Katie Holmes' Enduring Love for Mary Jane Flats

The actress' shoe game continues to captivate with her signature ballet flat style.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:21pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a glossy, burgundy patent-leather shoe with a rounded toe and a small strap, the material and lighting creating a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic.Katie Holmes' signature shoe style shines in an extreme close-up that captures the luxurious texture and high-fashion appeal of her beloved patent-leather Mary Jane flats.Manhattan Today

Katie Holmes has become known for her unwavering commitment to Mary Jane-style ballet flats, often spotted wearing glossy patent leather or suede versions of the classic shoe. This week, the Dawson's Creek alum was photographed in New York City wearing a pair of rounded-toe, button-strap Mary Janes that she styled with vintage-inspired denim and a cozy black coat.

Why it matters

Holmes' affinity for Mary Jane flats reflects a broader trend of celebrities embracing comfortable, practical footwear that still maintains an elevated, fashion-forward look. Her consistent shoe choices have made her a style icon, with fans eager to emulate her effortless, ballet-inspired aesthetic.

The details

The patent leather Mary Janes Holmes wore featured a scrunched, rounded toe and a small top strap secured with a button. She paired the flats with straight-leg blue jeans and a black double-breasted coat. Holmes is known to frequently wear similar Mary Jane styles, often from the brand Franco Sarto, including a suede pair she wore last month while filming in Los Angeles.

  • This week, Holmes was spotted wearing the patent leather Mary Janes in New York City.
  • Last month, Holmes wore a suede version of the Mary Jane flats while filming in Los Angeles.

The players

Katie Holmes

An American actress best known for her role as Joey Potter on the teen drama Dawson's Creek. Holmes has become a style icon for her consistent embrace of comfortable, practical footwear like ballet flats.

Franco Sarto

An Italian-American shoe designer whose brand, Franco Sarto, is a favorite of Holmes and known for its classic, versatile footwear styles like Mary Jane flats.

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The takeaway

Holmes' enduring love for Mary Jane flats showcases how celebrities can inspire fashion trends by embracing comfortable, practical footwear that still maintains an elevated, stylish look. Her consistent shoe choices have made her a relatable style icon, with fans eager to emulate her effortless, ballet-inspired aesthetic.