I’m Calling It: Mary Jane Sneakers Are About to Become Spring’s Hottest Hybrid Shoe
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Mary Janes may conjure up memories of private school uniforms or Sundays at church. Or, if you came of age in the early 2010s, "twee" girls with Zooey Deschanel bangs . They were prim, proper and well-behaved. They were pretty much the shoes you thought of when you said the phrase "Miss Goody Two-Shoes."
But no more. Mary Janes have rebelled and overthrown the tyranny of patent leather. They've changed their image; they've gone street. Mary Janes are sneakers now. And they're going to be everywhere this spring.
Hot off the heels of last year's booming ballet sneaker trend , Mary Jane sneakers put a similarly feminine spin on athletic silhouettes. But thanks to their defining feature—a supportive strap across the top—their transition from Sunday School formal to sporty and functional feels like even less of a leap. Plus, their versatility lends itself to variety. Styles like Vivaia's Ivee Walker Pro (a personal favorite) are sleek and nimble à la the sneakerina , while the Sorel Kinetic Impact II MJs embrace the chunkiness of a dad shoe . Whatever your aesthetic preference, there's a version of this fusion footwear for you.
If you're hoping to meet your match before they fly off the shelves, scroll for nine Mary Jane sneaker styles worth strapping into.
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1. Sorel Kinetic Impact II MJ Sneakers
Wavy, baby. Beyond their sculptural sole (with that fabulous tortoiseshell finish), these Sorel MJs stand out for their mixed suede and neoprene upper and thick, elasticized strap that adjusts for the perfect fit. It doesn't hurt that they boast an EVA footbed and lightweight foam midsole for energizing support when you inevitably want to wear them everywhere, all the time. And that unexpected flick of red on the back pull tab? It's the cherry on top.
2. Adidas Leather Samba Jane Sneakers
The iconic Adidas Sambas, complete with their suede overlays, gum soles and signature stripes, have gotten a smart makeover in the form of these Mary Jane flats. Their low-profile footprint makes them the perfect sneaker to wear with dresses this spring, though you can be sure that they'll bring a little edge to your looks.
3. Vivaia Ivee Walker Pro Sneakers
I've been counting down the days until I can step out in these babies again. I grabbed them last fall and admittedly only wore them a few times before the temperatures dropped, but I can confirm that they were cushy and comfortable right out of the box—not to mention so cute I couldn't help but look down and admire my feet wherever I stepped. The strap keeps my feet nice and secure, while their slim silhouette and sinewy sole give them an air of gracefulness despite their functionality-first design. Frankly, I'm obsessed.
4. Salomon RX Marie-Jeanne Sneakers
Not your average Mary Janes, these Marie-Jeanne sneakers (get it?) from coveted French sportswear brand Salomon are ready for some action. Striking the ideal balance between technical and casual, they feature a flexible, 3D mesh upper for prime breathability, along with a thick, treaded sole for effortless grip. They get a bit of extra flair from their buckle strap, a true homage to the shoe style they're inspired by.
5. lululemon Mary Train Sneakers
Lululemon can always be counted on to combine style and performance, and these marshmallowy Mary Janes are no exception. Although the midfoot strap is fixed, the 3D mesh upper is meant to contour to your foot, and has some stretch for an easy slip-in. I'm mainly swooning over their dressed-up, satiny finish, but all buyers can talk about are their blister-free comfort, heightened stability and pinchless toe box. "I have a wide foot and a very high arch. Usually I have to go up in size with Mary Janes, but these fit perfectly and are so cute and comfortable," raves one reviewer.
6. Nike Leather Air Rift Sneakers
Nike bravely asks the question, "Why combine just two shoe styles when you can combine four?" With Mary Jane straps, a Tabi-inspired split toe, brogue-like accents and Nike Air cushioning, these unique sneakers take hybrid design to multiple new levels. To say they're eye-catching would be an understatement, but they don't get by on their looks alone. A plush foam midsole and rugged rubber tread ensure utility and walkability, while the leather upper adapts to any season.
7. All Black Mesh Mary Jane Sneakers
You can skip the ruffled socks. The airy mesh upper and leather insole of these retro-looking MJs will keep your feet breezy and breathing on even the most sweltering summer days. I'm a big fan of the contrast coloring, along with the hook-and-eye strap that allows for the closest, most comfortable fit.
8. Rykä Devotion Max Mary Jane Sneakers
I owned (and loved) a pair of Rykä sneakers for years, so I was thrilled to find that the brand—the first to design sneakers specifically for a woman's foot—currently offers a bunch of variations of this trendy style. However, I zoned in on this chunky pick, a cool, cushy and podiatrist-approved walking shoe that's meant to offer sophisticated shock absorption and impact protection. Sounds perfect for going straight from your morning workout to afternoon brunch.
9. Naturalizer Leather Cadey Mary Jane Sneakers
Don't be fooled by their streamlined silhouette. As with all of Naturalizer's footwear, these low-profile leather Mary Janes are bound to provide high-impact comfort and support. After all, they manage to pack both Contour+ Comfort technology and Future Foam into their slim, 1-inch midsole, and even feature a studded sole for superior traction. While the sporty seams give them track-and-field vibes, the metallic pewter hue is purely fashion forward.
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