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Mary Janes have quickly earned their spot in the cool-girl category in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. Not only do they pair perfectly with most outfits for various occasions, but they're also inherently comfortable and practical thanks to their signature strap across the top that keeps your feet secure.
"The Mary Jane is a very classic silhouette, given that it’s a cousin in many ways to the ballet flat," says Alexa Buckley and Sarah Pierson, founders of NYC-based shoe brand, Margaux. "It's a very playful, versatile shoe. It can be quite girlish and playful (style with some socks), but it can be quite cool and insouciant, too."
The Mary Janes of 2024 come in various styles, shapes, materials, and colors, all of which are too pretty to pass up. From trend-defiant leather options to statement-makers with mesh and rhinestone embellishments, here are the best comfortable Mary Jane shoes to add to your wardrobe for spring.
Best Square Toe
AEYDE Uma Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
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Sheer Perfection
Le Monde Beryl Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
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Convertible Style
JENNIFER CHAMANDI Paolo 20 Leather Mary Jane flats
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Silver Lining
Franco Sarto Tinsley Square Toe Mary Jane Flat
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Venetian Slippers
Mar Soreli GINGER Mary Jane Rosso Seta
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When it comes to Mary Janes that are equal parts chic and comfortable, no one beats Margaux. "We pride ourselves in making sure our shoes—which are made by an expert factory in Spain—are as comfortable as possible before they hit the market," says Buckley and Pierson. "All of our shoes at Margaux have 5mm of foam padding, and the leathers and materials we work with are also buttery soft (and quite durable)."
One reviewer raves: "This style has everything I want - on trend, elevates my outfit; a feminine, comfortable flat that is work appropriate but can be worn with jeans."
Size Range: 33-45
Material: Suede
Colors: 4
Margaux's cult-favorite Demi ballet flats now come in the form of a Mary Jane, and they're already shaping up to be a best-seller too.
"Kelly Rutherford recently wore our Demi Jane in Ecru out and about on the Upper East Side in a cream midi-skirt and wrap sweater and we thought she looked perfect!" says Buckley and Pierson. "We could also easily see you wearing these shoes with a pair of straight-leg jeans and a cropped sweater and perhaps a trench thrown over your shoulders. The Mary Jane’s versatility is unparalleled!"
Size Range: 33-45
Material: Leather
Colors: 3
Best Square Toe
AEYDE Uma Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Best Square Toe
AEYDE Uma Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
The Uma has all the hallmarks of a timeless Mary Jane: a square toe box for a roomy fit, a supple leather upper, and a dainty strap with an adjustable buckle.
Size Range: 35-42
Material: Leather
Colors: 6
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With a square-shaped silhouette made from buttery Napa leather and a stretchy elastic band, Everlane's Mary Janes are meant to fit like a glove.
One reviewer says: "Love these so much. Good quality, perfectly on trend and comfortable right out of the box. I wear them with everything from sweats to skirts, and they look cute with or without socks. I got the black and then came back for the blush tan, which is a nice neutral for my fair skin tone."
Size Range: 5-11
Material: Leather
Colors: 4
Sheer Perfection
Le Monde Beryl Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
Sheer Perfection
Le Monde Beryl Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
Mesh shoes were one of the biggest trends of last summer, and they're certainly not going away anytime soon. Le Monde Beryl's style are anything but flimsy and will feel comfortable to wear for hours on end.
Size Range: 35-42
Material: Mesh
Convertible Style
JENNIFER CHAMANDI Paolo 20 Leather Mary Jane flats
Convertible Style
JENNIFER CHAMANDI Paolo 20 Leather Mary Jane flats
Jennifer Chamandi offers the best both worlds in her take of the feminine style: you can wear it as is or as a ballet flat by removing the signature "eye of the needle" strap.
Size Range: 36-42
Material: Leather
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Silver Lining
Franco Sarto Tinsley Square Toe Mary Jane Flat
Silver Lining
Franco Sarto Tinsley Square Toe Mary Jane Flat
Metallic shoes are also having a big moment, and this shiny pair with plush padding and hint of height will take all your ensembles (casual or fancy!) to the next level.
One reviewer writes: "Love these shoes and I want them in every color. I usually wear a wide shoe because of a bunion but these are perfect and the toe box is so comfortable."
Size Range: 5-11
Material: Leather
Colors: 4
One thing's for sure: these cherry red shoes, made sustainably from recycled water bottles, are sure to be the center piece of any outfit. Oh, and did we mention they're machine washable?
One shopper says: "I have terrible feet (bunions and hammer toes) and these shoes are my most comfortable ones!"
Size Range: 5-13
Material: Recycled water bottles
Colors: 8
Venetian Slippers
Mar Soreli GINGER Mary Jane Rosso Seta
Venetian Slippers
Mar Soreli GINGER Mary Jane Rosso Seta
We're calling it: Venetian slippers are going to be spring 2024's biggest trend. All of Mar Soreli's shoes are ethically handcrafted in Italy with premium materials sourced from repurposed fabric and recycled bicycle tires. This Mary Jane take is lightweight, comfortable, and downright bellissima!
Size Range: 5-12
Material: Velvet
Colors: 4
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For a style that can go from day to night without a second thought, might we suggest a patent leather pair? You won't experience any toe-pinching or blisters with these Sam Edelman's.
One shopper writes: "I am extremely happy with these shoes. So very comfortable and good quality... I liked them so much I ordered another color."
Size Range: 5-11
Material: Leather
Colors: 7
Neutral Upgrade
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Mary Jane
Neutral Upgrade
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Mary Jane
Black and beige will always be great go-to neutral colors, but why not veer towards something a bit richer instead, like burgundy? It's just as versatile and adds a hint of color. Consider Mansur Gavriel's take with a roomy toe box and delicate strap that ensures a snug fit.
Size Range: 35-41
Material: Leather
Colors: 3
Crystal Embellished
Cole Haan Bridge Jeweled MaryJane Ballet Flats
Crystal Embellished
Cole Haan Bridge Jeweled MaryJane Ballet Flats
When you want to look glam but don't want to wear heels, look no further than these elegant satin Mary Janes with a crystal embellished buckle.
One reviewer raves: "I like the updated look of the slightly squared toe box and the Mary Jane style strap works for me because I have a super hard time keeping my heel in flats. These were very comfortable right out of the box which is #1 for me. They are pretty, and work really well dressed up or down. I have been wearing with cropped trousers and flared jeans. Already getting a lot of use of out these!"
Size Range: 5-11
Material: Satin
Colors: 2
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Ballerina
Proenza Schouler Glove Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Ballerina
Proenza Schouler Glove Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats
From the flexible fit to the dainty elasticated strap and blush pink hue, everything about these flats will make you feel just like a prima ballerina.
Size Range: 35-42
Material: Mesh
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Easy Breezy
VIBI VENEZIA Grosgrain-Trimmed Velvet Mary Jane Slippers
Easy Breezy
VIBI VENEZIA Grosgrain-Trimmed Velvet Mary Jane Slippers
Inspired by the traditional slippers worn by gondoliers in Venice, these darling Mary Janes feature plush velvet uppers and a cloud-like footbed that cradles the foot with every step.
Size Range: 35-41
Material: Velvet
Colors: 3
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T-Strap
GABRIELA HEARST Lola Ballerina Organic Cotton-Velvet Mary Jane Point-Toe Flats
T-Strap
GABRIELA HEARST Lola Ballerina Organic Cotton-Velvet Mary Jane Point-Toe Flats
Consider these the grownup versions of your childhood shoes. With a classic t-bar straps and snug fit, you'll want to wear them everywhere, all the time.
Size Range: 35-42
Material: Cotton-velvet
With double straps and a walkable stacked heel, these denim Mary Janes were made to be worn all day. We'd be remiss not to mention the crystal buckles, too: the perfect pop of sparkle.
Size Range: 5-12
Material: Denim
Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.