Mary Jane Shoes: A Timeless Classic
Few shoe styles have stayed popular as long as Mary Janes. Known for their strap across the top, rounded toes, and flat or low heels, these shoes started out as practical footwear for children. Today, they’re a fashion staple for all ages. With over a hundred years of history, Mary Janes combine tradition, innovation, and cultural style.
A Classic Look – The Yvonne Shoe
One of our most iconic Mary Janes is the Yvonne, inspired by styles from the 1920s. With its elegant French heel and bold colors, it captures the glamour of that era.
One of our most classic Mary Janes shoes, are the Yvonne shoes.
What Are Mary Jane Shoes?
Mary Janes are known for their closed, low-cut design and signature strap across the top of the foot. They have a timeless, youthful feel and are loved by both kids and adults.
Key Features:
-
Strap across the instep: Usually fastened with a buckle or button; some versions include a T-strap.
-
Closed toe and heel: Typically rounded at the front with a fully enclosed heel.
-
Flat or low heel: Early versions were flat, but higher heels became popular in the 1920s and '30s.
Why are they called Mary Jane shoes?
The name "Mary Jane" comes from the Buster Brown comic strip created in 1902 by Richard Felton Outcault. The character Mary Jane wore these shoes, and the Brown Shoe Company used her image to market them—making the name stick.
From Kids' Shoes to Women’s Fashion
Originally designed for children because they were sturdy and secure, Mary Janes became popular for school and play. By the 1920s, women adopted them too. Flappers loved them for dancing—the strap helped keep the shoe in place during energetic moves like the Charleston, and their sleek design matched the shorter hemlines of the day.
In the decades that followed, Mary Janes continued to evolve. Patent leather styles became popular for special occasions, while colorful versions were worn every day.
Here’s a look at our Yvonne shoes styled with authentic 1920s clothing from one of our fashion shows in May.
Photo: Tami Meijburg
T-Strap Mary Janes
A popular variation is the T-strap, where a vertical strap runs from the toe up to a horizontal strap. Our Helen evening sandals are a great example, with elegant cut-outs and a classic Spanish heel—perfect for dressing up.
Shown here: our 1930s T-strap Helen sandals in gold and silver.
Mary Janes in the 1960s
The 1960s brought a bold twist to Mary Janes. Youth fashion movements, like mod style, embraced chunky soles and block heels. Paired with miniskirts, these updated Mary Janes became a symbol of confidence, famously worn by icons like Twiggy and Mary Quant.
Our 1920s style Mary Jane shoe, Ruby, with a low heel and a button closure.
For a retro look, our Ruby shoe—with a 1920s design and low block heel—pairs beautifully with 1960s-inspired outfits.
Shown here: Ruby styled in a 1960s look from our May fashion show.
Photo: Tami Meijburg
Why Mary Janes Are Still Popular
Mary Janes are beloved for their nostalgic feel and versatility. They blend innocence with elegance and work across styles and generations. Whether you're dressing up, heading to a dance, or just want a classic everyday shoe, Mary Janes prove that simple, stylish design never goes out of fashion.
Want to Learn More?
Check out the history of another iconic shoe, the Oxford, in our article: Oxford and Derby shoes: An Everlasting Classic, or take a look at our guide to caring for your Memery shoes so they last for years to come in our article: How to clean leather shoes and boots
Sources:
-
Shoes: An Illustrated History by Rebecca Shawcross
-
Tidens Mode by Anne-Grete Steckhahn
-
Vintage Fashion by Emma Baxter-Wright et al.
-
Vintage Shoes by Caroline Cox