Roots and revival with Vans Mary Jane
Vans started out back in California in 1966, when Paul Van Doren and partners opened the Van Doren Rubber Company and sold shoes direct from the factory. The Vans Mary Jane is a fresh take on the classic ballet strap, with added details like a rubber toe cap and the famous waffle sole. You’ll find them in a range of styles, including low-profile and creeper versions that are sold worldwide.
Customers tend to buy these shoes for things like casual days walking around, hanging out at school, and relaxed nights out. They can be paired with just about anything, from wide-legged trousers to formal suits to evening dresses, and so much more.
Top-tier guide to the Mary Jane by Vans
Mary Jane by Vans come in a range of styles, including canvas, suede, and leather uppers with strap closures. The creeper versions have a thicker textured sidewall, while the classic styles keep a slim rubber sole.
If you’re putting together a casual look, think about matching your Mary Janes with casual clothing like cropped trousers or a midi skirt, and layer a light jacket over a tee for cooler days. For a more formal look, they can be paired with suit pants and a loose-fitting shirt with a throwover or jacket in case it gets nippy.
Choosing, pairing, and caring
Before choosing your pair, think about where you’ll use them most, and pick them according to the upper materials and sole height. Canvas and suede Vans Mary Janes are usually light and breathable, and work best when the weather is a bit hotter. The leather pairs clean more easily, but aren’t as breathable, while the creeper soles give extra grip with a chunkier look and feel and go beautifully with work dresses.
To care for them, brush dry dirt from the suede uppers, and use a mild cleaner for canvas. You should wipe leather with a damp cloth and let the Vans shoes dry naturally, away from direct heat.
