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Where do mary janes get their name? As the story goes, the original Mary Jane was a young female character created by the American cartoonist Richard Felton Outcault in 1902 for his “Buster Brown” comic strip. She was based on Outcault’s daughter of the same name and wore little black shoes with a strap across the instep. When Outcault later licensed his characters to the Brown Shoe Company, the name stuck, and the shoe has been seen as a sort of sweet, childish style ever since.
Because they’ve been around for so long, mary janes are perennially in fashion but have a moment in the sun every so often. Now is one of those times. Labels like Miu Miu, Reformation, Marc Jacobs, and Sandy Liang have dropped their takes, and aficionados of the weird-girl and balletcore aesthetics are finding inroads into the style as well — which now comes in so many varieties that even Mary Jane herself would be impressed.
So, you’re looking for the best mary jane shoes?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
➼ Our experts
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Our top picks:
The No-Break-in-Necessary
So comfortable you’ll think you’re wearing socks. The supersoft and flexible shoes are made of recycled plastic. Don’t believe us? Ask fashion writer Danya Issawi. She is literally always wearing (and rocking) her red pair.
The Everyday Option
Your work outfits don’t always need a heel; sometimes a flat works just as well. Shopping writer Chinea Rodriguez’s go-tos from Everlane come in four neutrals that will match all your office- and weekend-ready looks.
The Sneaker Crossover
A cool, airy option with a split toe for anyone who can’t give up sneakers. These were the only shoes our senior shopping editor took to walk the steep, hilly streets of Lisbon, and it’s the best decision she ever made.
The Double Strap
Issawi has these in gold and shared she get lots of compliments whenever she wears them.
The Satin Option
The Mesh Option
The Cut’s former fashion market editor, Cortne Bonilla, recommends leaning into mesh with these sheer flats. The weather in New York has been nice, so maybe it’s time to get your toes out.
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More tried-and-true options:
The (Affordable) Square Toe
Cute but with some edge (literally) and sturdy leather.
The Viral Square Toe
If these haven’t popped up on your FYP yet, they will as soon as you close this post. For less than $300, the patent-leather option is still in stock, but who knows for how long.
Another Double Strap Option
Double straps to keep you extra snug and soft leather to keep you comfortable.
The Triple Strap
These might test your patience while buckling, but they will complete any outfit.
The It Shoe
The Satin Theater Shoe
A great WFH shoe that’s a little fancier than a slipper (but just as soft, thanks to a blend of cotton and velvet material).
The Three-in-One
Here is what happens when a loafer meets a fisherman sandal: You get this mary jane option.
The Picnic Shoe
Perfect for your next party in the park. The heart-shaped Swarovski-crystal buckle will surely be a conversation starter.
The Silver One
If you can’t get your hands on the silver Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s, these are a great alternative for tip-tapping down the sidewalk.
The Minimalist Dream
The Lace-Up
All done up and everywhere to go. These sturdy leather shoes are lined with suede and adorned with functional laces that you can tie into a bow for all-day wear.
The Simple Option
Super-minimal and sleek, these off-white flats are adjustable, comfy, and easy to pair with your favorite looks.
The Fashion-Girl Favorite
Get your hands on the classic Tabi shoes that were the center of one of TikTok’s biggest heist stories.
The Studded Option
Subtle enough to match with everything but embellished enough that you don’t feel bad for buying yet another pair of shoes.
The Comfortable Option
If you prioritize comfort above all else, this is the pair for you. They have extra padding and insoles, so you won’t have to worry about blisters and foot pain.
