Almost Sneakers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Detest This New Hybrid Footwear Trend
It’s difficult to remember a time when unusual sneaker trends, such as ballet sneakers and loafer sneakers, weren't widely accepted. Today, these styles are undeniably mainstream, with sporty hybrid footwear becoming ubiquitous. The latest trend making waves? Mary Jane sneakers. Blending French-girl elegance with athletic design, Mary Jane sneakers are surprisingly less outrageous than their name implies and have already caught the attention of fashion influencers. For instance, Dua Lipa showcased her Puma ambassadorship by testing out the brand's new Speedcat Ballet Flat during her Radical Optimism World Tour in Australia.
Although this style is relatively new, fashion's inclination for eclectic footwear has become familiar to us. Mary Jane sneakers certainly fit into this realm, as evidenced by a significant increase in searches for them over the past year, and it’s clear that this trend is gaining traction. Miu Miu played a pivotal role in popularizing this style with its Tyre range. These sneakers, featuring a technical design that still offers the comfort of a ballet flat, included an elastic strap for a snug fit. The launch of the ivory and cloud grey color options coincided perfectly with market demand, quickly selling out after their release. The combination of padded fabric and a suede toe naturally complemented the retro and contrast sneaker styles from previous seasons, highlighting our desire for unconventional footwear.
The blend of functionality and delicacy captures the charm of Mary Jane sneakers, and with the rise of the blokette aesthetic and balletcore trend, now seems like an ideal time for them to thrive. Major brands are also backing this trend, with offerings from Zara and Mango, as well as athletic versions from Vans, Nike, and Salomon. Adidas is set to join the fray, with a Mary Jane samba in the works. In the meantime, various styles are available from brands like Wales Bonner, Cecilie Bahnsen, and Marni. Discover the best Mary Jane sneakers below.
Shop the Mary Jane Sneaker Trend
**PUMA**
*Speedcat Ballet Metallic Women's Shoes*
Available in four styles, including metallic leather and pink suede.
**Salomon**
*Gender Inclusive Rx Marie-Jeanne Sneaker*
These sneakers feature a buckle instead of traditional Velcro.
**ZARA**
*Satin Effect Stitched Ballet Flats*
I'm in love with this satin Velcro option.
**Free People**
*Ash Rolls Sneakers*
If you're a fan of the Asics Gel-Kayano 14, you'll love this design.
**ZARA**
*Leather Ballet Flats With Elastic Straps*
The espresso leather looks incredibly luxurious.
**Charles & Keith**
*Metallic Curved Platform Mary Jane Sneakers*
This style fuses elements of a chunky loafer and a Mary Jane sneaker.
**Miu Miu**
*Tyre Technical Fabric and Suede Ballerinas*
I would pair these with a cargo skirt and a knitted balaclava.
**Charles & Keith**
*Mesh Contrast-Panel Mary Jane Sneakers*
A solid alternative to the Miu Miu version.
**ZARA**
*Sporty Ballet Flats With Bow*
Add these to your wishlist. The curved soles draw inspiration from the Mallorca mountains.
**Mm6 Maison Margiela X Salomon**
*Xt-Mary J Sneakers*
These are perfect for a Tabi girl seeking the ideal Mary Jane.
**Marni**
*Black Pablo Mary Jane Ballerina Flats*
This leather and rubber design exemplifies Marni's unique approach to fashion.
**ZARA**
*Patent Double Strap Ballet Flats*
These have a remarkably sleek silhouette.
**Free People**
*Vans Mary Janes*
The epitome of "He was a punk, she did ballet."
**NIKE**
*Air Rift Suede Low-Top Trainers*
Iris Law has a pair that looks very similar.
**Cecilie Bahnsen**
*Aria Sneakers*
A charming follow-up to Cecilie Bahnsen's standout Asics GT 2160 Mary Jane sneaker.
**Wales Bonner**
*Wales Bonner Logo-Embossed Sneakers*
If Wales Bonner brings the same success to the Mary Jane sneaker trend as she did for the Sambas, this style will be a hit.
**ZARA**
*Sporty Ballet Flats With Bow*
I really like the bow detail on this pair.
**MANGO**
*Cross-Sport Ballet Flats*
If you're a fan of the crisscross Alaïa style, these will surely appeal to you.
This article first appeared on Who What Wear UK.
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Almost Sneakers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Detest This New Hybrid Footwear Trend
Mary Jane sneakers are the trendy hybrid footwear favored by celebrities and fashion icons. Explore both designer selections and popular high-street choices available for these viral shoes here.
