This classic, patent leather, shoe secured by one or more straps over the instep and fastened with a buckle or button, first appeared in the early 19th century. Appropriate for school, ceremonies, weddings, and more, the Mary Jane shoe style is a common favorite of many different cultures. Historical documents do show that this style has been worn by men but for the most part Mary Jane’s, for many people, are a symbol of girlhood.
In the beginning, this style shoe was flat with a rounded toe and made of patent leather. As time has passed, Mary Jane’s have evolved into an abundance of different shapes, sizes, and colors. The key feature of this shoe that differentiates it from any other type of shoe is the one or more straps across the instep. This shoe has become a timeless classic for children’s fashions.
Classic, stylish yet able to adapt to formal wear, Mary Jane’s have maintained their popularity for decades. Here at Houser Shoes our choices of the Mary Jane style shoe is plentiful. From the basic style of Cobb Hill, Orthoheel and Clarks of England, to a more formal style Alegria, Bernie Mev’s and Danskos, when it comes to Mary Jane, at Houser Shoes we know the way!
