Few fashion trends in 2026 split opinion like trainer Mary Janes. A fusion of feminine ballet flats and sporty silhouettes, the hybrid shoe has been championed by the likes of Puma, Onitsuka and Nike. But it’s Adidas’s samba Mary Janes that have won favour with the fashion crowd.
The unexpected shoe launched in 2025, riding the wave of samba’s enduring popularity and the resurgence of Mary Jane flats. The reimagined shoe features the trainer’s signature low-profile, leather upper and suede overlays, with a single velcro strap replacing the traditional laces.
Love them or loathe them, they’ve dominated social media feeds, prompting Adidas to release new colourways earlier this year – think on-trend burgundy, metallic finishes and even a floral print style. An extra feminine evolution of the style, Adidas’s new ‘taekwondo mei shoes’ feature the same streamlined trainer silhouette with three stripes, but with an open upper and laces that can be tied around the ankle, à la traditional ballet flats. The show has proved equally divisive – but just as popular.
The 2026 version of the “ugly” dad trainer trend, I’ve seen the Adidas’s Mary Jane sambas and taekwondo mei shoes styled with everything from matching track tops and trousers, jeans and white poplin midi skirts to capri pants and cargo trousers.
True to form, the high street has been quick to catch on with affordable alternatives – including M&S, which is going from strength to strength with its new spring collection. Be it a bag that nods to Chanel, a perfume that riffs on Le Labo or basics that rival Skims, M&S is among the best destinations for designer dupes.
Now, it’s jumped on the controversial Mary Jane trainer trend with two suede shoe designs – plus a ankle tie ballet flat trainers that are near-identical to the taekwondo’s. Both shoe styles are selling out fast – here’s everything you need to know.
Read more: Molly Mae’s Adidas line includes new samba and superstar trainers – here’s where to shop
M&S suede single strap Mary Jane trainers
Available in two neutral colourways, M&S’s trainer Mary Janes are designed in either a beige or chocolate brown finish. The shoes feature the same low-profile, slim silhouette as Adidas’s samba shoes, complete with a gum sole and contrast panelling. There’s also similar T-toe detailing and velcro strap that nods to traditional Mary Jane shoes. Costing £50, sizes are selling out fast.
Buy now £50, Marksandspencer.com
M&S samba Mary Jane
If you’re after the OG Adidas samba Mary Jane shoes, the sports brand offers them in several colourways. The white is classic and easily styled, with the burgundy and floral print finishes adding intrigue to your everyday look.
Designed with all the samba signatures – including the three stripes, leather upper, suede panelling and T-toe – the trainers boast a slip-on design and velcro strap.
Buy now £80, Adidas.co.uk
M&S ankle tie ballet flat trainers
Taking plenty of design cues from the taekwondo mei shoes, these M&S shoes feature a trainer silhouette and gum sole with white inserts. While they lack the three stripes seen on the Adidas style, the high street alternatives have the same customisable long laces. Whether laced high or low on the ankle, the shoes balance a sporty look with feminine detailing.
Buy now £36, Marksandspencer.com
Adidas taekwondo mei shoes
After selling out directly from Adidas, the OG taekwondo mei shoes are currently discounted on Asos. Characterised by their black silhouette with three white stripes and an exaggerated gum sole, the shoes boast white panelling around the open upper and customisable white ankle laces.
Buy now £58, Asos.com
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