What Are Monk Strap Shoes?
2023-11-06
When it comes to the monk strap shoe, the origin is in the name. Unsurprisingly, monks, or a 15th century alpine monk specifically, is thought to be the source of the monk strap shoe. Several centuries ago when monks were putting in the hard hours at monasteries across Europe, they needed a stronger sandal.
When they weren’t in the chapel, they were taking part in hard labour and this pummelling work required sandals with the robustness and support of a shoe. This led to the innovative use of the strap and buckle fastening and the design soon took off, evolving into an inevitable closed toe version.
By the 1800s, shoelaces had replaced the humble strap and buckle. But monk strap shoes as we know them now experienced a revival and peaked in popularity during the 1920s. They’re seen as somewhat of a bold move these days but have again undergone a resurgence.
On a scale of shoe formality, a monk sits formally above a loafer but below an Oxford. Despite what people might have you think, a monk is actually closer in construction to a Derby. Available in round toe and square toe styles as well as a variety of materials, the monk is a versatile and extremely comfortable, Goodyear-welted middle ground between smart and casual.
Single vs. Double monk strap shoes?
The ultimate question. Men literally fight tooth and nail over this very debate in menswear forums. It’s a real touchpaper topic. But, we’re brave so we’re just going to say it. Single strap monks are a more formal option than double strap monks. It’s as easy as that.
Single strap monks in black leather are arguably the most formal a monk can get, whilst double strap monks in brown suede are closer to a resort wear shoe or something casual to wear with jeans. Double monk straps lend themselves to smart events that still allow for personality, like weddings and summer parties.
Formal business events meanwhile lend themselves to a single monk strap with a more serious Oxford-style toe cap.
What to wear with monk strap shoes?
Despite sometimes being viewed as a bit of a sartorial statement, monks generally tend to go with most styles of smart-casual dress.
Touching on the previous single and double monk strap debate, a single monk strap in black with no toe cap is a great way to finish off a black suit. Ideal wear for important days in the office or similar high profile occasions. Darker, brown styles in calf leather also lend themselves to suiting, adding a welcome contrast to navy suits when worn with a matching belt. Most quality shoemakers will have the matching belt on hand.
Moving down the casual scale ever so slightly and you’re at the point where in our opinion monk straps really come into their own. Daodao-style separates. Well thought out slightly casual tailoring with a break in the trouser, a pair of statement socks and then a double monk strap on the end of it. Perfection. It’s a tough luck to pull off but monk straps lend themselves to this sort of dressing.
What Shoes To Wear To Work 
What shoes should men wear at weekend parties 
What to Consider When Wearing Brown Oxfords! 
What to Look For in the Best Slip-On Walking Shoes for Men? 
What Are The Benefits of Having Men's Brown Slip-on Shoes? 
What Shoes to Wear for a Job Interview? 
What Are Tassel Loafers? 
What To Wear Back To Work