Mary Jane Shoes

Mary Jane shoes are the name of a type of low heeled strap shoe or sandal. They are characterised by the single buckle strap across the instep or around the ankle. Although usually made from black leather, nowadays they are so popular that manufacturers have produced a far wider range of designs and colors.

Years ago they were considered children’s shoes, however they are now accepted as a stylish women’s shoe. Variations of the old design now include Mary Jane shoes with high heels and platforms, colors from green to pink, and materials from leather to suede. With such a diverse range  available, you are sure to find a pair which matches your own individual taste and style.

Well known designers have also produced their own range of Mary Jane Shoes. Some of the top manufacturers include:

• Skechers
• Doc Martens
• Dansko
• Ecco
• Ryka

Where To Buy Mary Jane Shoes

With the re emergence of the Mary Jane shoe as a fashionable footwear style, a large number of retailers are now stocking both classic and modern designs. With this comes an even wider range of prices, and you can pick up a pair from as little as thirty dollars right through to several hundred dollars.

Nextag are a huge online price comparison site, and as such they will display a large range of different Mary Jane shoes of all designs colors and styles. However I find the user interface a bit dull, and you often have to wade through dozens of similar looking boring styles to find something that you like. If you are looking for a classic looking Mary Jane shoe or are on a tight budget then this is a good site, but for those seeking a more stylish take on our favourite classic, it is best to hunt for smaller more specialised online stores.

Shopstyle has a far more modern range on offer, and I found some really cute pairs here. There really was a choice of everything from high heels, animal prints, through to the more classic looks. Shopstyle is definitely a site I would recommend if you are looking for more modern designs.

Bizrate is a massive online store which is very similar to Nextag, and has the same advantages and disadvantages. There is lots of duplication here with Nextag, but it is still worth a look if you are on the hunt for a bargain.

Although having much less choice and variety, smaller online stores such as http://www.maryjaneshoestore.com/ and http://www.extremefootwear.com/ have some really nice pairs and are worth a look if you want to buy something a bit more unique.

Modern Mary Jane Shoes

Some of the more popular adaptations of the original Mary Jane shoes include the following:

• Heels or flats
• Everything from square and round toe to pointed and open toe
• Metallic shades
• Extra straps, or straps of different thicknesses
• Animal Prints
• Sling backs

Other Mary Jane Shoes Resources

Have a look at the video below for a closer look at a modern adaptation. Check their other videos at youtube for even more designs, including great product descriptions.