Adult takes on our favourite childhood shoe.
By Ivy Tang
Date September 29, 2021
With the comeback of ballet flats and loafers, it’s only fitting that Mary Janes are the next “it” shoe of the season. Also known as bar shoes or doll shoes, the classic footwear was initially designed for children, but it soon became popular among women of many generations. Nowadays the shoes come in a variety of styles, from easygoing flats, platform pumps to classic low heels.
In recent years, these shoes have shown up on runways, streets and celebrities. Notably, Zoë Kravitz is often spotted on the streets of Brooklyn in her favourite The Row Ava flats, paired with airy babydoll dresses, relaxed trousers or pleated mini skirts. Although these shoes are commonly associated with women’s fashion, they have been embraced by everyone, with the likes of Harry Styles and Tyler the Creator donning them on red carpets and special events.
Whether they’re square toe, T-bar, or multi-strap, here are 16 pairs of Mary Janes that will make you want to skip down the streets.
1/16
The Row
Ava Shoe in Leather
($1,000, The Row)
8/16
Heaven by Marc Jacobs x Nodaleto
Bulla Rei
($480, Marc Jacobs)
9/16
Maison Margiela
Tabi Transparent Mary-Jane Shoes
($995, Maison Margiela)
12/16
Giambattista Valli
Powder Rose Mary Jane Pumps
($1,650, Giambattista Valli)
13/16
Mansur Gavriel
Square Toe Mary Jane
($595, Mansur Gavriel)
15/16
Dr. Martens
8065 Smooth Leather Mary Jane Shoes
($160, Dr. Martens)