What are Mary Jane shoes? They're flat ballerina shoes with a unique strap across the top. First advertised as children's footwear, the Mary Jane has now trod into numerous style categories for women and girls of all ages. These versatile low-heeled shoes come in basic black and colorful hues.
For many women, Mary Janes are the go-to for stylish work shoes and are perfect for situations where comfort comes first. Rothy's carries shoes you can wear at home or on an afternoon out and about. We have the best Mary Jane shoes for women who want versatile footwear and prefer to remain comfortable and beautiful in any situation.
You can wear them to work, ballet, or on a date — just switch up your wardrobe appropriately. This article discusses how to style The Square Mary Jane in every circumstance, plus reasons our style is the best.
Why Mary Jane's are a timeless closet staple!
The best women’s Mary Jane shoes are comfortable and form-fitting. Although our shoes are trendy and fashionable, we keep the wearer top of mind. Therefore, Rothy's Mary Jane shoes are machine-washable and have durable, elevated outsoles.
Rothy's Mary Janes are built from sustainable materials and designed to last.
Here are five reasons why Mary Jane's are a must-have, versatile shoes never go out of style.
1. Comfortable and form-fitting
The chic square toe gives your toes wiggle room while the slim, non-restricting strap keeps the shoe in place. The gorgeous silhouette streamlines your profile while boldly flashing an effortless style.
The best Mary Janes are easy to dress up or down, and the 3D knit shape provides a lightweight, flexible feel. Our iconic ballet flats are great for the office, but you can also walk in them all day. Best of all, there's no break-in period due to their flexible and breathable design.
2. Sustainable design
While designing The Square Mary Jane, Rothy's style and construction experts kept sustainability in mind. Rothy's uses recycled materials to build every pair of their versatile women's shoes, and you can keep them out of landfills by taking them to the nearest Rothy's retail store to be recycled. Our partners will repurpose them in a variety of ways. As a thank you, we'll give you a discount code for your next purchase.
3. Versatile style
Perhaps you're getting ready for a night on the town or headed to your favorite restaurant. We've got your feet covered in versatile style. Whether you're looking for the best Mary Jane walking shoes or want footwear you can slip into and stow away easily, the compact design of our Mary Janes results in a great fit.
Meet your friends or walk the dog without compromising style. Our Mary Jane flats are perfect for many occasions and are designed with a stylish rounded vamp and soft, flexible straps.
4. Durable construction
The best women’s Mary Jane shoes consist of made-to-last materials. We create quality products that withstand everyday wear and tear. Rothy's embraces durability, so you'll enjoy your favorite walking shoes for many years. Before releasing new products, we test them for color fastness, wear resistance, and strength. That's why our bags and shoes last longer.
Our testers flex each style several times to ensure it meets our high wear resistance standards. In all, there are 15 durability tests to give you confidence that your favorite shoe will stand up to your busy lifestyle.
5. Trendy and fashionable
Getting ready for work or play is easy with your favorite Mary Janes or other comfy, gorgeous Rothy’s shoes. These classic black ballet flats never goes out of style, while vivid patterns and colors give your feet a fashion-forward kick.
Mary Jane's are the Perfect Shoe For any Occasion
It's important to look good from head to toe, so here are some tips that can help you style the best Mary Janes.
How to Wear Mary Jane's to work
Mary Janes Shoes pair easily with dresses, and you can layer on a sweater for a more casual look or to stay warm in the office. Try these square-toe flats if you want to elevate your casual day. To add edge to your 9 to 5 outfit, add a structured jacket over a loose blouse and dress pants. Our Mary Jane flats also go well with mid-length skirts and dresses.
If you're going for a streamlined silhouette, coordinate Mary Janes with slacks. Wear flat-front slacks in navy or black for a professional look. You can wear cotton tees under jackets to enhance comfort without looking like you're trying too hard. Tunic tops also look great with slacks and provide ample coverage. Lightweight, smooth fabric also looks great and won’t wrinkle even if you sit too long at your desk.
Well-fitting Mary Janes keep your feet cool and comfortable while providing traction if you walk a lot at work or on your lunch break.
How to Wear Mary Jane's To a party
You can even wear Mary Janes with straight-leg jeans and a denim jacket to look casually cool at a party. Any type of top suitable for the occasion will also enhance the look of your favorite outfit. Trendy high-rise and classic mid-rise jeans in light or dark hues, from black to indigo, give you plenty of ways to dress up or down for a party.
Whether petite, plus size, or in between, corduroy pants paired with black Mary Janes create a dressy, retro look that might turn you into a fashion icon. Depending on the season, capri pants might be the right choice to pair with colorful Mary Janes. Capri pants come in numerous materials, sizes, and styles to suit your taste. For a chic vibe, choose black or gray capris or look for denim capris for casual get-togethers.
How to Wear Mary Jane's to a formal event
When you wish to look your best, decide whether you want Mary Janes with a pop of color or a tasteful pattern. To make your decision simple, you can always opt for Mary Janes in black, beige, or other neutral colors. This shoe goes with virtually anything, making it the right choice when transitioning from a casual to a formal event.
Whether you're going to dinner with the in-laws or to the opera, you’ll look great in trendy Mary Jane shoes. So, throw on a strappy dress or formal skirt and blouse and offset it with Mary Janes in a contrasting color to give your outfit a boost.
If you prefer to wear dress pants, consider wearing white, navy, or black pleated pants with straight or narrow legs to show off your Mary Jane flats.
How to Wear Mary Jane's to a casual date
Skinny jeans pair perfectly with Mary Jane shoes. They come in an array of washes, so you can choose a light or dark color for your casual date. Look for jeans with compression panels to give you a smooth, sleek silhouette. You can dress up the outfit with a nice necklace and top. Alternatively, you can tuck in your t-shirt or opt for a flowy tunic to achieve the right look for the right moment.
The best Mary Jane shoes go great with a maxi dress when you're going to your favorite late-night spot. They also look great when you're meeting your dream date and want to convey a confident, casual style.
How to Ensure Your Mary Janes Fit Just Right
Rothy’s shoes don't fit like your average shoe. That's because they're made from recycled plastic water bottles. Although they're flexible, they don't stretch much, making them more durable.
When you take your Rothy’s Mary Janes out of the box, they should fit immediately since they don't have a break-in period. If they feel a little tight, take out the insole to see what it would feel like if you went up half a size. The best Mary Jane shoes will hug your feet without pinching.
Mary Janes Should be Comfortable, Sustainable, and Stylish
Styling the Mary Jane comes down to pairing the right color or pattern with your casual or formal look. From date night to office attire, you’ll look fabulous in comfortable, beautiful shoes that enhance any silhouette.
Rothy’s creates durable, sustainable shoes and bags. The best Mary Jane shoes will reflect your style, make you feel fashionable, and provide comfort rather than hurt your feet, no matter how long you leave them on. With the help of the talented designers and stylists at Rothy’s, you can always look your best from head to toe.
Find your next pair of women's flats at Rothy’s today and take your outfits to the next level.
FAQs
Why do people like Rothy's? ›
Since Rothy's aren't made from leather, they're also a lot more breathable. They're much more comfortable to wear on hot days because they're lightweight and my feet can actually breathe. I've been wearing my Rothy's flats for a good few months now and I haven't needed a break-in period.
How do Rothy's Mary Janes fit? ›For The Mary Jane, most customers recommend going up half a size for narrow feet and a full size for wider feet. To find out more about how each of our shoes fit, visit our fit blog.
Why are Mary Jane shoes so popular? ›For women all over the world, Mary Jane is perhaps the first shoe we came across. Its simple design makes them a go-to choice for many parents when buying shoes for their children, and the instep design made it easy for children to move around.
What aesthetic wears Mary Janes? ›Preppy Style
Mary Janes have always been associated with the preppy look.
Again, you could try your favorite insole to give your arches a little boost. Personally, I can wear my Rothy's for shorter stints, but I wouldn't choose them for a day of shopping on hard sidewalks–too flat for my picky feet. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, this is probably not the shoe for you.
Can you wear Rothy's in the rain? ›Can I Wear Rothy's in the Rain? YES! Another thing I absolutely adore about Rothy's is that I can wear them in any kind of weather.
Should you size up Mary Janes? ›They do run a bit big so get a size smaller than you normally wear, however a good insole will do the trick.
Should you wear socks with Rothys? ›All of our styles were developed to be worn without socks. However, it is absolutely doable (and super cute) to wear socks if you'd like!
What are Mary Jane style shoes called? ›Mary Jane (also known as bar shoes or doll shoes) is an American term (formerly a registered trademark) for a closed, low-cut shoe with one or more straps across the instep.
Do girls still wear Mary Janes? ›First introduced around the early 1900s, the school girl-inspired design has remained relevant in the fashion zeitgeist for over a century. And more recently, the latest wave of Mary Jane outfits demonstrate just how timeless and versatile (not to mention, grown-up-approved) the shoe is.
Are Mary Jane shoes in style 2023? ›
This season's spring 2023 shoe trends offer an exciting assortment of both practical and minimalist to fashion-forward options, everything from Mary Jane pumps, embellished ballerina flats, sporty sneakers and a really great sandal assortment.
Are Mary Janes old fashioned? ›Mary Jane is an old-fashioned peanut butter- and molasses-flavored taffy-type candy. Originally made in 1914 by Robert O. Lord's candy manufacturing company, he named it after his favorite aunt.
Are Mary Janes on trend? ›Mary Janes Shoes Are a Must-Try Footwear Trend for Spring.
How to wear Mary Janes casually? ›Keep it casual.
Pair the shoes with jean shorts, a T-shirt, and a small shoulder bag for a laid-back look. For a chic day of errands and meetings, wear suede Mary Janes with skinny jeans, white socks, and a trench coat for a relaxed and stylish look.
There's no arch support
For anyone who needs a significant amount of arch support for their feet, these may not be the best shoe. While the sole has a lot of give, it isn't molded to ergonomically fit the foot.
Shoes which often make plantar fasciitis worse are flat slip on shoes or pumps. Ugg boots are also very bad. Flip flops are bad yet remain a popular choice of footwear for many people, particularly those that live in warmer climate.
Are Rothy's good for fat feet? ›With its chic square toe box, most customers go up half a size for narrow feet, and a full size for wider feet. With its chic square toe and rounded vamp, we recommend going up half a size for narrow feet and a full size for wider feet.
What famous people wear Rothys? ›After doing a little research, I discovered she wasn't the only celebrity who's been rocking Rothy's sustainable shoes; the brand has an A-list following, which includes the likes of Meghan Markle (who has worn its flats on repeat since 2018), Emma Roberts, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
How often should I wash my Rothys? ›Tip 1: Wash Your Rothy's Regularly
If you wear your Rothy's as often as we do, you're going to need to wash them as often as we do, too. Christine has to wash them once a month or so, but with all the running around that Jaymi does at work, she needs to wash them at least once a week.
However, you have to focus on value instead of price. Because Rothy's are so durable, they'll last longer than other flats. I probably would've bought 4 or 5 other pairs of “cheap” flats and actually spent more money. So, if you focus on value instead of price, you'll realize that Rothy's can actually SAVE you money.
Why is it called Mary Janes? ›
In 1904, bar shoes became known as Mary Janes when the Brown Shoe Company of Missouri named their bar shoes after the mischievous cartoon character Buster Brown and his sweetheart Mary Jane.
Do the French wear Mary Janes? ›The Parisian's winning, go-to combo of Mary Janes with straight-leg jeans. Just this week we've spotted a plethora of our favourite French influencers in the shoe style, which they have effortlessly paired with simple denim and a chic yet practical top (think white shirts, classic trenches and blazers).
When were Mary Janes popular? ›Mary Janes with heels started becoming particularly popular for women in the 19-teens and 1920's. They were all the rage amongst fashionable flappers.
Does Rothys stretch over time? ›According to the Rothys website, no. Your Rothys will not stretch out after being worn.
Are Rothys stylish? ›Both Rothy's and Tieks are stylish, high-quality shoes that are more comfortable and durable than an average pair of flats.
Can you wear Rothys to work? ›Wrapping up: Women's flats for work
Whether you're working from home and want a shoe that's more sophisticated than a slipper, or need a pair of business casual flats for work, Rothy's deliver.
Mary Janes are timeless and versatile shoes that you can pair with most looks. From jeans to pleated skirts to dresses, worn with tights or socks, there are so many choices available.
Were Mary Janes popular in the 50s? ›The creation of mary-janes in the early 1950s, aimed to fulfill the simple necessity for a formal and classy children's shoe. Although the shoe surpassed expectations by becoming a permanent item of the popular culture!
What do Mary Jane heels go with? ›With Skirts and Dresses
Mary Jane heels and flats go well with almost any type of mid-length skirts and dresses. You can also wear Mary Janes with maxi dresses for an on-trend look that works for summer and early fall.
Nothing thick or wooly, since they'll pucker in the space between the toe and the strap. If you need to wear something conservative and it MUST be neutral, go with textured trouser socks over plain white or black cotton socks.
Can I wear Mary Janes to a wedding? ›
Wearing Mary Jane shoes with dresses is the perfect outfit for smart occasions like parties and weddings, the shoes will keep you feeling comfortable thanks to the secure and adjustable strap. Look for a pair with a heel as this will give the appearance of a longer leg.
Do Mary Janes look good with pants? ›With this in mind, skinny and tailored jeans will look fantastic with Mary Jane shoes! Our Mary Janes at Rieker are available in a choice of chic colours, so whether you're looking to pair your shoes with light, dark, or stonewash denim, we're confident that there's a Mary Jane for you!
What is a Mary Jane slang? ›slang. Marijuana. Also: a marijuana cigarette.
What decade wore Mary Janes? ›Mary Janes shoes were popular all throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Many women love this style and more women choose them because they're practical due the strap across the instep that secures the shoes in place.
Why did boys wear Mary Janes? ›Many English kings chose to wear the silhouette in their head-to-toe portraits, and young boys used to wear Mary Janes as part of their school uniforms or church attire. Most notably, perhaps, John F. Kennedy, Jr. famously wore them at his father's funeral.
Do Mary Janes go with skinny jeans? ›Mary Janes with flares, bell-bottoms & wide leg jeans
Wedges look great with flares, bell-bottoms, wide-leg jeans and skinny jeans and pants.
Mary Jane flats have taken the fashion world by storm in recent years, winning over women everywhere with their timeless design and unbeatable comfort. 2023 trend reports show no signs of them losing their appeal, especially with the rise of 'balletcore,' a popular trend involving ballet-inspired fashion.
Who wore Mary Jane shoes? ›The humble Mary Jane, popularized in the '60s by Twiggy, is one footwear silhouette that always goes in and out of fashion.
Are Mary Janes good for summer? ›Stylist, practical, and oh-so adorable, Mary Janes are the perfect shoe to strut your stuff in this summer. From the signature style that dates back to the late 19th century to more modern interpretations of this timeless classic, a good pair of Mary Janes never goes out of fashion.
How ethical is Rothy's? ›Arguably, Rothy's has proven that it is an ethical company as it has so far removed over 25 million plastics from the environment and turned them into wearable shoes.
Why do people like chunky shoes? ›
So why are so many people choosing to wear big and bulky shoes, to the point of discomfort at times (count the blisters)? Maybe, it's the confidence thing. After all, a platform physically elevates you; the large silhouette takes up space. Nostalgia and edge, too, likely play their part in the appeal.
Do Rothy's drivers run small? ›The Driving Loafer has a snug fit. Most customers recommend going up half a size for maximum comfort. Knit with ultra-soft merino wool and Rothy's signature thread, The Merino Tassel Driving Loafer is designed for a snug, cozy fit. Most customers recommend going up half a size for maximum comfort.
Can you wear Rothy's without socks? ›All of our styles were developed to be worn without socks. However, it is absolutely doable (and super cute) to wear socks if you'd like!
What are the benefits of Rothy's? ›The soles of the Rothy's flats are made from a thin, flexible rubber that is also super light and flexible. (The shoes flatten out and take up nearly zero space, while retaining their shape). This means it's easy to pack an extra pair of flats in your bag while traveling, or to change into after the gym. Very handy!
What is Rothy's mission statement? ›We believe in doing things differently. At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. That's why we transform eco-friendly materials into wardrobe staples that look just as good as they feel.
What country are Rothy's made in? ›Since we own and operate our sustainable factory in Dongguan, China, only the Rothy's family—and no other manufacturers—touch our shoes during production.
How do shoes affect personality? ›Practical shoes = agreeable personality
To spot a more agreeable person, look for affordable and practical shoes. People wearing shoes with pointy toes, those that are obviously branded or expensive, mean the wearer is likely to be less agreeable. Anxiously attached people tend to wear shoes that look brand new.
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to wear oversized shoes. They might feel more comfortable if you have bunions, blisters, or swelling foot pain from walking. If they're for your child, you might be waiting for them to grow into new shoes. Or, they might be the only size available in a style you love.
What are the benefits of wearing hard shoes? ›- Protection against falling objects. ...
- Helps to prevent slips and falls. ...
- Helps posture and prevents muscle strain. ...
- Protection against the elements. ...
- Helps protect against electric shocks.
Issue: Rothy's are Too Loose
Prints typically run larger and solids run smaller. If it feels like your foot is moving around in your shoe, here are a few options to fixing a loose-fitting Rothy's shoe. Exchange your shoes for a smaller size.
Do Rothy's run narrow or wide? ›
Final Verdict: Rothy's run slightly narrow but have a lot of give, so purchase your usual size. If your feet are very narrow, especially through the toes, The Flat may not be the best choice for you.
Do Rothy's shoes stretch? ›Rothy's sneakers will typically not stretch over time, so it's crucial to buy a pair that fits you correctly. The Original Slip On Sneaker is designed to fit true to size, but if you prefer a roomier fit with your shoes, you can also go a half size up.
Do your feet sweat in Rothys? ›I wear them for approximately ten hours per day, five days per week (at work) and haven't had any problems yet. Oh, and here's a little pro tip: put the socks on the insert rather than on your feet, so they don't get sweaty.