Latex is a chemical substance which is used to create rubber.
Natural Latex is obtained from the sap of certain plants and can be later vulcanized and finished into a variety of products.
Latex materials are known to have many applications especially in the footwear industry where they can be used to make shoe insoles and outsoles to add flexibility and extra cushioning.
About Mary Janes:
Mary Janes are shoes with a strap, or multiple straps, across the top of the shoe, usually right over the top of the foot. Mary Janes typically have rounded closed toes.