14 Best Mary Janes, According to Editors and Reviewers

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Nostalgic as they may be, the best Mary Janes are entirely of the moment. Gone are the childhood days of uncomfortable patent leather shoes; the Mary Janes of today are elegant, mature, and sophisticated. And while it’s true that the silhouette is timeless, it also happens to be among the biggest shoe trends of 2025, meaning it’s a great investment right now.

To what do these seemingly simple shoes owe their staying power? For starters, they’re easy to style; you can wear them with cute spring dresses, classic denim, and even corduroy trousers. But beyond that, Mary Janes have been a wardrobe staple for over a century because they’re infinitely versatile—they’re neither a loafer nor a ballet flat, totally tomboyish and delightfully feminine, and as flat as a sneaker but as graceful as high heels. If you don’t have a pair in your current shoe rotation, it’s safe to say you’re missing out.

Ready to breathe new life into your shoe wardrobe, just in time for spring? These are the best Mary Janes you can buy right now, according to Glamour editors and reviewers, from sneaker-inspired styles to chic, work-ready silhouettes.

The best Mary Janes, at a glanceBest Overall: Madewell Greta Ballet Flats, $98Best for Walking: Rothy’s Max Square Mary Janes, $159Best Heeled: Marc Fisher Charisy Pumps, $70Most Trendy: G.H. Bass Mary Jane Weejuns Loafers, $185Best for Wide Feet: Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flats, $80Best Arch Support: Dansko Leeza Mary Janes, $1301/14

Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat

Sizes: 5–12 in medium and wide
Colors: 9 options
Material: Leather

Madewell’s best-selling slip-on ballet flats are a goes-with-everything pair that adds a chic, stylish touch to everyday outfits. The combo of a square toe, an elastic strap, and sustainably sourced leather is trend-minded but still timeless. The best part? These ballerina flats are comfortable enough that you’ll want to wear them all day long. The soft, versatile leather makes for a shoe that’s wearable year-round; you’ll also find suede for chiller months and a breathable mesh that’s perfect for summer.

“These flats are so soft and flexible from the start,” says one Madewell reviewer. “They were a dream to wear on the first go. I want them in every color!” Just remember that natural materials like leather tend to stretch with wear, so you might want to size down by a half size for the best fit.

2/14

Rothy’s Max Square Mary Janes

Sizes: 5–13
Colors: 10 options
Material: Mesh

Some Mary Janes are difficult to walk in, but this pair from Rothy’s proves the silhouette can be downright comfy. The brand’s signature cushy insole, combined with a flexible upper woven from recycled water bottles, makes this pair of Mary Janes perfect for a full day of walking. Plus, the flexible strap ensures your feet stay snugly in place.

“I was in disbelief when I tried these on—the most comfortable shoe ever,” one Nordstrom reviewer writes. Comfort, style, and sustainability all in one strappy, square-toed Mary Jane? Sold. Better yet, they’re even machine-washable.

3/14

Marc Fisher Charisy Pumps

Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 4 options
Material: Polyurethane

There’s something about combining the classic Mary Jane style with a high-heeled pump that serves up edge and sophistication in equal measure. Throw faux-patent leather, two thin straps, and an on-trend square toe into the mix and you’ve got yourself a go-to shoe for all seasons. Be forewarned that the over-three-inch heel is a big change for those of us used to wearing flat shoes, but the block shape keeps it wearable, even on the obstacle-strewn streets of New York City.

Amazon reviewers rave that these chic, stylish heels are comfortable right out of the box—just be prepared for all the compliments you’re bound to receive with each wear.

4/14

G.H. Bass Mary Jane Weejuns Loafers

Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 3 options
Material: Leather

Part loafer and part Mary Jane, these flats are playfully preppy and offer a more elevated alternative to the traditional silhouette. The T-strap design features the Goldilocks of buckles: not too big, not too small—just right. Plus, since T-bars are one of the biggest shoe trends of 2025, this pair is perfect now. You’ll get cushioned insoles with arch support, so they’re made to be comfy—but out of the box, the leather is stiff, so be prepared to spend time breaking them in. Show off your favorite socks or tights, and style them with jeans, dresses, skirts, or work trousers—they’re versatile enough that just about anything goes.

“They are extremely sleek looking, the leather is good quality, and the construction is sound,” writes one Nordstrom reviewer. We recommend going a half-size down if you want a tighter fit; choose your normal size if you prefer things a little looser.

5/14

Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flats

Sizes: 5–13 medium and wide
Colors: 19 colors
Material: Polyurethane

These adorably chic Mary Jane flats are some of my go-to shoes for when I want to look cute but still need to be able to traipse around New York City on foot for hours on end. The super-low block heel and square toe are what originally caught my eye, but comfort is what keeps me returning with each passing season.

Last year, I chose bronze, which wears more like a neutral than a color, but I’m tempted to invest in ivory for spring. My feet tend to run more narrow than wide, but the full range of colors is available in medium and wide and comes with an adjustable strap, making them a versatile choice for people with wide feet. Full disclosure: I did get a few blisters on the first couple of wears while I broke them in, but now I can wear them all day long without issue.

6/14

Dansko Leeza Mary Janes

Sizes: 5.5–11
Colors: 1 option
Material: Leather

Typically a lack of arch support is the one drawback to flat shoes in general, but these double-strap Mary Janes are an exception to the rule. They are adorably girly and feminine with a hint of retro flare, and they have a removable leather footbed with arch support that’s the hallmark of the Dansko brand. The pointed toes and dual straps (both adjustable, one thinner than the other) offer visual intrigue.

“These shoes were comfortable right out of the box,” says a Zappos reviewer. “They’ve been a go-to shoe for me this summer.” They’ll hold up through several seasons to come, courtesy of the durable rubber outsole.

7/14

Steve Madden Dreaming Ballet Flats

Sizes: 5–12
Colors: 17 options
Material: Mesh

After taking over the world last summer, mesh flats are about to come back for another season in the sun. Case in point: these dreamy mesh ballet flats from Steve Madden. Delicate mesh blurs the line between wearing shoes and going barefoot. The round toe and solid strap lend a dainty air, and the end result is a shoe that goes with literally any and every outfit. (Test the pop of red theory with anything in your wardrobe and you’ll get it.) Wear them without socks to subtly show off your pedicure, or style them with sheer tights or ankle socks for a bolder fashion statement.

8/14

Dolce Vita Reyes Ballet Flats

Sizes: 5–15 medium and wide
Colors: 10 options
Material: Leather

Metallic silver leather offers the perfect counterpoint to the minimalist silhouette of these ballerina-inspired Mary Janes. A single dainty strap and square toe make this classic style feel modern and on-trend. They’re also surprisingly easy to style—silver is an underrated neutral for spring, while bright red livens up boring outfits.

“I live in the city and walked 30 minutes in these the first day I got them without any issues,” one reviewer says. “I’m going to get them in another color.”

9/14

Miu Miu Leather Ballerina Flats

Sizes: 34–42 EU
Colors: 2 options
Material: Leather

If a splurge is in your future, look no further than these swoon-worthy Miu Miu Mary Jane ballet flats. A leather take on the traditional ballerina shoe, these Mary Janes are on point, literally. Made from luxuriously soft goatskin leather, they’ll mold to your feet as you wear them, so don’t be concerned if they take a little time to break in—it will be well worth it. Unlike its delicate satin and suede counterparts, the leather version of this shoe can withstand quite a bit of wear and tear. The dainty, elastic strap holds the flat in place, and the logo detail adds a bold, daring touch.

One Nordstrom reviewer described them as “comfortable, well made, perfect fit,” and they look equally cute styled with or without socks, dressed up or down. Make sure to size up, though, as they run small.

10/14

Vans Ruffle Mary Jane Sneakers

Sizes: 6–10
Colors: 1 option
Material: Canvas

Sure, Vans has a reputation for skate-centric footwear, but there’s no rule that says Mary Janes and casual sneakers don’t mix. These girly kicks are exactly what you’d imagine a Mary Jane sneaker could be: flirty, feminine, flat slip-ons. They have the same canvas upper and rubber outsole as the rest of the brand’s lineup, but they feature an adjustable buckle and delicate lace detailing that make them pair as perfectly with day dresses as baggy jeans. These cute yet sturdy white sneakers are both fashion and functionality-forward, and the price isn’t bad either.

11/14

G.H. Bass Fisherman Mary Janes

Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 3 options
Material: Leather

Mixing masculine and feminine elements, these woven Mary Jane loafers change depending on how you style them. The subtly lifted lug sole, buckled T-strap, and checkerboard toe detail lean heavy—but paired with sheer tights or ruffle socks, the result is playful and bound to turn heads. Plus, they’re comfy.

“No need to break in,” writes one Free People reviewer. “They’re perfect.” More than a passing fashion trend, this pair of fisherman shoes is made to last and is shockingly versatile too. Wear them with shorts or dresses in the summer and with slouchy socks, trousers, or jeans come winter. Glamour editors also stand firmly behind G.H. Bass, the brand behind some of our absolute favorite loafers on the market.

12/14

Coach Winley Mary Jane Flats

Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 5 options
Material: Leather

When I close my eyes and think of a classic Mary Jane, I imagine a classic black patent leather shoe with a single dainty strap. This pair from Coach is a modern, grown-up take on the quintessential style I remember from my childhood. The double straps (featuring understated Coach-logo snaps) make it feel mature and elegant, but the round toe and low block heel preserve the innocence and lightheartedness of the original. Style it with a babydoll dress or a pleated skirt to lean into the aesthetics of girlhood—or pair them with jeans and a blazer for a more current, TikTok-approved look. Reviewers warn that the shoes run narrow, so proceed with caution if you have wider feet.

13/14

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Dainty Mary Janes

Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 4 options
Material: Canvas

Who says Mary Jane shoes and sneakers can’t be one and the same? This laid-back Chuck Taylor take on the typically dressier style is fun, sporty, and—dare I say—practical. It offers the same durable canvas upper, round toe, and rubber sole synonymous with the Converse brand but with a more delicate, feminine silhouette. Style your pair with straight-leg jeans, day dresses, or casual skirts to keep your look feeling fresh, especially on days when you’re bound to get plenty of steps. They might even replace your favorite white sneakers as your go-to everyday shoes. “Cutest shoe ever,” says one Zappos reviewer. “I get compliments wherever I go.”

14/14

Free People Oasis Mary Jane Espadrilles

Sizes: 6–11
Colors: 5 options
Material: Canvas

Blending beachy, bohemian colors with the Mary Jane silhouette, these relaxed canvas espadrilles are cute, casual, and ready to go on vacation with you. The circular buckle is the perfect complement to the shoe’s rounded toe. Rubber outsoles make these espadrilles more durable than you might imagine at first glance, and the lived-in palette offers an understated option to liven up your outfits. Style them with a swimsuit, linen pants, or barrel jeans for a carefree, just-threw-this-on look. Obviously, spring and summer are the ideal seasons to show them off.