Miu Miu Made Me Do It—30 Mary-Jane Shoes That You Need for Fall
Editorial Note: This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated by Jasmine Fox-Suliaman.
Blame it on Miu Miu, but Mary Janes are basically the shoes of the season. The style is known for its simple closed-toe design and a strap (or more!) that runs across your foot's instep. For some extra background, the name "Mary Jane" came from a character in a Buster Brown comic in the early 1900s. The Brown Shoe Company named a shoe after the ones she wore, and, well, the rest is history.
While the satin flats from Miu Miu come to mind first, many other designers are going all in on the trend. More brands lending their distinct point of view to the classic include Sandy Liang, Mansur Gavriel, Ganni, Nodaleto, and Prada, to name a couple. Ahead, I've rounded up the 27 best Mary Janes in all different silhouettes, from flats and loafers to lug-sole platforms and high heels, so that you can find your dream shoe for fall 2023. Shop away!
Best Affordable Mary Janes
Reviewer Highlight: "These shoes are perfect, just what I wanted. Franco Sarto is one of my favorite designers of shoes, and they fit like a glove and will be great casual or nighttime."
Reviewer Highlight: "I love this style so much. It’s so adorable, and I got it in black. I have slightly wide feet so I did end up sizing up half a size, and they fit perfectly."
Reviewer Highlight: "I just received these and love them! They're cute and comfortable, and the gems give them an extra oomph!"
Editor Highlight: The chunky sole of this Zara style definitely makes a statement.
Best Designer Mary Janes
Editor Highlight: These Miu Miu flats with the strap across the instep have popped up everywhere and are selling out very quickly.
Editor Highlight: Not into leather? Opt for these mesh versions instead.
Editor Highlight: Put a unique twist on a pair of classic Mary Janes with the signature Tabi style from Margiela.
Editor Highlight: What's a roundup of Mary Janes without including these iconic Nodaleto platforms in the mix?
Best Mary-Jane Flats
Reviewer Highlight: "I'm a teacher and can wear these all day. They are so pretty, and the leather is buttery soft!"
Editor Highlight: Leave it to Sandy Liang to make some of the most pretty-looking Mary Janes on the market.
Editor Highlight: For comfortable walking shoes, try these knit ones made from recycled plastic. The strap also has stretch to it.
Editor Highlight: I can already imagine wearing these to a chic holiday party.
Reviewer Highlight: "I wanted these last year, but they sold out. Luckily, they just came back, so I ordered them immediately; they are great! They are so cute, so stylish, and they look so good with many outfits."
Best Mary-Jane Heels
Editor Highlight: The color on this pair might just be the perfect shade of red.
Editor Highlight: The curved heel and statement buckle are beyond.
Editor Highlight: Like your favorite childhood pair, but with a decidedly grown-up flair.
Reviewer Highlight: "Love the fit of this shoe; the heel height is not too high, and I can walk in them without my bunion being disturbed. I would buy these in more colors; they're that good!
Best Multi-Strap Mary Janes
Reviewer Highlight: "The size of these Coach flats is a perfect fit. They are very well made, and the leather is super soft. These are the perfect little work flats for me."
Editor Highlight: If you're looking for more of an eye-catching pair, then these t-strap patent red ones will do the trick.
Reviewer Highlight: "These Mary Janes are not only great looking but are also comfortable. I need supportive shoes and was surprised that they are! They look great with short socks and a midi or maxi dress. I’m very happy with them."
Reviewer Highlight: "I've never owned a pair of shoes so bold and unique. I was a little nervous to try and pull them off, but I wanted to try something new. I love the height it gives me and how chunky they are; definitely in style again right now."
Editor Highlight: How about this triple-strap pair—cute, right?
Best Loafer Mary Janes
Editor Highlight: Dr. Martens has some of the best Mary Janes out there with its signature yellow stitching.
Editor Highlight: Go all in on the school girl–inspired look by styling these with preppy socks.
Editor Highlight: If you're looking for designer T-strap shoes, you might as well buy these Prada ones.
Editor Highlight: The contrast stitching on this gorgeous black pair is too tempting to pass up.
Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town & Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice. After five years in NYC, she moved to the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and now Who What Wear. She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.
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