Mary Jane School Shoes
Mary Jane school shoes at Williams come in black and brown leather from ROC, Colorado and Lynx, with buckle and strap fastenings that suit primary school. Browse them alongside all our girls' school shoes, or try the fit in store.
Mary Janes for primary school
A Mary Jane is the classic primary school shoe: a closed toe, a low heel and a strap across the instep that holds the foot without laces. ROC Kite 2, Lattice, Roulette and Lauren cover junior and youth sizes in black leather, Lynx Milla adds a buckle style, and Colorado Luna and Ellie offer simple flat shapes for younger students.
Strap and buckle fastenings are quicker than laces on busy mornings, which is why many younger students start in a Mary Jane. Check that the strap holds the heel firmly when walking, because a strap that has to be done up very tight is often a sign the shoe is too wide or too long.
Black, brown and the move to high school
Black is the colour most schools ask for, and our girls' black school shoes cover Mary Janes alongside lace-ups. A few schools in South East Queensland ask for brown, and ROC Lattice and Lauren both come in brown leather, along with the rest of our brown school shoes.
Mary Janes are not allowed at many high schools, so a pair bought late in primary school may not carry through to Year 7. For senior students, our lace-up school shoes cover the shapes many high school uniform guides expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Mary Janes allowed at high school?
A: Often not. Many high schools require lace-ups and do not allow Mary Janes, while many primary schools accept them, so check the uniform policy before buying for Year 7.
Q: Are Mary Jane school shoes good for younger children?
A: For many families, yes. A strap or buckle is quick to fasten and holds the foot securely, which suits younger students who are still learning to tie laces.
Q: How should a Mary Jane school shoe fit?
A: Allow about a centimetre beyond the longest toe and make sure the heel stays put when walking. The strap should close comfortably on its normal setting rather than its tightest hole.
Q: Do Mary Jane school shoes come in brown?
A: Yes. ROC Lattice and Lauren come in brown leather for schools that ask for brown. If your size is not on the shelf, staff can often order it in from another store.
Q: How do I care for leather Mary Janes?
A: Wipe off dirt after school, polish weekly and undo the strap every time rather than pushing the shoe off. Leather that is cared for this way usually lasts until the shoe is outgrown.
