The story of these memorable shoes begins in the late 19th century. Characterised by their rounded toe, low heel and single instep strap, they were initially designed as practical, everyday footwear for children, quickly becoming a beloved choice for school shoes due to their easy fastening and durability.
Its current name was born years after the shoe was invented in 1902, when Brown Shoes Company’s popular comic strip Buster Brown introduced Buster’s sister Mary Jane, who was often shown wearing this shoe style.
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A few years later, Mary Janes underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving from practical children’s shoe to dancing shoes for flappers of the era. However, their true pivotal moment came in 1934 when Shirley Temple graced the silver screen in a pristine white pair of Mary Janes in the film Baby Take a Bow.
Nowadays, Mary Janes continue to reign supreme, proving their versatility and appeal. Labels like Sandy Liang, Chanel and Prada have all included them on their runways. Celebrities have embraced their charm too, from Olivia Rodrigo styling them for a grunge “balletcore” look to Alexa Chung trading her classic 2000s flat Mary Janes for heeled ones, or even Dua Lipa wearing the most polemic Mary Jane style out there – the split-toe Maison Margiela Tabi.
This versatility, both in style and season, is a testament to the enduring allure of Mary Janes. They effortlessly complement any look, from sleek skinny trousers to flowing silk dresses and even full-on leather ensembles.
Looking for a pair of these staples for your own, or updating your wardrobe? Read on to discover six of our favourite Mary Janes right now …
1. Kimhēkim – black Monroe Mary Jane flats
Designed as a tribute to the timeless allure of Marilyn Monroe, these flats boast a couture oversized ribbon to add a touch of subtle drama to any look.How luxury shoemakers have worked with British royals, from past to present
2. Carel Paris – Kina red patent leather Mary Janes
The epitome of vintage Mary Janes from Carel features a signature trio of slender straps, a dainty 4cm trotter heel, and meticulous Italian craftsmanship, standing as the crown jewel of the brand and one of the most coveted Mary Janes of the season.
3. Prada – black brushed leather T-strap Mary Janes
Infused with a vintage charm, these shoes blend the essence of school footwear from the 1970s with Prada’s distinctive hybrid aesthetic, marrying traditional elegance with cutting-edge materials.
4. Vagabond – Delia dark red Mary Janes
This refined form of Mary Jane flats features dark red patent leather and a subtle square toe shape with a modest 12mm heel that provides both comfort and style.
5. Miu Miu – denim Mary Jane pumps
A playful twist on an iconic style with metal and pearl embellishments paired with raw-edge denim, these pumps deliver a captivating fusion of streetwear influences and Miu Miu’s classic elegance.4 fluffy ‘n’ fuzzy sandals and slides to rock in the cooler months ahead
6. Dr. Martens – 8065 Carrara olive Mary Janes
The brand’s unique rendition of its classic Mary Janes uses Carrara, a vegetable-tanned leather deliberately left untreated to accentuate the distinctive creases, marks and lines that evolve uniquely with each wearer.
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