Shop Men's Monk Strap Shoes, Handmade and Goodyear Welted

Single vs Double Monk Strap Shoes

A monk strap is a closed dress shoe fastened by a strap and buckle across the instep instead of laces. The name comes from the buckled sandals worn by European monks, and the style entered menswear in the early twentieth century as an alternative to the oxford. The number of straps decides both the look and the fit.

Single Monk Straps

One wide strap gives the cleanest, most traditional line and pairs easily with a plain business suit. It is the safer choice if you want one monk shoe for the office, and in black calf it is the monk strap closest to an oxford in formality.

Double Monk Straps

Two straps let you set the instep and forefoot separately, which suits a high instep. Double monk shoes read slightly more fashion forward and look sharp with a suit or a blazer and chinos. They are the most searched monk style for a reason: the two buckles are what most people picture when they think of monk shoes.

Monk Strap Styles in This Collection

• Plain and cap toe monks: the classic dress version for business wear.
• Split toe and cross stitched toe: hand stitched seams across the toe for visible craftsmanship.
• Tassel and kiltie monks: a fringe or tassels over the vamp for a relaxed, smart casual look.
• Monk strap boots: the same buckles on an ankle height upper for colder months. See our men's leather boots.
• Exotic monks: python, ostrich and crocodile grain. Browse our exotic shoes.

Choosing a Color and Leather

• Black calf: the most formal monk shoe; black monk shoes suit charcoal and navy suits.
• Brown and burgundy: warmer and more versatile, right with navy, gray and flannel.
• Suede: brown suede monk shoes relax the style for chinos and denim.
• Hand painted patina: purple, olive, gray and blue shading applied by hand. See our patina shoes.

How to Wear Monk Strap Shoes

Monk straps sit between an oxford and a loafer in formality, which makes them one of the most useful dress shoes a man can own. Wear them with a business suit, at weddings with a navy or gray suit, or with odd pants and a blazer. Keep pants hemmed with little break so the buckles stay visible, and match the belt buckle metal to the shoe buckles where you can. For black tie, choose a plain black oxford instead.

How Monk Strap Shoes Should Fit

• Size them like an oxford, not a loafer: order your usual dress shoe length.
• The straps should close on the middle holes when new.
• Choose width separately, from D to EEE.
• Check our shoe size guide before ordering.

FAQs

Are monk strap shoes formal?

Yes. A monk strap is a dress shoe and is correct with a business suit, at weddings and at most formal daytime events. It is a step below a plain black oxford, so for black tie, a funeral or a very conservative office the oxford is still the safer choice. A black calf single monk is the most formal version. Suede, tassel and kiltie monks are more relaxed and suit smart casual outfits with chinos and a blazer.

Should I buy a single or double monk strap?

Buy a single monk if you want the most classic look and plan to wear it mostly with suits. It has one clean strap and pairs easily with plain business clothes. Choose a double monk if you have a high instep or want a slightly more fashion led shoe, since the two straps let you adjust the instep and forefoot separately. Both size like an oxford, so your usual dress shoe length applies.

Can you wear monk strap shoes with jeans?

Yes, especially brown, burgundy or suede monk straps. Choose slim or straight dark denim that is hemmed or cuffed so it sits just above the shoe and the buckles stay visible. Add a knit, an oxford shirt or a casual jacket. A black calf double monk works with black or charcoal jeans for evenings. Avoid baggy or distressed jeans, which hide the shoe and make a dress shoe look out of place.

Do you leave monk straps buckled?

Many men leave the lower strap on a double monk permanently fastened and slip the shoe on using a shoe horn, opening only the top strap. That is fine and reduces wear on the buckles. Some double monks are even worn with the top strap unbuckled as a style choice, but it can catch and stress the stitching, so we recommend keeping both straps fastened while walking. Single monks should always be buckled when worn.

Are monk strap shoes good for weddings?

They are an excellent wedding shoe. A monk strap looks dressier than a loafer and more distinctive than an oxford, so it suits grooms, groomsmen and guests alike. Black or burgundy calf works with navy, charcoal and gray suits, while brown or a hand painted patina looks great at daytime and summer weddings. For a black tie or very formal evening ceremony, a plain black oxford remains the traditional choice.

How should monk strap shoes fit?

Monk straps should fit like an oxford. Order your normal dress shoe length, with a little room in front of the toes and a secure heel that lifts only slightly as you walk. The buckle should close comfortably on the middle hole when the shoes are new, leaving room to tighten or loosen as the leather settles. If you need the tightest hole straight away, the width is too wide; if you need the loosest, it is too narrow.

How long do Goodyear welted monk straps last?

With rotation and care, a Goodyear welted monk strap can last ten years or more. The outsole is stitched to a leather welt rather than glued, so a cobbler can replace it several times while the upper stays untouched. Use cedar shoe trees after each wear, rest the pair a day between wears and condition the leather every few weeks. Wipe the buckles with a dry cloth so they stay bright and free of polish.

Prefer laces or a slip on? Explore our full range of handmade men's shoes.