Reviewing Sketchers Mary Jane Style Shoes

You've probably seen Sketchers new Mary Jane style sneakers, but did you know what they were? They look like a Mary Jane shoe that can be dressed up with a skirt or dressed down with a yoga suit. Yet the best part about them is that they aren't a dress shoe, but a sneaker.

The design

I've always liked Mary Jane style shoes. My only complaint is that although they are the most comfortable dress shoe out there, they are still not very comfortable. I've tried a number of the top brands, but all of them have something undesirable about the design. I liked the Merrell shoes in Mary Jane style, but they have a bulky front that is somewhat squared. The Sketchers version are fitted to your feet with a sloping style along your toes. For those of us with bigger feet this makes our feet look normal, rather than bigger. There are two straps that run diagonally over the top of your foot and is adjustable with Velcro. One of the nice things about this is that the adhesive part of the Velcro is on the shoe itself so you don't have to worry about running your stockings or socks if you 'slip' in putting them on. The top of the closed toe area features a stylish strip of suede and the back matches. The suede makes it less visible if you were to scuff them than if it were patent leather; a nice touch.

Functionality

Do they really function as a sneaker? Definitely! They have sneaker soles that are only visible from the bottom. You can run in them without a problem, though I'm sure you wouldn't want to actually do exercise in them. They are great for walking your dog or spending the day at a mall, but not necessarily for intensive exercise. They obviously won't give you ankle support, and the straps may dig into your foot if it tends to swell when you exercise. So, they are an A if you want to be sure-footed while walking and still be fashionable, but they aren't for more intense exercises like jogging and running.

Comfort

The Sketchers Mary Jane style sneaker is very comfortable. The inside sole is cushioned just right and has a nice lining in case you wanted to go barefooted in them. I recommend you buy foot peds that go around your foot just enough to protect dress shoes but appear like your feet are bare on the top. Either way they are comfortable and the materials are pliable enough that they don't need to be 'worn in' before you can wear them without blisters.

These are great shoes for walking in even in the winter. The traction provided on the bottom will give you sure footing on icy sidewalks without compromising your fashion. You can also buy them with mesh inserts on the sides that allow ventilation. They come in a variety of colors, including metallic gold and basic black. You can find them for about $54.99 at any shoe store that stocks Sketchers, and they are definitely a value.