The Best Mary Jane Shoes for Kids with Narrow Feet – Let’s Find Shoes that Fit

February 26, 2025 Dress Shoes Juan Valenzuela 4 - Comments

Are you having a hard time finding a Mary Jane shoe to fit your child’s narrow feet? The advantage of Mary Jane shoes is that the strap across the instep can be adjusted for a snug fit, accommodating the unique shape of narrow feet more effectively than slip-on dress shoes. By focusing on Mary Jane shoes that provide narrow heel counters, extra padding, and narrow platforms, you can ensure that your child’s shoes fit properly.

Why Mary Jane Shoes Are a Popular Choice

Mary Jane shoes are a favorite among parents and children alike due to their easy-to-wear design and stylish appearance. Mary Jane shoes are versatile enough to suit various occasions, from school days to formal events. Their design can easily transition from casual to dressy.

Mary Jane dress shoe for toddler girls with wide feet.
An image of a stylish Mary Jane shoe for kids with narrow feet.

The simplicity of their design means they can easily be paired with a variety of outfits, making them a versatile addition to a child’s wardrobe. However, finding Mary Jane shoes that fit narrow feet can be a challenge.

Be Careful About Fitting Your Child in Shoes That Are Too Wide

If you provide your child with a pair of Mary Jane shoes that are too wide, your child’s feet might end up moving too much inside the shoes and that constant movement and friction might lead to your child developing several foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns.

Child developed a blister on his small toe from wearing narrow shoes.
An image of a child who developed a blister on her small toe (pinky toe).

Moreover, wide shoes can affect a child’s balance and coordination, which might make your child more prone to trips and falls.

What Shoe Brands Manufacture Narrow Mary Jane Shoes for Kids?

Two of the shoe brands for kids with narrow feet that you might want to start getting familiar with are Naturino and Falcotto. I have found these two shoe brands to be very consistent when it comes to fitting the shape of a child with narrow feet.

Key Features of Narrow Mary Jane Shoes

Feature One – Narrow Heel Counters: A narrow heel counter is essential for children with slender feet. It helps keep the heel snugly in place, preventing the foot from slipping out of the shoe. This feature is crucial in avoiding blisters and ensuring that your child can walk comfortably. 

The difference in heel counters between two pairs of kids’ Mary Jane shoes.

Feature Two – Extra Padding and Cushion Around the Heels: Comfortable Mary Janes should include extra padding and cushioning around the heels, which not only helps prevent foot issues such as blisters but also helps fill extra gaps around the heels.

An image of a pair of Mary Jane shoes with extra padding and cushion around the heels.

Feature Three – Narrow Platforms: Shoes for narrow feet should have narrow platforms to match the foot’s shape. This ensures that the shoe fits securely without leaving too much room on either side, which can cause instability and discomfort. 

The Mary Jane shoes that I recommend provide narrow platforms to fit the overall shape of your child’s narrow feet.

To make your search easier, I’ve compiled a list of my top picks for narrow Mary Jane shoes. These selections are based on their fit, comfort, and durability. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

Best Mary Jane Shoes for Kids with Narrow Feet

Here are some of my top recommendations for Mary Jane shoes that are perfect for kids with narrow feet.

1. Paiva by Naturino

These narrow Mary Jane shoes provide an elegant design and exceptional comfort as they are crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and style. The narrow fit makes them an ideal choice for children with slimmer feet.

Naturino Mary Jane for kids with narrow feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Paiva by Naturino on Zappos or Amazon
  • 100% leather
  • Padded collar
  • I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Frocc by Naturino

These Mary Jane shoes for girls with narrow feet feature a sleek design with supportive soles, making them perfect for formal occasions. Their narrow fit ensures a snug and comfortable fit for kids with narrow feet.

Naturino Mary Jane for girls with narrow feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Frocc by Naturino on Amazon or Zappos
  • The leather insole provides added support
  • Padded collar
  • I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Bonnett by Nina

These narrow Mary Jane shoes are crafted with high-quality materials and feature a narrow fit that caters to girls with slimmer feet. 

White Mary Jane shoe for girls with narrow feet.
  • Order the shoe style Bonnett by Nina on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in narrow widths
  • 100% leather
  • Padded collar
  • Cushioned soles
  • I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

4. Olya by Naturino

This Naturino Mary Jane shoe is designed to support children’s feet while providing a fashionable look. The narrow fit ensures a secure and comfortable fit for kids with slim feet.

Gold Mary Jane for girls with narrow feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Olya by Naturino on Zappos or Amazon
  • The leather insole and lining 
  • Adjustable hook & loop strap with a metal button logo
  • I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Catania by Naturino

These narrow Mary Jane shoes provide a narrow heel counter with extra cushion and padding around the heels to increase comfort and prevent blisters.

Narrow school Mary Jane shoes for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Catania by Naturino on Zappos or Amazon
  • The leather insole and lining 
  • Adjustable hook and loop strap
  • I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size

6. Ainsley by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite Mary Jane shoes for girls provide narrow platforms and narrow heel counters.

Narrow Mary Jane shoes for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the Mary Jane shoe Ainsley by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Ortholite memory foam for enhanced comfort
  • Adjustable hook and loop strap
  • I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size

Don’t forget to pull the Velcro straps of your kids’ Mary Jane shoes tightly, as this will push your kids’ feet back and secure them against the back of the shoe – filling any extra gap around the heels.

If you’re uncertain about which Mary Jane shoe might work best for your child’s narrow feet, you contact me via email for specific Mary Jane recommendations or other footwear options. I’m here to assist you in finding the perfect fit for your child’s narrow feet.

The Importance of Ordering the Correct Shoe Size Online

The first step in ensuring comfort and healthy foot development is selecting the correct shoe size. Ordering the right size online can be tricky, but it’s essential for avoiding discomfort and potential foot problems.

Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a host of issues, including blisters and improper foot development. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.

An image of a pair of navy blue leather Mary Jane shoes.

Can Your Child Wear Mary Jane Shoes Everyday?

While Mary Jane shoes can be stylish and appropriate for certain occasions, they should never replace a child’s essential pair of sneakers. Sneakers are designed to support a child’s feet during crucial physical activities like walking, running, and playing, all of which are vital for their growth and development. Whether it’s running around at recess, participating in physical education class, or simply walking to and from school, sneakers provide the comfort and protection needed to support the natural movement of their feet.

Bonus Resource: Everyday Narrow Sneakers

These narrow sneakers provide similar features like narrow platforms and extra cushioning. These sneakers are designed with the unique needs of those with narrow feet in mind, offering a more tailored fit without compromising on comfort or performance.

What Type of Socks Should Kids Wear with Mary Jane Shoes?

I always recommend parents to not let their kids wear their Mary Jane shoes without socks, as the strap across the instep might rub against the top of your kids’ feet and lead to red marks or indentations as well as other foot issues.

Choosing the right socks can make a significant difference in how the shoes fit and feel. Socks can help fill gaps and ensure a snug fit, preventing the shoes from slipping off. The right socks can also add an extra layer of comfort and prevent blisters.

A child wearing white tall socks with a pair of black Mary Jane shoes.
An image of a child wearing a pair of white socks with her black Mary Jane school shoes.

One common question that parents have is what type of socks their children should wear with their Mary Jane shoes? I am not a fashion expert, but I have seen that most children wear knee-high socks or no-show socks with their Mary Jane shoes. If you’re looking for more detailed recommendations on the best socks to wear with Mary Jane shoes, check out my other resource where I dive deeper into this topic.

With my experience as a shoe fitter, I can provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s specific needs. Feel free to contact me through the comments section below for specific Mary Jane recommendations or other footwear options.