If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be wearing Mary Jane trainers, I would’ve laughed in your face. What do you mean we’re merging a ballet flat with a trainer? Pick a side. It felt a little too Frankenstein for my liking – somewhere in the same family as the snoafer (sneaker-loafer – which, I’ll be honest, I still find slightly polarising and borderline offensive). Ballet flats, I can make some sense of; they marry softness with structure, femininity with a little bit of ease, and slip seamlessly into most wardrobes.
However, I arrived firmly in the Mary Jane trainer camp when I travelled to Tokyo, arguably one of the most stylish cities in the world, and saw how the Japanese were styling them. Suddenly, it clicked; they were miles ahead. Girls were pairing double-strapped pumps with oversized tailoring, lace socks, and slouchy denim. Queues wrapped around blocks at Onitsuka Tigerstores. The silver Mexico 66s, especially, were inescapable.
And just like that, I was a convert. The MJT became my new ballet flat. If you’re even mildly into trainers, chances are you’ve already picked your team. If not, below are the five defining styles.
M&S Suede Mary Janes
And, of course, the high street has answered. If you want the look without the resale hunt or designer price tag, M&S offers a suede Mary Jane that slots seamlessly into everyday dressing. If you’re after ease, this is the version of the trend translated into real life. Team with your tailored trousers and a structured tote. Consider it the practical Cinderella option: the perfect fit.
©@marksandspencerstyle/@racheljones_stylist
Onitsuka Tiger’s Mary Jane
If we’re talking about the origin point of the current obsession, it’s here. Onitsuka Tiger’s Mary Jane version, rooted in the Mexico 66 silhouette, has become a cult favourite. They’ve ranked among the best-selling new models on resale platforms, and in cities like Tokyo and Seoul, they feel almost standard issue. The shape is slim, low to the ground, and slightly retro. Black and silver are the most popular, but the yellow version nods to Kill Bill and is instantly recognisable. This is the pick for the girl who understands proportion. She’ll wear them with wide trousers that skim the floor or with a midi skirt and crisp socks.
©@sophieyuanlin
Adidas Samba Janes
After the 2023 Samba boom (as I like to call it), the trainer was never going to disappear – just evolve. In fact, last year it became Adidas’ best-selling new model of the year on StockX. The Samba Jane keeps the familiar gum sole and football DNA but is tidied with a wide strap across the foot. Red, white, and black colourways lead, keeping it grounded in the original sportswear legacy. This pair is for the girl who has already built her wardrobe around Sambas and Gazelles and is chronically online. Think boxer shorts and a blazer, bias skirt and baby tee.
©@luciadeluis
Puma Speedcat Mary Janes
The Speedcat was originally designed with motorsport in mind, which explains its elongated, almost aerodynamic profile. As a Mary Jane, it feels even more directional. The low, narrow silhouette is closer to a ballet slipper than a chunky trainer – especially in soft pink shades. First teased on the runway at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS ‘25, it quickly signalled that this wasn’t just a fleeting trend – fashion was backing it, too. This is for the minimalist who doesn’t do obvious. Just like on the runway, pair with long coats, clean lines, and slick hair.
©@conniects
Nike Air Rift
Technically, Nike did it first: the Air Rift, with its split toe and strap fastening, was the original hybrid. The tabi-inspired silhouette still feels slightly radical, even decades later. According to StockX, sales have climbed year on year, and the recent collaboration with Skims has only amplified its cult status. It carries heavy ’90s energy – Sarah Jessica Parker even has a few pairs. Nostalgic dressers stand up! The girl who references old editorials, loves something controversial, and doesn’t need universal approval – this has your name all over it.
©@elliqa
Renee Washington, Grazia’s digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.
Main Image Credit: @conniects @racheljones_stylist
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