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If you’re a Sex And The City fan, the scene in which Carrie finds the Manolo Blahnik Mary Jane heels in the Vogue closet is likely ingrained in your memory. For good reason — this charming shoe style has been around since the early 1900s and offers vintage charm and practicality. Mary Janes can be heeled or flat and chunky or slim. You may be wondering what differentiates the flat version from a classic ballet flat. That little strap over the top of the foot makes it a Mary Jane. It may seem like it’s only there for aesthetics, but it helps with comfort and wearability since it keeps the shoe securely on your foot. If you want to hop on the Mary Jane bandwagon, these are my top picks. We’ve also rounded up our favorite flats and loafers (and even more Mary Janes!) if those are more your style.
Rothy’s Double Buckle Mary Janes
After many years of hearing about Rothy’s shoes’ comfort, I knew I had to put a pair to the test. They didn’t disappoint. The Double Buckle Mary Jane style is so on trend but feels as comfortable as a sneaker. It’s the perfect shoe to slip on before running errands or for a long day in the office when heels just won’t do. My feet are on the wider side, which can make finding flats that fit a bit tricky, but the stretchy material of these shoes is so adaptable and comfortable.
Mar Soreli Ginger Mary Jane Ocra Seta
After falling in love with Rothy’s Mary Janes, I wanted to try a dressier version I knew would carry me through the season into the holidays. Velvet seemed like a fitting material, and I was curious to try shoes from Mar Soreli for the first time. The material feels super luxe and will easily dress up casual outfits. With four rich colors, these go far beyond the typical black Mary Janes.
Aerosoles Women’s Perry Mary Jane Flat
If black is more your style than a bright color, nothing feels more classic than a patent leather Mary Jane. Aerosoles shoes are always ridiculously comfortable and I love that this pair is available on Amazon so you don’t have to make a trip to the mall. If you find yourself between shoe sizes, these also come in half sizes.
Reader Favorites
Margaux The Mary Jane
I’m friends with a very stylish fashion influencer who wears Margaux shoes religiously — she swears they are some of the most comfortable shoes she owns. Her glowing recommendation is why this brand’s version of the Mary Jane caught my eye. If you’re looking for something more flashy, opt for the silver. If you struggle to find the right fit with shoes, you’ll appreciate that this style (also available in black suede and patent leather) is available in half sizes as well as medium, wide, and narrow widths.
FEVERSOLE Women’s Mary Jane
Want options? Wait until you see the 30+ Mary Jane varieties that FEVERSOLE offers on Amazon. Not only can you pick between different colors and materials, but there are a variety of heel types to choose from as well. You can go for a completely flat ballet-inspired look or a small heel that gives you a little boost.
LUXINYU Women’s Slip on Flats
Speaking of lots of options, we’re happy to report this Mary Jane comes in 44 gorgeous colors. You can also choose between patent, suede, and matte leather to find the perfect fit for your wardrobe. Some options come with one strap, others with multiple, so check out every design option before purchasing.
Mango Buckle Heel Shoes
A block heel goes a long way in dressing up the Mary Jane look. This beige shade is a nice shift away from classic black, and they have a fun blue shade if you want to mix it up even more. These lighter hues make these shoes perfect for spring and summer, but you can also pair them with tights to get plenty of wear out of them in the colder months.
Trary Ballet Flats Shoes
If you love ballet flats but hate that they constantly slip off your foot, this Mary Jane shoe will solve all your style problems with its ballerina roots and added strap. The satin variations offer the perfect amount of shine to add to your holiday outfits (the gold and red options feel especially festive). Flat-footed girlies or shoppers between sizes don’t have to worry about comfort here. These run true to size and are well-cushioned.
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Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer based in Northern California who graduated from the University of California Irvine with a degree in Literary Journalism. She has written on a wide range of topics including finance, travel, and wellness for publications such as Elle, Coveteur, The Everygirl, and Apartment Therapy. When not whipping up articles, she works with consumer brands like Gorjana, Voluspa, Underclub, The Well, and St. John to help tell their brand stories.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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