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Last Updated on June 17, 2022
Chances are that when someone speaks of Mary Jane shoes, a flat, round-toed shoe, made of shiny black leather, with one strap and a metal buckle is what comes to mind. However, there’s much more to Mary Janes than that. Despite being traditionally viewed as a shoe for girls, it has evolved over the years to become one of the most popular styles of footwear for women too.
The truth of the matter is that Mary Janes have been around for a long time, but they became known under that name after the Brown Shoe Company, in the early 20th century, invented a character called Buster Brown to promote their boys’ line. Mary Jane was little Buster Brown’s friend, and she usually wore this particular type of flat shoe. Because of this, the shoe became deeply entrenched with kids’ wear in American culture.
However, designers and brands have created a myriad of Mary Jane options for grown women over the years. So now you can wear your favorite girly shoes no matter the occasion, effectively transforming Mary Janes into one of the most versatile shoes on the market!
There’s the all-terrain Dr. Martens, the comfortable Hush Puppies, the preppy and ladylike creations of Charles and Keith, and the super cute high-heeled pumps of Nasty Gal. No matter your style, be it high or low, retro or athletic… I guarantee that there is a Mary Jane that is absolutely right for you somewhere on this list.
Read on to discover the 28 best Mary Janes available online right now!
Contents
Sporty and Everyday-wear Mary Janes
Amazon Hush Puppies Women’s Epic Mary Jane Loafer in Brown
This ergonomic and streamlined Mary Jane features a rubber sole with deep grooves that guarantees a good grip, hand-burnished leather uppers, and contrast stitching. It is the perfect everyday wear shoe and goes with literally anything from jeans to chinos to linen shorts.
Walmart – Wide Width Mary Jane Shoes in Burgundy
This super budget-friendly option is perfect for summer thanks to its perforated uppers. Its sporty silhouette also makes it great to match your favorite activewear set.
Walmart – Mary Jane Brocade Flat Slip On Cotton Ballet Shoes in Blue
I am a huge fan of brocade anything, so when I spotted these cotton Mary-Jane-meets-ballet shoes I just couldn’t resist!
Charles and Keith – Jacquard & Patent Printed Mary Jane Flats in Black
Who said Mary Janes had to have full uppers? This novel design is trendy, elegant, and super fresh. I am positively in love with the delicate straps, contrast stitching, and minimal print. It is no easy feat to be both preppy and city-chic at the same time!
Nordstrom – Frances Valentine, Jude Mary Jane Flat in Green
This elegant Mary Jane flat features a textured canvas upper with a thin strap sporting a ribbon instead of a buckle. The cosmopolitan design is rounded up with a square toe and a low block heel.
Nordstrom – Rieker, Cindy 62 Mary Jane Sneaker in Black
Not in the mood for dressing up? No worries, this easy shoe with a shock-absorbing sole has got you covered.
My Favorite:
Charles and Keith – Nori Recycled Polyester Printed Mary Jane Flats in Multicolor Print
It might be the fact that these comfy Mary Janes feature a playful pixelated floral print, inspired by 8-bit digital video game graphics, which is beyond cool, or the fact that they are made from 100% recycled PET and 30% recycled rubber. Either way, I am absolutely in love with these beauties!
Chunky Mary Janes
Dr. Martens Women’s 8065 Mary Jane in White
Keeping it traditional but slightly rock-and-roll was never easier than going for these rubber-soled Mary Janes with two straps from Dr. Martens.
Nasty Gal – Leather Heeled Mary Janes in Black
The classic Mary Jane, but reimagined into a chunky pump with a thick sole. What’s not to like?
Nasty Gal – Faux Leather Double Strap Mary Janes in Black
If you are not into the traditional one strap design, this high-heeled platform Mary Janes offer a little variation.
Nasty Gal – Chunky Faux Leather Mary Jane Shoes in Black
There is nothing that says Catholic school uniform as a nice pair of Mary Jane. Add a little sexy to the mix with a chunky high-heeled pair from the Nasty Gal. Cher would definitely approve!
Nordstrom – Dirty Laundry, Lita Mary Jane Pump in White
White might not be the first color that comes to mind for Mary Janes, but it looks too good to pass it up!
Nordstrom – Classic Prada Vintage Style Mary Janes in Black
If you are still not convinced, these Prada Mary Janes are a worthy investment. They will never be out of style.
My Favorite:
Dr. Martens Women’s Polley Slip in Black
I can’t get over this classic. It’s like the kid’s version but with all the chunkiness we associate with Dr. Martens. My credit card is burning a hole in my wallet right now!
Vintage & Lady-like
Amazon Dream Pairs: Chunky T-Strap Mary Janes in Red
This stylish pump that is neither too high nor too low got the perfect makeover with that Mary Jane upper addition.
Amazon Olivia K Women’s Kitten Heels Mary Jane Pumps in Beige
I always say that vintage shoes have the best designs. This little retro-inspired pump is no exception! It’s like Mary Janes had a dream child with a 50s dance pump!
Amazon Clarks Women’s Emslie Lulin Pump Bootie in Black
I bet you didn’t think a Mary Jane bootie was possible. Think again!
Charles and Keith – Bead Embellished Houndstooth-Print Mary Jane Flats in Beige
Flats can also play the Mary Jane game. This preppy model in beige delicately embellished the strap with tiny pearls. Isn’t it cute?
Nordstrom – Ara, Calico Mary Jane Pump in Black
This little retro shoe might not be for everyone… But it’s the perfect office shoe that can dress up your flowy palazzo pants or your traditional pantsuit. I know many boss ladies will love it!
Nordstrom – Trotters, Hester Mary Jane Flat in Beige
This little number is as demure as they come. The delicate pointy tip makes it look less like a Mary Jane but there is no mistaking the traditional silhouette.
My Favorite:
Charles and Keith – Beaded Chain-Link Terry Cloth & Grosgrain Slingback Mary Janes – Red
I am in love with these slingback Mary Janes made with a lovely red-speckled terry cloth finish. The stunning chain-link strap is embellished with beads for an added fashion statement.
Party-ready Mary Janes
Amazon Steve Madden Women’s Twice Loafer in Patent Pink
There’s not much to add to these stunning Steve Madden Mary Jane patent pink pumps. They are total showstoppers!
Nasty Gal – Patent Flare Heel Mary Jane Shoes with 2 straps in Black
If the pointy pumps are not your thing, you will find these rounder black patent Mary Janes more to your liking.
Nasty Gal – Patent Platform Mary Jane Heels in Lavender
Are you on the short side? Worry not, these platform lavender Mary Janes have got you covered!
Nasty Gal – Strawberry Print Mary Jane Platform Heels
Strawberry printed Mary Janes in pink. Need I say more? Gimme, gimme!
Nordstrom – Badgley Mischka, Tevin Crystal Mary Jane Flat in Champagne
I love pumps for a party as much as the next gal, but sometimes you just want to give your poor feet a respite. These beautiful champagne flat Mary Janes with an embellished strap are just what your tired feet need to be able to dance the night away!
Nordstrom – Chinese Laundry, Pollyanne Mary Jane Pump in Silver Glitter
If you are looking for lowkey Mary Janes, these are not it. If you want amazing, printed, chunky platform pumps that will make your jeans look high fashion, do check these out.
My Favorite:
Nasty Gal – Daisy Print Mary Jane Platform Heels
Last but not least, let me introduce the daisy print platform Mary Jane pumps. It was a tough decision between these and the strawberry printed ones, but the daisy pair won simply because I’m more of a sky-blue gal and pink… I can’t stop picturing them with bootcut jeans, they would look amazing!
