The Best Mary Jane Shoes — From Ballet Flats To Platform Heels

Let’s hear it for the humble Mary Jane — dare we say, the most versatile shoe style out there? Are you a chunky platform girlie or do you prefer something soft, sleek and feminine? Do you like to rise to stacked heights or stand comfortably in a ballet pump style? Either way, you’re covered. She’s preppy, she’s Parisian, she’s even kinda punky when styled a certain way. From '60s mods to '90s grunge, cutesy coquette to office siren aesthetics, it's no wonder the trend comes around so often.

In 2024 there’s no one way to step into this strappy trend so we’ve rounded up the very best Mary Janes out there. Unsurprisingly for a trend so deeply rooted in Parisian style and closely related to the ballet flat, French brands Rouje, Repetto, Carel and Jonak are our go-to's for classic patent iterations in classic shades of black, white and red. But the UK and the US are giving the French a run for their money with some of the most exciting and unique Mary Janes we’ve found. Look to Charles & Keith for Bratz-style mega-platforms and Reformation for party-ready metallics and diamanté buckles.

Likewise, don't be afraid to experiment with colour. Accessories like this are the perfect — and more non-committal — way to dip your toes into some of the year's top trending shades (pun intended). So, mellow butter yellow, zingy brat green, and soft peach fuzz.

Click through for our selection.

Ballet flats have also cemented their return and status as a must-have fashion 2024 item. It’s no surprise why. They offer everything you could want from a pair of shoes: style and substance, with all-day comfort and total versatility, depending on which material you opt for. So, shiny, patent leather for the office, ballerina-core satin and molten metallics for parties and weddings; airy mesh for summer heat, and fuzzy suede or classic tweed for the autumn. It’s all about the details too. From delicate bows to punky metal studs, there are endless ways to amp up the classic Mary Jane ballerina and step out of the (shoe) box.

The appeal of preppy attire is never lost on us come autumn (new school year, new me energy), which is why a heeled Mary Jane — also often called a Mary Jane pump — will always be a wardrobe staple. 2024 has offered us plenty of twists on the classic silhouette though. Push the boundaries with stacked heels and statement straps.

Compared to a standard pump, Mary Jane platforms offer more height and more of a statement. Think seriously chunky soles and sky-high heels made for strutting — main character energy? Check. Not the least, because these are also way easier to walk in, even for the passionate heel-haters amongst us.

Arguably the pattern of 2024, it’s not surprising that leopard print has now encroached on our footwear. A pair of leopard Mary Janes is the easiest way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe, and it’s perfectly suited to all your autumnal earthy tones and burgundy reds.

It was time this classically feminine footwear got some edge. Punk up your Mary Janes with studs, spikes, buckles and bling aplenty.