Monk Strap Shoes Guide: Single vs Double Monk & How to Wear Them
A single monk has one buckle and a double monk has two; that is the only structural difference. Single monks look cleaner and slightly more formal, double monks look bolder. Both work with suits, chinos and smart casual, and both should be worn buckled. This guide covers formality, styling, monk strap boots and what to check before you buy.
What Is a Monk Strap Shoe?
A monk strap is a dress shoe with no laces. Instead, a strap of leather crosses the instep and fastens with a buckle on the outside of the foot. The name comes from the sandals and shoes once worn by European monks, and the style was adopted into men's tailoring in the twentieth century. You can read more about its history on Wikipedia's monk shoe page.
It sits between an oxford and a loafer. It is more formal than a loafer, because the closed front and buckle give it structure, and a little more relaxed than a laced oxford. That middle position is why it works with so many outfits.
Single vs Double Monk Strap: The Difference
The only structural difference is the number of straps and buckles. It changes the look more than you might expect.
| Single monk | Double monk | |
|---|---|---|
| Straps | One strap, one buckle | Two straps, two buckles |
| Look | Cleaner, closer to an oxford | Bolder, more decorative |
| Formality | Slightly more formal | Slightly more fashion-led |
| Best with | Suits, business wear, cap toe styles | Tailoring, chinos, smart casual |
| Fit | Strap sits higher on the instep | Two straps spread the hold |
| Good first pair? | Yes, in black or dark brown | Yes, in brown or burgundy |
If you want one pair that goes everywhere, a single monk in a dark colour is the safer choice. If you want the shoe to be noticed, the double monk is the classic. See our Black Split-Toe Single Monkstrap and Burgundy Double Monkstrap side by side, or browse every style in our men's monk strap shoes collection.
Are Monk Strap Shoes Formal?
Monk straps are smart, but they are not the most formal shoe. A black cap toe oxford is still the right choice for black tie and the most conservative offices. Below that, a monk strap works almost everywhere: business suits, weddings, dinners and smart casual.
- Most formal: black single monk in smooth calf, plain or cap toe.
- Business and weddings: dark brown, burgundy or black double monk.
- Smart casual: suede monks, patina finishes and monk strap boots.
- Statement: exotic leathers such as python or crocodile.
For a deeper look at where the oxford fits, read our guide to brogues vs oxfords vs derbies.
How to Wear Monk Strap Shoes
- Watch the trouser length. A slight break or no break shows off the buckles. A long, heavy break hides them.
- Match the metal. Silver buckles go with a silver watch and belt buckle; brass goes with gold.
- Pick the leather for the setting. Smooth calf for business, suede for weekends, patina when you want colour.
- Do the buckles up. Unbuckled monks are a fashion trend, but the strap is there to hold the shoe on. Worn loose, the heel slips and the leather creases badly.
Socks are a matter of taste. With suits, wear dark socks that match the trousers. With chinos in summer, no-show socks keep a clean ankle.
Monk Strap Boots
The same buckle design works on a boot. Monk strap boots give you the ankle cover of a Chelsea with a more tailored look, and they are easier to put on than lace-up boots. They suit grey flannel, dark denim and winter coats.
Browse Black Monk Strap Boots for Men, Men's Dark Brown Suede Monk Strap Boots and more in our men's leather boots.
What to Look for When Buying Monk Straps
- Construction. A Goodyear welted monk can be resoled many times. A glued sole usually cannot.
- Strap position. The strap should sit across the highest part of the instep so it actually holds the foot.
- Buckle quality. Solid metal buckles with a smooth tongue; light, hollow buckles bend.
- Fit. Because there are no laces, the width must be right from the start. A made-to-order pair lets you choose it.
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Single and double monks, boots and exotic leathers, made to order.
See monk strap shoesFAQs
What is the difference between single and double monk straps?
A single monk has one strap and one buckle, which gives a cleaner look close to an oxford. A double monk has two straps and two buckles, which looks bolder and more decorative. Both are fastened the same way, and both work with tailoring. A single monk is slightly more formal, while a double monk is the more classic statement shoe.
Are monk strap shoes formal enough for a suit?
Yes. Monk straps are a natural match for suits, especially in black, dark brown or burgundy smooth calf. They are a step below a black cap toe oxford in formality, so for black tie or very conservative dress codes an oxford is still safer. For business wear, weddings and dinners, a monk strap is a smart and confident choice.
Should you wear monk straps buckled or unbuckled?
Buckled. Some people wear the top strap of a double monk undone as a style trend, but the straps are what hold the shoe on your foot. Left loose, the heel slips as you walk and the leather creases in the wrong places. If the buckles feel tight, the strap can usually be adjusted or the width changed.
Do monk straps go with jeans?
Yes, if you pick the right pair. Suede monk straps, patina finishes and monk strap boots look good with dark, slim jeans. Keep the jeans clean and without heavy distressing, and choose a length that sits just on the shoe. Very formal black calf monks can look out of place with denim.
Are monk strap shoes comfortable?
They are very comfortable when they fit, because the strap spreads pressure across the instep instead of pulling laces tight in one spot. The key is width: without laces there is less adjustment, so the shoe must match your foot. A made-to-order pair in your width gives the best comfort from the first wear.