From comfortable Mary Jane flats we’ve actually tested to velvet, chunky, and designer styles, these are the shoes we’re reaching for this fall.
Mary Jane shoes aren’t going anywhere for fall 2026. The classic strapped silhouette has evolved far beyond the traditional schoolgirl flat, with everything from sleek patent leather and rich velvet to chunky T-bars and sneaker-inspired versions making their way into the mix.
The appeal is pretty simple: Mary Janes are easy to wear, instantly make an outfit feel more pulled together and work just as well with jeans as they do with skirts, dresses and fall tights.
We narrowed down some of our favourite Mary Jane shoes for fall 2026 at a range of price points, including three pairs the SKELETON team has personally worn and tested. So, while a few of these are firmly on our wishlist, we can actually vouch for the style and comfort of the first three.
Geox Azlea Ballet Flats
Best classic Mary Jane flat
If you want a Mary Jane that feels polished without trying too hard, the Geox Azlea is an easy place to start.
The black patent leather, square toe and single strap keep the silhouette classic, while the low block heel gives it a slightly more elevated look than a completely flat ballet shoe. It’s the kind of pair that works with straight-leg denim and a sweater during the day but can just as easily be worn with a mini dress and tights at night.
This is also one of the pairs our team has personally tested, and we can confirm that it delivers on both style and comfort — something that isn’t always a given when it comes to dressier flats.
SKELETON tested: Yes.
Geox Kalidine Mary Jane Shoes
Best heeled Mary Jane
For a little more height, the Geox Kalidine takes the Mary Jane silhouette in a dressier direction.
The square toe, double straps and low block heel give it a more polished, structured feel while still keeping the heel manageable. In black, it’s an easy alternative to a classic pump and works especially well with tailored trousers, skirts and fall dresses.
We’ve also tested the Kalidine ourselves and found it comfortable enough to actually wear beyond the obligatory outfit photo — a major win for anyone who likes the look of heels but doesn’t want to spend an evening thinking about their feet.
SKELETON tested: Yes.
Reebok Ultra Lo Mary Jane Shoes
Best Mary Jane sneaker
One of the most interesting versions of the trend this year isn’t really a flat at all.
The Reebok Ultra Lo Mary Jane combines the low-profile shape of a retro sneaker with the signature strap of a Mary Jane, creating a sporty alternative for anyone who isn’t completely sold on ballet flats.
The black-and-white colourway makes them incredibly easy to style, especially with relaxed denim, wide-leg trousers or a mini skirt and oversized jacket.
Our team has worn these too, and they’re easily one of the most comfortable ways to get the Mary Jane look. If you’re usually a sneaker person, start here.
SKELETON tested: Yes.
Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flat in Mink Brown Velvet
Best velvet Mary Jane
Black Mary Janes might be the classic, but fall is the perfect excuse to introduce a little colour and texture.
The Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flat in Mink Brown Velvet checks both boxes.
The rich brown shade feels especially right for fall 2026, while velvet gives the otherwise simple silhouette a softer, slightly more luxurious finish. Pair them with cream trousers, dark denim, a mini skirt or basically anything else already living in your fall wardrobe.
If you’ve been leaning into chocolate brown this season, these make a very convincing case for taking the colour all the way down to your shoes.
Dr. Martens Elphie Mary Jane
Best edgy Mary Jane
Mary Janes don’t have to be sweet.
The Dr. Martens Elphie Mary Jane takes the familiar silhouette and gives it a distinctly tougher finish with black waxed leather, an adjustable Western-inspired buckle and Dr. Martens detailing.
The sharper shape makes this one especially good if traditional ballet flats feel a little too delicate for your style. Wear them with loose denim, leather, an oversized blazer or a mini skirt and socks for a fall look that feels more downtown than prep school.
It’s still recognizably a Mary Jane — just with significantly more attitude.
H&M Perforated Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Best affordable Mary Jane
You don’t need to spend hundreds to try the trend.
The H&M Perforated Mary Jane Ballet Flats offer a lightweight take on the look with a rounded toe, adjustable strap and perforated finish.
They’re also noticeably more minimal than some of the chunkier Mary Janes on this list, which makes them easy to work into an existing wardrobe.
Style them with loose jeans and a fitted cardigan, a midi skirt or ankle socks and a mini for an inexpensive way to experiment with the silhouette before committing to a more investment-worthy pair.
Call It Spring Prepp T-Bar Mary Janes
Best chunky Mary Jane
If the ultra-delicate Mary Jane isn’t your thing, the Call It Spring Prepp goes in the opposite direction.
The T-bar design, square toe, oversized buckle and block heel give the shoe a chunkier, more modern shape while still keeping the defining elements of a Mary Jane.
It’s also made with vegan materials and features Call It Spring’s cushioned B.E.D Foam insole. Since we haven’t personally tested this pair, we can’t speak to the comfort ourselves, but the added cushioning is a welcome detail in a shoe designed to be worn beyond special occasions.
We’d pair these with tights and a mini skirt or use them to add some weight to a softer fall dress.
Miu Miu Black Mary Jane Heels
Best luxury Mary Jane
And then there’s the splurge.
The Miu Miu Black Mary Jane Heels take the nostalgic shoe and make it unmistakably designer.
Made in Italy from black calfskin, the pair features a delicate bow at the front, a slim Mary Jane strap and a low covered block heel. They’re feminine without feeling overly precious and exactly the kind of shoe that could make even a simple black dress or pair of jeans feel intentional.
At the luxury end of the spectrum, there are plenty of Mary Janes to choose from, but this is the pair currently sitting at the top of our wishlist.
Are Mary Jane Shoes Still in Style for Fall 2026?
Yes — and the variety of Mary Jane shoes available right now might be the best argument for why the silhouette has lasted.
Instead of one specific version dominating, there are classic Mary Jane flats, low heels, T-bars, velvet styles, chunky soles and even Mary Jane sneakers to choose from. That makes the trend surprisingly easy to adapt to your personal style.
For fall, we especially love them with straight or wide-leg jeans, pleated skirts, mini dresses, ankle socks and sheer tights. And if you’re only buying one pair, a black Mary Jane is probably the easiest place to start.
The only difficult part is choosing which version.
Want more? Check out our Fall Fashion Trends for 2026.
