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To us, this time of year always feels a bit like a game of "I Spy." Not just because we're keeping our eyes peeled for the first new buds of spring flowers (c'mon, tulips! We're rooting for you!), but because as heavy winter coats finally begin to shed, we're on the lookout for some long-overdue street style inspo. After hibernating all winter, we're eager to try some chic new looks...but after months of prioritizing comfort over style, we're not quite ready to give up on the ease of supportive sneakers just yet. Enter: the perfect trend for our times, the Mary Jane sneaker.
It's not uncommon to see a multitude of Mary Jane hybrids out and about these days. Blame it on the timeless look of a true MJ, but this silhouette seems more apt for adaptation than most. Dating as far back as 2021, we've seen hybrids crossed with espadrilles, loafers, and even another podiatrist-approved shoe, the clog. But we took particular note of the Mary Jane sneaker trend, in part because of the other universally recognized sign of spring: travel. When you're booking that flight to a faraway spot, you're probably not thinking too much about foot health—but you should be. Warm weather and walkable cities mean that, to get the very most out of your trip, you need to be comfy on your feet for days at a time. (No small task, especially when you're trying to look Instagram-worthy in all your vacay pictures.)
So it's no surprise that Mary Jane sneakers are quickly rising to the top of our shopping list. Whether your style skews more outdoorsy and avant-garde, or you're looking for something with the sophistication of a classic Mary Jane but the walkability of a well-cushioned trainer, we've rounded up 11 options that will take you from the first blooms of the season all the way through to summer vacation snaps—with a spring in your step.
MARNI Grey Leather Mary Jane Sneakers
$873
Leave it to MARNI to give us the cool-girl take on this trend. The brand's luxe Nappa leather mary janes feature an oversized ankle strap, ultra-chunky rubber soles, and a coordinating toe-cap effect for added impact. The result reminds us of something an impossibly chic cartoon character would wear...which, given our love for playful styling in spring, arrives right on time.
VANS Premium Mary Jane Pearlized Shoe
$120
If you thought mary janes couldn't skew "edgy," think again. Vans' take on the trend goes back to their 90s skater roots with a slimline silhouette sprinkled with pearlized studs. The infinite styling options aren't the *only* reason you'll want to wear them day after day—they're also equipped with soft foam insoles for easy week-long wear. Be sure to check out their white colorway, with ivory pearlized details, for an even breezier spring look.
Loeffler Randall Cooper Red Mary Jane Sneaker
$195
If you're not having fun while you're wearing these, you're just not trying hard enough. These poppy-red mary janes modernize a classic shape by squaring off the toe and giving a more angular look to the sneaker sole. Voila: French girl vibes in an instant.
CAMPER Karst Multicolor Recycled PET Shoe
$170
More metallics, please. Camper is known for being comfort-conscious, and this style doesn't disappoint. The springy, ergonomically designed sole is finished in reflective silver, making for a comfy-cool silhouette that reviewers say they love to wear all day long. Plus, it's made from 30% recycled components.
GANNI Black Performance Mary Jane Sneakers
$445
This pair has tons of texture, pairing canvas, faux leather, and even a nylon taffeta lining. We especially like how the treaded Vibram sole splits at the arch of the foot, echoing more classic mary jane styling while infusing it with an edgy, athletic feel. A thoughtful loop tab makes for quick pull-on-and-go style.
PUMA Mostro Fey Launch Sneaker
$110
Drawing from vintage surf shoes, this sleek-yet-spiky mary jane sneaker is lightweight and endlessly wearable. The unique shape makes it feel like it's always in motion, thanks to its slightly off-kilter silhouette and angled strap. It's a bestseller for the brand, and even comes in a super-saturated shade of deep amethyst purple for those who prefer a bolder spring hue.
TWOOBS The Sneaky Jane
$189
Eco-friendly Aussie brand TWOOBS brings it home with their celery-green "Sneaky Jane"—brilliantly named, if we do say so ourselves. They boast a high-performance insole, and an outsole made from sugarcane, making them more sustainable. They're especially well-suited for travel, but don't take our word for it—just ask the reviewers who swear by these shoes for international sightseeing trips.
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