Fashionable and Flashy- The Monk Strap Shoes

The Monk Strap shoe is also commonly referred to as the ‘most advanced’ dress shoe. Rakish, daunting, debonair, fashionable, flashy are some adjectives that associate well with this shoe type.

According to Wikipedia the ‘Monk strap’ falls in the ‘moderately formal’ category of shoes and is considered less formal than the full oxford but more than the open derby shoe.

This shoe style is trending in popularity in the United States and the United Kingdom currently (according to google trends) with interest over time showing an upward graph.

A trickle down from the fashion hubs the style is surely making its way into most of the world geographies to reach the style conscious men who are not wanting to skip this strong going trend.

Display windows across cities have the ‘Monk Strap’ shoe prominently set to lure its fashion forward men clients.

Past to Present:

These shoes were designed to replace the then work sandals of European Monks (back in the Middle ages 1000-1350 B.C). For ease of wearing and removing the laces were replaced with buckles.

As quoted by heddles.com -“Atlanta-based designer Sid Mashburn—with his eye for American prep style imbued with Italian panache—is partially credited with the recent resurgence of the monastic shoe’s popularity, although many will point to Lino Leluzzi as the true progenitor of the trend. If you’re looking to pick up a pair, head to Edward Green, John Lobb, Alfred Sargent, J.Crew, or Sid Mashburn, all of whom preserve the original details of classic style.”

The Monk Strap Shoe Style:

This shoe has no laces and is closed by a flap with strap containing buckle(s)

Type of Monk straps: Available in single (one strap, one buckle) and double monk (two straps, two buckles) strap varieties these shoes are the current favourite amongst the most fashionable men on the planet.

How to wear the Monk strap shoe:

Wear them with a sharply tailored suit or pair them up with a casual dinner jacket and you will get noticed for all the right reasons. This shoe also stylishly plays well when worn with a distressed pair of denim.

Color: Shades of Brown are the best bets for moderately formal settings. Burgundy will go well with navy blue suits. Avoid black in double monk strap shoe and instead, go for black in oxfords.

Material: Two popular materials in which the monk straps are available are Leather and Suede. Our suggestion is to stick to leather as they look more classy.

Inspiration Board:

More styles, twists, and ways to wear the Monk strap.

 

Share your queries or style inputs on this Shoe style.

Love, Aanchal