A Classic Turns Athletic with the Newest Iteration of the Mary Jane

The Boston Uniform has seen its newest switch-up, and though it may feel minor, it’s adding a uniqueness we don’t always see in fashion. The Mary Jane has long been a staple of both the fashion elite and the everyday business casual wearer.

It is a classic, sleek shoe you can find on the racks of  Nordstrom, Macy’s, or any big department store, but the newest iterations of the Mary Jane venture across to a very different kind of footwear: athletics. Onitsuka, Vans, and Puma have all unveiled ballet flat–esque athletic Mary Janes. With flatter soles, athletic materials, and traditional sneaker-style designs, the new style of the Mary Jane strays from its traditional sleek-formed sister.

The classic Mary Jane is defined by its closed, rounded toe and dainty strap across the instep. Traditional forms are often found in leather, with glossy coats and feminine or neutral-toned colors.

Depop’s September trending searches included the return of “Contemporary Classics” in the shoe category, signaling a return to the conventional silhouette of the Mary Jane. While sneakers also saw a rise in search, the newest styles of Mary Janes combine these two. It's no wonder Who What Wear named it “2025's Most In-Demand Shoe Trend.”

The popularity of these shoes in the market provides shoppers with a range of options at various price points. The “2025 Patou x Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Mary Jane Shoes” in silver are arguably one of the most recognizable of the new trend, retailing at $205. Free People’s “Ash Rolls Sneakers,” whose design combines the popular silver sneaker with the silhouette of a Mary Jane, comes in at $228. On the highest end, designer brands like Miu Miu retail their designs for upwards of $1,000.

Higher-end brands aren’t the only ones pushing these styles. Department store brands like Zara—and even traditional shoe brands like Adidas—have adopted the shoe as part of their fall campaigns. Vans added their take on the trend with the “Premium Mary Jane Super Lowpro Shoe” at $120. Meanwhile, Adidas announced the release of the “Samba Jane Shoe.” Just like the name suggests, it blends the ever-popular Samba with a Mary Jane design, creating the sneaker look that’s dominating this season.

These new styles challenge the boundaries between athletic and grandmotherly styles in the shoe department. Vans’ take on the shoe leans toward the latter, yet somehow it doesn’t seem out of touch with fall styles. Brands like Onitsuka use stitching accents to bring together the traditional femininity of the Mary Jane with its newfound spot in the sneaker department. The shoe’s domination from department stores to designer markets indicates one thing: whether you love it or hate it, the combo sneaker-flat trend appears to be here to stay.