It’s giving nostalgic, schoolgirl/school shoe days—but not without practical, long-lasting comfort
The timeless Mary Jane shoe has been making a fashion comeback in Manila and around the world.
It’s giving nostalgic, schoolgirl/school shoe days but not without that practical and long-lasting comfort, with a strap that keeps your foot securely in place.
Dress your outfits up or down with spring’s must-have shoes. Go edgy and emulate that schoolgirl chic with a pair of white ankle socks. A pair can complement vintage-inspired ensembles like a 1970s-style statement dress or a chic skirt. A casual blue jeans and white T-shirt ensemble is a surefire way to style a pair.
In Manila, local shoemakers have embraced the reviving trend, with locally made Mary Janes that put a stylish strut in your step.
1. GVN
GVN offers the Agnes Mary Janes (₱2,450), featuring a classic silhouette adorned with ribbons, to add a girlish flair to your ‘fit. Their shoes are thoughtfully made with vegan leather and feature a square toe instead of a rounded one. You get some elevation too, with a one-inch block heel.
2. Marquina Shoemaker
Marquina Shoemaker’s Mary Jane Flats (₱5,490) kick it back old school with a closed, low-cut design and a single strap. Known for their sturdy and durable craftsmanship in Manila, this pair has the shoemaker’s signature memory foam insole, making it comfortable to walk in after a few days of breaking in the shoe.
3. Andante
Mary Jane Flat in White (₱3,090) boasts a sleek, preppy design. The flats feature arch support and are handmade from soft, silky, full-grain, genuine cow leather, making it easily mold to the feet (while being fair trade). Not obvious at a glance, the shoe features a velcro strap for the practical girlie-on-the-go.
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4. Hey Maria
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This relatively new shoe brand in Manila is all about suede Mary Janes. Each shoe of Hey Maria is based on retro hit songs, like “Walking on Sunshine” and “Dancing in the Dark.” The shoes, all priced at ₱2,799, come in vibrant shades like blue with pink lining, orange with blue lining, and black with cream details.
5. Ro
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Ro puts a twist on the traditional Mary Jane style with their revised cut featuring a sizeable body, buckle, and strap. The colors showcase mid-century or vintage design with moss green, chestnut brown, and off-white colorways.
6. Renegade Folk
Renegade Folk is known for its soft insoles and comfy wear. Their Lolita Mary Jane flats feature a longer toe box or front portion of the shoe. These come in a variety of colors from olive, nude, sparkling silver, and ecru.
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