Childrenchic (Now Marjen) Review 2026: Handmade Spanish Mary Janes for Kids
Every family photo album has them: the little velvet shoes at a third birthday, the shiny pair at a cousin's wedding, the ones that got scuffed running across a church parking lot. Mary Janes have a way of showing up in the memories that matter. Marjen — the kids' shoe brand you may know as Childrenchic — was built around that feeling, and it now makes its Spanish- and Portuguese-crafted shoes under a new name.
TinyTrialsLab went through the renamed store in October 2026: the collections, prices, sizing notes, policies and current offers, so you can buy the right pair the first time.
Childrenchic Is Now Marjen
The site's banner says it plainly: "Childrenchic is now Marjen," and childrenchic.com now opens the Marjen store. According to the brand's Our Story page, Marjen (formerly Childrenchic) began as an ode to the Spanish Mary Janes that founders Isabel Mendoza and Cori Galdo wore as girls — shoes tied to birthdays, family gatherings and special occasions. When they couldn't find the pair they wanted for their own daughters, they made it, redesigned to be comfortable and durable enough for everyday wear.
Some collaborations still carry the old name, such as the Roller Rabbit x Childrenchic styles, so you'll see both names on the site for a while.
Made in Family Workshops in Spain and Portugal
- Handmade in Alicante, Spain and Felgueiras, Portugal, in family-owned workshops the brand says have been making shoes for generations.
- Vulcanized soles made one at a time, for a fit the brand says flexes with kids and stands up to real wear.
- Recycled materials — insoles made from 100% recycled cotton and polyester, outsoles with a recycled rubber blend, and RECY-Tex technology on select designs.
- Safety testing — Marjen says every pair meets European children's footwear regulations and each style is independently tested by a CPSC-accepted laboratory for U.S. standards, including flammability, lead content and traceability.
- Kid-friendly closures — many styles use adjustable Velcro straps so little ones can fasten their own shoes.
Shop the Marjen (Childrenchic) Highlights
Popular Marjen styles and the prices we saw in October 2026.
Prices change often; the brand's site always shows the current price.
The Lineup: Find Their Pair
| Style | Price | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Alma canvas Mary Jane (machine washable) | $49 | Everyday wear, daycare and school |
| Evelyn canvas Mary Jane | $52 | Spring and summer color |
| Sienna / Margot corduroy Mary Jane sneakers | $60 | Active kids who still need to look neat |
| Blair Mary Jane (elastic strap, bow) | $64 | Slip-on special occasions |
| Mila metallic leather Mary Jane | $64 | A little shine for everyday |
| Cassie velvet Mary Jane | $66 | The signature style for holidays and parties |
| Holly velvet Mary Jane with jewel buckle | $66 | Festive occasions |
| Gracie suede Velcro boots | $80 | Easy-on fall and winter boots |
| Olivia glitter & suede Chelsea boots | $84 | Sparkle from schoolyard to holiday party |
| Alex leather / Sam suede penny loafers | $89 | Weddings, family events and school uniforms |
| Meri Meri x Marjen collaboration | $68–$88 | Party shoes with a whimsical twist |
Cassie: the one that started it all
Marjen calls the Cassie its signature — "the shoe we set out to make." It's handmade in Alicante from plush velvet in colors like Burgundy, Navy, Black, Blue and Plum, with an adjustable Velcro strap, non-slip rubber sole and cushioned padded insole. One important note from the brand: the Cassie runs small, so size up. Buy this if you need one pair that works for the holiday card photo and a Tuesday at preschool.
Alma: the washable workhorse
Part of the SPIN collection, Alma is made from a washable canvas Marjen says is tightly woven, breathable and engineered for cold wash cycles. The care routine is simply cold water, gentle cycle, air dry. Buy this if your child's shoes meet mud, paint and juice on a daily basis.
Olivia: the boot with a glitter heel
A Chelsea boot with a shimmering suede front and a glitter-encrusted heel, a side zipper for easy on and off and elastic panels for comfort. Colors include Camel, Navy and Taupe. Buy this if you want a cold-weather boot that still feels like a party shoe.
Alex and Sam loafers: for the young gentleman
Classic penny loafers in leather (Alex) or suede (Sam), made in Spain with rubber soles. Sizes run up to 44 EU / 10.5 US, larger than most of the Mary Jane styles. Buy this if there's a wedding, recital or school uniform on the calendar.
Shop Marjen Holiday Mary Janes →
Shipping and Returns
| Policy | What Marjen says |
|---|---|
| U.S. standard shipping | FedEx Ground, 5–7 business days, $13 |
| Free shipping | Orders of $150 or more |
| International shipping | $58; international orders are final sale |
| Returns | Within 15 days of delivery |
| Exchanges | Within 30 days |
| Return fee | $13 label fee |
| Sale and promotions | Promotions and bundles are final sale; sale styles and styles over 50% off get exchanges or store credit only |
Kids' feet grow fast, so the 30-day exchange window is the policy to lean on. Order the size you think is right, check the fit the day it arrives and exchange quickly if needed.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Handmade in family workshops in Spain and Portugal | $49–$110 per pair is a premium for growing feet |
| Independently tested for U.S. children's product standards | Short 15-day refund window and a $13 return label |
| Machine-washable canvas styles | Velvet and glitter styles need gentle care |
| Velcro straps kids can manage themselves | Cassie runs small, so sizing takes care |
| Recycled insoles and outsoles | Free shipping only from $150 |
| Automatic promotions, no code needed | Promotional purchases are final sale |
Who Will Love Marjen?
- Parents dressing kids for holidays, weddings and photos who want classic European shoes.
- Families who value craftsmanship and like knowing where and how shoes are made.
- Busy parents who need a machine-washable everyday Mary Jane.
- Gift-givers and grandparents — digital gift cards start at $60.
How to Save at Marjen
- Buy three pairs — in October 2026 the site's banner said "Buy three pairs, and Holly is yours," with the Holly velvet Mary Jane added as a free gift.
- Pair Cassie with boots — "Buy Cassie, take 15% off any boots."
- Reach $150 for free U.S. shipping; two pairs of boots or loafers usually get you there.
- Join The House rewards to earn points, unlock free shipping and get birthday treats and early access.
- Check our deals page for the current Marjen offer.
Marjen FAQ
Is Childrenchic the same company as Marjen?
Yes. The site states that Childrenchic is now Marjen, and the Our Story page refers to "Marjen (formerly Childrenchic)."
Where are Marjen shoes made?
In family-run workshops in Alicante, Spain and Felgueiras, Portugal.
Do the Cassie Mary Janes run small?
Yes — the brand recommends sizing up for the Cassie.
Can I machine wash Marjen shoes?
Only the washable canvas styles, such as Alma. Velvet styles like Cassie should be spot cleaned and not machine washed.
Our Verdict
Marjen keeps everything people liked about Childrenchic — handmade European Mary Janes, kid-friendly Velcro, a velvet Cassie for every holiday — under a new name. Size up for Cassie, use the 30-day exchange window and stack the free-Holly or boot offer if it fits your plans. Check our Marjen (Childrenchic) deals page before you order.
How we wrote this: TinyTrialsLab researched Marjen (formerly Childrenchic) using its official website, product listings, sizing notes, prices and policies in October 2026. We haven't personally tested these products and we don't invent ratings or discount codes. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.