Say Goodbye to the Bulky Travel Sneaker—This Trending Shoe Is Taking Over the Terminal

I have a theory about travel shoes: The ones you pack with the most optimism are not often the ones you want to be wearing by day three. The chic flat starts rubbing and the chunky sneaker suddenly feels too casual for a sundress. And somewhere between takeoff and dinner, you might find yourself wishing for a shoe that can do it all. Enter the Mary Jane sneaker, fashion’s latest—and surprisingly convincing—attempt to make a practical shoe a little more fun.Commerce writer Jessica Chapel is wearing Puma's Speedcat ballet flats on a Delta flight Jessica ChapelI became infatuated with the fad via Puma's Speedcat ballet sneakers. I couldn't believe how a shoe so stylish could be so comfortable—and actually travel-friendly. It's so easy to slip these on for just about anything—they look stellar with denim, skirts, dresses, you name it. I love them so much that I bought them in another color.The Mary Jane sneaker's formula is wonderfully simple: Give it the low-slung shape of a ballet flat with the sole support of your favorite sneaker. The common denominator? That little Mary Jane strap that somehow makes a sneaker feel instantly more dressed up. At first glance, some versions of the Mary Jane sneaker are barely distinguishable from a classic flat; others come in a technical mesh with a chunky tread or cushiony insoles.Chapel also owns the Speedcats in a fun cheetah print Jessica ChapelThe Mary Jane, of course, has been doing its own sort of shape-shifting for more than a century. The name traces back to Mary Jane, a fictional character in Richard Felton Outcault’s Buster Brown comic strip which debuted in 1902, who often appeared wearing the now iconic shoe style. It evolved into a practical, strap-secured shoe for children and eventually became a fashion staple for women everywhere, cycling through patent leather, ballet flats, platforms, and beyond. Now it has found its way onto a sneaker—and the timing is just right.Fashion has spent the last few years making sneakers progressively less athletic-looking. Slim retro trainers and terrace shoes brought them closer to everyday fashion; ballet sneakers softened the silhouettes. Even sporty-forward brands like Salomon and Merrell have experimented with shapes that lean more street shoes, rather than those you wear to the gym. The Mary Jane sneaker makes this movement even more appealing for the traveler: It offers you sneaker-level practicality without making your outfit look like it was built solely around comfort.The best Mary Jane sneakers are also splendidly packable. The low-profile styles can easily disappear into a spare corner of your suitcase, rather than eating up the space that a bulky sneaker demands. Wear them on the flight and they can become your primary walking shoe; or pack them just in case for those outfits that need a little more oomph without risking any blisters.Below, I’ve rounded up 12 stylish Mary Jane sneakers I’m eyeing this season. From Puma’s cheetah-print ballet flats to Dolce Vita’s suede sneakers, these styles just might be your hardest-working travel shoe this fall.Shop the Mary Jane sneakers I’m eyeingPumaSpeedcat ballet flatsPart-ballet flat, part-sneaker, Puma’s Speedcats are the ultimate travel shoe. I have these gems in two colorways (cheetah and red), and have trotted with them across the globe this year, from London to Puerto Rico. They offer support and breathability like no other, and give every outfit a fun pop of color.Traveler’s commerce producer ElleAnna Revell has been living in these stylish Adidas lately, wearing them to the office and beyond. “The Adidas Samba Jane shoes are my most comfortable yet elevated sneaker,” says Revell. “They are cushioned inside and flexible enough that I didn't even have to endure an uncomfortable break-in period.”Dolce VitaSofya Sneakers DK Brown SuedeEver-stylish for the fall, these brown suede Mary Jane sneakers would look classic with any kind of denim, and they feature a practical velcro strap for easy off and on access (ideal for the airport!).AdidasBarreda Mary Jane SneakersNo brand does retro-inspired quite like Adidas, and these Mary Jane sneakers promise support while offering an effortless slip-on design. And in the maroon color? There’s no better addition to a fall travel outfit.ReebokUltra Lo Mary Jane SneakersWith a low profile in satin and suede, these Mary Jane sneakers from Reebok are made to move with you through the day. I just added them to my shopping cart and plan to wear them everywhere from the office to upcoming weekend trips to the North Fork and the Catskills.Vivaia is one of the sneaker brands leading the way with trending travel styles the past few years. These bad boys can be folded up and tucked away easily in your suitcase. Bonus: They come with interchangeable laces so you can switch up your look.Back 70Aya Mary Jane SneakersWith a firm leather insole and hook-and-loop styling, this Anthropologie pair takes a cool spin on a timeless look. According to its impressive reviews, they are versatile, comfortable, and true to size.SketchersTopnotch - Wild OnesFor a pop of animal print and a light, foldable style, these Sketchers are a lightweight and practical option to pack, wear, and style across the globe.MerrellMoab Speed 2 Mary Jane ShoesKnown for sporty shoes with endurance and durability, Merrell is all about practicality. This pair of hiking shoes have been reimagined into a polished Mary Jane. You’ll find support in these, with a breathable mesh, adjustable hook and loop closure, and ready-for-any-terrain outsole.J SlidesPatricia Mary Jane SneakersFor a less athletic style, these timeless J Slides from Anthropologie go with just about anything. There are also plenty of colorways to choose from—but hurry, some sizes are selling fast (and for good reason).Jeffery CambellMary Jane SneakerFor something a little more dressy, these Jeffrey Cambpell sneakers are effortlessly sleek, thanks to their low profile and trendy split sole. Online reviewers call the shoes “ridiculously comfortable” and “wide foot-friendly,” which is essential for a long day on your feet.To no surprise, Salomon is a pioneer in the Mary Jane sneaker trend. The footwear brand nails the perfect blend of sporty and chic—and these durable RX Marie-Jeanne are made for long travel days when comfort matters most.