Mary Jane Shoes

Every shoe has its own fit story, so available sizes can vary from one design to another.

The size selector on the product page always displays the sizes currently available for that specific pair. As for heel height, think of it as measuring from the ground to the highest point at the back of the heel. Giving you the true height you'll be wearing. 

Styling notes

Office: block heel with tailored trousers or a midi skirt. The closed toe keeps it acceptable in offices where an open sandal would not be.

Everyday and college: flats with straight leg jeans or a kurta. This is where a square toe earns its keep.

Evening and occasion: platform or slingback with a saree, a slip dress, or wide leg trousers. A red pair against an all black outfit is the simplest way to give an outfit one focal point.

Fit and sizing

Whether a Mary Jane fits correctly depends on two factors: length and where the strap sits across your instep. Most size guides focus only on the first factor.

Length. Our shoes generally run a bit small. Over the past three months, four out of five customers who exchanged their shoes opted for a larger size rather than a smaller one. If you are between sizes, choose the larger size. Platform styles tend to run the smallest, so sizing up is recommended for them. Flats and block heels run less small than the platforms, but they still run small: about seven in ten exchanges on those styles were customers going up. This guidance covers our closed-heel styles. Slingbacks fit differently, so check that product page before sizing up. 

Strap. This is where people often encounter issues. If you have a high instep, the strap may feel too tight relative to the shoe's length; simply sizing up doesn't always solve this, as the strap's position shifts higher as the shoe size increases. This is where adjustability comes in handy. With our buckle styles, you can adjust the strap for a comfortable fit. Styles with elastic straps, rather than buckles, stretch instead of adjusting, making them better suited for lower insteps.

If you aren't sure, let us know your usual size and the specific pair you are considering, and we can tell you how that particular style fits.

Common questions

Are block heels Mary Janes comfortable for a full day? More comfortable than a stiletto of the same height, yes. The wide base and the instep strap do most of the work. Whether you manage a full day depends on the heel height and your own feet more than on the style itself. 

What is the difference between a Mary Jane and a slingback Mary Jane? A standard Mary Jane has a closed heel cup. A slingback replaces it with a thin strap around the back of the heel. Slingbacks run cooler and are easier to fit on a narrow heel.

Which colour should I buy first? Black if you want one pair that goes with everything. Nude if most of your wardrobe is already dark. Red once you own the other two.