lange said. Especially for styles that run narrow or that have a rigid material like patent leather, “going up half a size can make for a more comfortable fit without losing that neat, structured look,” Richards said.
For this article, we consulted the following stylists to gain their professional insights on shopping for Mary Jane shoes.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, contributing writer Noelle Ike tapped professional stylists to create a list of expert-approved Mary Jane shoes.
