Photo-Illustration: Courtesy of the retailers.
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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 ballet-core aesthetics are finding inroads into the style as well — which now comes in so many varieties that even Mary Jane herself would be impressed.
Our top picks:
The Satin Option
Say hello to an “It”-girl shoe that takes on the classic ballet flat. Oh, and we’ve already shown you how to style it.
The Sporty Option
$195
For the thrifty shopper, the Cut senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves recommend’s Prada Sport, easy and affordable to find with a few clicks on sites like The RealReal or Vestiaire Collective.
The Mesh Option
The Cut’s 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.
The Party Shoe
$198
A little shine, a little heel, Nieves’s favorites from Lisa Says Gah are party-ready.
The Splurge-worthy Option
$1,250
Another favorite from Bonilla, the flats you’ve been eyeing are, in fact, worth the splurge. Not only are they showing no signs of letting up as a favorite (Rihanna’s worn them multiple times), they’re also an easy way to add a little shine to even your everyday outfits. And trust, you’ll want to wear them as much as possible.
The Everyday Option
$155
Your work outfits don’t always need a heel, sometimes a flat works just as well. Shopping writer Chinea Rodriguez’s go-to’s from Everlane come in four neutrals that will match all your office- and weekend-ready looks.
More tried-and-true options:
The Classic Go-to
Steve Madden Violette Mary Jane Flat
From $80
From $80
These are cute but in all the right ways — black, patent leather, and less than $50.
The Classic With a Metallic Twist
$268
Get all the versatility that black mary janes are known for but with some iconic metal detailing. The sustainable favorites are made of Nappa leather.
The (Affordable) Square-Toe
$130
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.
The Sneaker Crossover
From $52
From $52
A cool, airy option with a split toe for anyone who can’t give up sneakers.
The Double Strap
$98
Double straps to keep you extra snug and soft leather to keep you comfortable.
The Triple Strap
$495
These might test your patience while buckling, but they will complete any outfit.
The Denim Ones
$395
Take your Canadian tuxedo to the next level by purchasing these denim mary-jane heels.
The Concert Shoe
$130
With a double strap, this sturdy pair could survive a mosh pit. And the scruffs will just give you extra street cred.
The No-Break-In-Necessary
$159
So comfortable you’ll think you’re wearing socks. The supersoft and flexible shoes are made of recycled plastic.
The Subtle Luxury Ones
$473
This Spanish brand is known for its quality leather shoes (we love their fisherman sandals, too) and these mary janes aren’t the exception.
The It Shoe
The one that started it all … again.
The Sport Mode
A fun new take on a classic design.
The Satin Theater Shoe
$110
A great WFH shoe that’s a little fancier than a slipper (but just as soft, thanks to the blend of cotton and velvet material).
The Three-in-One
$185
This is what happens when a loafer meets a fisherman sandal: You get this mary-jane option.
The Picnic Shoe
$425
Perfect for your next party in the park. The heart-shaped Swarovski-crystal buckle will surely be a conversation starter.
The Silver Ones
$160
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
$820
Leather like buuuuuuutter.
The Suede Shoe
Buttery soft suede and a padded footbed — a win-win.
The Lace-Up
$375
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
$138
Super-minimal and sleek, these off-white flats are adjustable, comfy, and easy to pair with your favorite looks.
The Accented Option
$185
These come complete with a teeny “C” accent, so they’re perfect if your name starts with C and you’d like to pretend they’re custom. (Relatable!)
The Fashion-Girl Favorite
$1,090
Get your hands on the classic Tabi shoes that were the center of one of TikTok’s biggest heist stories.
The Studded Option
$278
$278
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
$97
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.
Another Shiny Option
Consider these patent-leather mary janes the party shoes you can actually stand in all night.
The Casual Option
$120
These come in several colors and patterns, but we’re partial to this crinkled pink you can pair with denim.
The Platform Option
$315
Not everyone wants flats. Tower over everyone with this comfortable four-inch block heel.
