This Unexpected Spring Sneaker Trend Is Quickly Taking Over

With a sneaker that debuted in its fall/winter 2024 runway, MM6 Maison Margiela took Salomon’s signature technical trail silhouette and turned it into a trendier hybrid Mary Jane sneaker. It’s the ideal sneaker to dip your toes into the trend if you don’t want to tread too far away from the traditional outdoor sneaker.

Sizes: 7-11.5

Colors: Black, Multicolor

Material: Leather, rubber

Editor review: “You just can’t go wrong with an MM6 Maison Margiela and Salomon collab, especially when it’s a Mary Jane sneaker. Whether you choose the all-black version or the bright colors, this shoe screams that you’re a fashion girl in the know.”—Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor

Few other footwear options combine as many trend-forward elements as the Nike Air Rift sneakers. From the split-toe detail to the velcro top strap to the suede finish, it has all of the trappings of a sneaker destined for cult status.

Sizes: 7-11

Colors: Photon Dust/Summit White

Material: Suede, mesh

Editor review: “After seeing enough of these on my most fashionable peers, I finally had an opportunity to buy myself a pair last summer, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I wore them. Not only because they feel like an unexpected grail, but also because they’re insanely comfortable.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor

Few other footwear options combine as many trend-forward elements as the Nike Air Rift sneakers. From the split-toe detail to the velcro top strap to the suede finish, it has all of the trappings of a sneaker destined for cult status.

Sizes: 4-14

Colors: Photon Dust/Summit White

Material: Suede, mesh

Editor review: “After seeing enough of these on my most fashionable peers, I finally had an opportunity to buy myself a pair last summer, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I wore them. Not only because they feel like an unexpected grail, but also because they're insanely comfortable.” —Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor

Although major sneaker brands were some of the first to debut the hybrid silhouette, Cecilie Bahnsen’s quirky adaptation cemented the shoe trend into cultural relevance for the fashion crowd. While the Danish brand has released a few different styles, the Aria Sneakers are the ideal investment for spring as they feature a breathable mesh fabrication and a chunky rubber sole with floral decals.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Black

Material: Mesh, rubber

Editor review: “I love the Cecilie Bahnsen Mary Jane-esque sneakers. They’re both athletic and girlie at the same time, mostly thanks to the embossed flowers on the rubber sole. Do they look a bit like water shoes? Yes! But that’s what’s fun and carefree about them. After all, they’re perfect for summer!”—Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor

Are you looking for a version of this shoe trend that leans more balletcore-coded? Consider investing in Valentino’s Bay By Bay sneakers. With a thin, flat sole, an intricate floral print, and a tie-top strap that turns into an oversized bow, it sublimely dances the line between being a traditional sneaker and pretty flat.

Sizes: 5-10.5

Colors: Off-White Jacquard Floral, Moiré Polka Dot, Floral Jacquard Embroidery, Indigo

Material: Silk, rubber

Editor review: “I think these Valentino Mary-Jane sneakers are perfect for the upcoming spring-summer season. What I love is that these don't necessarily look or feel like a sneaker. The details of the floral print and satin bow really make it feel more like a flat or Mary-Jane, but you still get the durability and comfort of a sneaker.”— Carson Stannard, fashion editor

When it comes to creating footwear that checks off all the boxes, no one is doing it as well as Charles & Keith—case in point: this mesh pair. From the affordable price point and the sleek, sporty shape to the breathable mesh fabrication, these sneakers have knocked it out of the park.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: White

Material: Mesh, faux suede

If you’ve kept up with the hottest releases within the sneaker world, then you’re no stranger to the super-viral Adidas Sambas designed by Wales Bonner. Well, there’s another style fresh on its heels you’ll want to watch out for: the Mary Jane ballerina sneakers. With a sleek silhouette made from luxe leopard-print calf hair, a molded rubber sole, and a stretchy logo-embossed strap, it’s sure to become the next It sneaker.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Leopard, Cow, Black, Red

Material: Calfskin, rubber

You can always count on the fashion crowd in Copenhagen to be the first to sport some of the coolest shoes—including the Puma Speedcat Ballet Sneaker. Seen on the fall/winter 2025 runway for OpéraSPORT, the style sold out overnight, thanks to its unique spin on the brand's signature racing silhouette. Consider yourself a part of the in-crowd or, at the very least, really lucky if you get your hands on these sneakers.

Sizes: 5.5-11

Colors: White, Black

Material: Leather, rubber

Customer review: “These are super cute and comfortable shoes! I get a lot of compliments when I wear them.”

It’s no secret that Simone Rocha has never been the type of designer to shy away from creating conversation-starting pieces; a prime example is its take on the Mary Jane sneaker. Featuring a shiny-patent chunky lug sole, a satin upper sole adorned with a single bow, and adjustable straps embellished with pearls, these sneakers will surely capture the attention of onlookers anytime you wear them.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Silver, Pink

Material: Leather, satin, rubber, imitation-pearl embellishments

When you’re on a tighter budget but still want to make a statement with your wardrobe this spring, it’s best to start from the ground up (quite literally). You can’t go wrong with these metallic Mary Janes from Steve Madden, as they’re not only budget-friendly but they’re also available in a variety of bold colorways.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Silver, Gold, Black, Cow-print

Material: Vegan leather, rubber

Customer review: “Buy them! They are absolutely beautiful and very comfortable. I have so many ideas of what I’m going to wear them with.”

At one point in time, you couldn’t scroll through any social media feed without spotting Miu Miu’s satin ballet flats—they were the shoe of the season. Considering all of the “noise” around those flats, it’s surprising that a succeeding style has had a somewhat quieter introduction: the hybrid ballet-sneaker. Featuring the same relaxed silhouette, the style has been reimagined using bleached leather meant to look like a pair of worn-down sneakers adorned with a single top strap. I’m guessing that it’s only a matter of time before these sneakers take over the timeline, too.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: White

Material: Nappa leather, rubber sole

Released in early spring 2024, the RX Marie-Jeanne Sneakers were one of the first hybrid styles from Salomon. It features a lightweight silhouette made from mesh, leather, and rubber, allowing it to be easily thrown into a suitcase. Moreover, the hybrid sneaker has a molded footbed and adjustable top strap, making it one of the more comfortable options to wear for an extended period of walking. Basically, they’re a must-pack for any upcoming vacation.

Sizes: 5-14

Colors: Black, Banilla

Material: 3D open mesh, nubuck leather, rubber

Customer review: “I recently got my hands on these shoes, and I must say, they exceeded my expectations! The sleek and modern design makes them perfect for casual outings and semi-formal occasions. They add a touch of style to any outfit without being too flashy. Comfort-wise, they are amazing! The cushioning provides great support, making them ideal for long hours of wear.”

Keds’ sleeker take on the hybrid sneaker trend is the move for those who don’t like chunkier lug sole sneakers, over-the-top embellishments, or unapproachable colorways. With a thin sole, slinky top strap, and pastel pink hue, these Mary Jane sneakers make adopting this trend far more approachable.

Sizes: 5.5-11

Colors: Pink, Black, Silver, Leopard

Material: Leather, rubber

Customer review: “I love Keds! I’ve bought them all my life, and will continue.”

Adidas has become known for its collaborations, which have centered on unique creatives in the fashion community over the years. One of the more recent examples is its Megaride Mary-Janes, designed in tandem with Taqwa Bin Ali. The limited-edition sneakers reimagined the archival silhouette through a sleek silver metallic leather, velcro top strap, and an ultra-plush sole. It’s no wonder they’re selling out so quickly.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Silver metallic

Material: Leather, rubber

Customer review: “I bought these a few days ago and they’re great. Very unusual but very comfy!”

For a more futuristic take on this sneaker trend, look for variations with mesh layers, a chunky trainer sole, and metallic touches (like this pair from Ash). The sportier silhouette will put some pep into all your spring ensembles, even if you refuse to join a running club.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Tan, Silver

Material: Polyester, rubber

Customer review: “I typically wear joggers almost daily, but these shoes can be comfortably worn with jeans, too. They’re the ideal sneaker to dress up or down.”

Who said being a sneaker enthusiast had to be such an expensive hobby? Zara’s double-strap Mary Jane sneakers will allow you to stick to your spring shopping budget without skipping out on the trend. That’s a win-win in my book.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black

Material: Polyester, rubber

If you want to make this hybrid-sneaker style stand out from the flock, opt for a version in a trend-forward leopard print. From the printed canvas to the platform sole, this pair of Loeffler Randall sneakers can be easily spotted from across the savanna (or simply the city sidewalk).

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Leopard, White, Red, Black

Material: Cotton, rubber

For those who might find it harder to part ways with their tried-and-true options, Converse’s Chunk Taylor All-Star Dainty Mary Janes are the perfect solution. The newer style reimagines the classic canvas sneaker, giving nostalgic shoppers a chance to embrace this trend without stepping too far out of their comfort zone.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Light Saddle, White, Black, Hot Pink

Material: Canvas, rubber

Customer review: “I love my new Mary Jane-esque Converse. They are so versatile; you can wear them with jeans, skirts, dresses, everything! I get compliments every time I wear them.”

Let’s be honest: Finding a sneaker that’s as good for the planet as it feels to wear isn’t always easy. That’s where Camper comes in handy. The brand is known for its commitment to using recycled materials to create cool kicks, and that includes its highly-coveted Path Mary Jane Sneaker, which is made from over 40 percent recycled materials. Stepping into the future has never looked more stylish.

Sizes: 6-12

Colors: White, Black

Material: Recycled polyester, rubber

Customer review: “I’m super into these shoes; they walk a nice line between being ‘weird,’ “comfy,’ and “fashionable.’ And they seem supportive for being on your feet all day—win!”