Most Comfortable Mary Jane Shoes for Women Over 50
Mary Janes have come a long way from the shoes we wore as kids. These days, they’re a popular shoe choice, which makes them a great option for women who want shoes that are both stylish and comfy. They’re a great alternative to sneakers and work well with everything from jeans to dresses. Let’s take a look at some Mary Jane options that keep your feet happy all day long!
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How to Wear Mary Janes for Women Over 50
I got a new pair of the same style of Mary Jane shoes for school each September for more years of my youth than I care to remember. My wide feet made anything else impractical. One year, they were red, the next black, then they were navy, followed by brown…you get the idea. It was painfully boring, so once I grew into my wide feet, I went in search of interesting shoes and never looked back.
When Mary Janes re-emerged as a popular shoe trend last year, I decided to give them a try. I hadn’t worn a pair since I was a child and worried they would look silly on me. I found them to be surprisingly comfortable, fun, and quite versatile.
I’ve found that the best way to wear these shoes at this stage of life is to keep the rest of your outfit’s details simple. I’d steer clear of overly “sweet” outfits, like floral dresses or ruffled skirts, as they can feel a little too precious.
Most Comfortable Mary Janes for Older Feet
These were my first pair of Mary Janes as an adult, and they did not disappoint. The cushioned insole makes them comfortable enough to wear all day. They come in a wide variety of colors and materials, from tweed to metallic to velvet. Most styles are available in sizes 5-12, with a few select colors offering sizes from 4-14.
It wouldn’t be a comfy shoe list without mentioning at least one pair from Vionic. These Vionic Mary Janes are made with their signature arch support, so they’re great for long days on your feet. They come in narrow, medium, and wide sizes so that you can get the right fit, and the velcro strap makes them super easy to slip on and off.
I love the subtle croc texture and shine of these Cole Haan Mary Jane flats. They’re also available in black patent and a pretty textured gold in sizes 5-11.
I’ve been a Rothy’s fan for years. Their shoes are machine-washable (my favorite feature), but they’re also super durable because they’re made from recycled plastic. Their website says, “So comfortable, you’ll think you’re just wearing socks,” and I couldn’t agree more.
When I started looking at their Mary Jane styles, I couldn’t decide between two options. I ended up going with “The Square” in black, which has a slightly rounded toe, but I also really love the more squared-off style of “The Max.” Both are available in sizes 5-13.
Dansko shoes are known for being incredibly comfy, and this Fawna Mary Jane gets excellent feedback! Reviews mention they’re comfortable right out of the box, thanks to a sturdy sole and a removable molded EVA footbed that provides plenty of arch support. Perfect for all-day wear, these shoes are available in sizes 5-13 in medium and wide widths.
Last but not least, I wanted to share these from Naturalizer. They have a great classic shape that can be dressed up easily with a trouser, skirt, or dress. They’re available in 5-12 Medium and 6-11 Wide.
MORE MARY JANES
I’m noticing the trend in Mary Janes this year is for a longer toe box that extends over the top of the foot more. They look less like a ballet flat with a strap and have a more substantial feel on the foot. That means they also bypass my bunion, which is a plus for my older feet.
How do you feel about Mary Janes? Will you be giving them a try this year?
I really like mary janes. Rothy’s are not supportive! Try Vivaia, they are much more supportive and have padding in the food and around the heel. You will love em. I have a pair of Vivia boots and when they came I put them on…no break in period, just perfect.
Yes I really want to buy a couple pairs of these Mary Janes. As they really fit my feet nicely.
I have some Empress wide toe. I love them
I just can’t get behind the Mary Jane trend. They remind me of shoes I wore when I was a child. I’ll wait for the next show trend but everyone else GO FOR IT
I adore Mary Janes, both as flats or with heels. I first fell in love with them watching Flamenco dancers wear them. To me they add an extra oomph to an outfit that regular, boring ballet flats don’t give. Plus the straps provide the added security of preventing the shoes from slipping off my wide feet, which for some reason happens when I wear ballet flats. My favorite pair was from Steve Madden the late 90s. They were black velvet with a 3 inch block heel. If it wasn’t for my knees, I would still wear them today. Luckily I have cute and supportive alternatives these days, including the Mary Janes from Vionic, Clarks, Munro, and Skechers.
I love my Munro shoe and boots. They’re so comfy
Me too! I have Nordstrom’s to thank for introducing me to Munros.
I have never been able to wear Mary Janes. I’ve had bunions from an early age and they don’t fit my feet at all. Also, my Mother made my sister and I wear saddle oxfords for 8 years, from grade 1 through grade 8. You were lucky to wear Mary Janes! I was so sick of wearing saddle oxfords but in reality, a tie shoe has always been great for my bunions and narrow feet!
I’m very happy Mary Janes are on trend! I have 3 pair of Danskos in black, brown and a brick red. They are stable and supportive and I can wear them with nicer slacks, jeans and dresses. I’ve been unable to find loafers or ballet flats that work for my funky feet.
I wasn’t sure I would try this trend, but I found a pair of Mary Jane’s by Lucky brand that I love! They were so comfortable right away and I love the way they look.
I’m still going to pass on this trend. They are a bit too sweet for my style. You wear them well Jennifer.
I love Vivaia Mary Jane’s.
Do you find the Rothy Mary Janes run true to size? I have to size up 1/2 in some of their styles. I’d give them try for the spring.
I bought my regular size for this style. They’re very stretchy along the edge.
I’ll be bringing out my Mary Janes, for sure. Love ’em! (Can’t you tell by my acronym?)
The Mary Janes look great on others, and the strap provides additional support to the wearer. Unfortunately, I do not like them on me. I find the strap between exposed skin is a disruption to the flow I am looking for. The only time I am comfortable wearing them is when I am wearing a very thin sock of the same color. This sock and shoe option obviously is not an option in warm weather. So – yes, I like the idea of the Mary Jane, just not for me.
I didn’t think I would try this trend but you never know. I think they look great on you. My friend has a pair but I just don’t think they are me. Since you said they have good support I mind change my mind. I wore uniforms to school and we always wore saddle shoes. I may be more apt to try a pair of those.
I remember saddle shoes well. I haven’t seen them too often lately but they’re an interesting style for sure.
I’ve owned by one pair ( black ) now fitted with an orthotic from my podiatrist. I got them at Marshall’s ( yes, Marshalls) last year, and wear them a lot in other seasons but haven’t in several months as it is freezing cold here and snows. I live in trainers, booties, tall boots and occasionally my good loafers with socks until March/April. I do love them however!
I love the look of socks with loafers! Note to self…dig out some fun socks.
I’ve always been big fan of Mary Janes. My heel is narrow and tends to slip out of shoes so the strap is perfect for ensuring my foot stays in the shoe. A pair of black ones is perfect for travel as they look fine with dressy or casual. And they are generally flat so not being a heel person, I love that about them.
I love the look of Mary Jane’s. And every pair that you have featured looks absolutely comfortable. Thanks for posting, Jennifer.
I think they look cute and soft upper material is always comfortable. Did one have better arch support than the others in your opinion? Where we live I have to order everything there is nothing available locally.
Neither of mine have much arch support, which is why the Vionic looked so interesting to me.
No Mary Janes for me. I need socks in my cold climate!
Not for me. They are stylistically a bit too sweet and feminine for my style. I think the new styles look great if that’s your vibe! The Patrick top looks so great on you! I have narrower shoulders and the seam of the drop sleeve just stuck out at an angle and looked terrible. Boo.
I like Sam Edelman shoes. I own several pair. Rothys are too flat for me. I have flat feet. Super flat shoes look funny on me!
I’m sorry. I have always had the impression that I’m long waisted and short legged and ankle straps just make your legs look extra short. This is simply one trend I can’t handle. Plus that skinny little strap just makes my big feet look bigger by the contrast.
Jennifer,
I have been wearing Mary Jane’s for quite a few years. I have very narrow feet “AAAA” and shoes are hard to find. The strap keeps them on and I can wear them with almost anything.
Thanks for the blog 😌.