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Style Guide: How To Wear Monk Strap Shoes
Plus, the best monk strap shoes for every occasion.
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The monk strap shoe is a perennial favourite among lace-averse gentlemen. Representing a viable alternative to traditional dress shoes like Oxfords and derbies, monk strap shoes are structured enough to be paired with a suit, while the presence of the eponymous straps add a sense of louche irreverence to any outfit.
What are monk strap shoes?
Monk strap shoes synthesise the best of both worlds; combining the ease of a loafer with the formality of Oxfords. Retaining the vamp and tongue of its lace-up cousins, monk strap shoes eschew laces in favour of their namesake straps across the vamp, secured with one or two (and rarely, even three) buckles. Monk strap shoes can also feature wink-tips, toe caps, broguing, and tonal detailing for added interest.
Single monk strap vs double monk strap
A loaded question. Single monk straps have a streamlined silhouette that makes them a no brainer for business, formal, and smart casual dressing. Meanwhile, double monk strap shoes allow for a little more sartorial expression, adding a playful touch to any outfit. They work well for casual and office wear alike.
History of the monk strap shoe
Monk strap shoes as we know them today are a 20th century development, however their inspiration dates back several centuries. As their name indicates, monk strap shoes have a relatively unconventional source of inspiration — monks. Dating back to the 15th century, the life of a monk typically consisted of workship and manual labour. For those in the European Alps, the latter element necessitated a more protective style of footwear than the sandals the profession is often associated with. The result? A closed-toe take on the single- or double-strapped sandals, which formed the base inspiration for what has become monk strap shoes.
A version of monk strap shoes rose to (sartorial) fame during the 18th and 19th centuries, however was pushed to the side in favour of lace-up styles. The monk strap shoe reemerged into the collective consciousness in the 20th century, however it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the style solidified itself as a mainstay in contemporary wardrobes. Today, monk strap shoes have well and truly shed their manual labour origins and are primarily connoted with dressier occasions.
How to style monk strap shoes
Monk strap shoes are able to effortlessly adapt to varying dress codes. Whether you’re attending a gala dinner, heading to a meeting, or going out for drinks, here’s how to style monk strap shoes for multivarious occasions.
Casual And Smart Casual
Double monk strap shoes are ideal for casual fare. Skip dark shades and patent leather in and opt for laidback materials like brushed leather or suede in lighter colours. Pair them with jeans or relaxed trousers (in cotton or linen) and a knit polo or t-shirt.
For smart casual occasions, mid to dark brown leather single or double monks are a failsafe option, paired with pleated trousers and a button-down shirt. Alternatively, inject a little personality into your outfit by opting for monk strap shoes in atypical shades like oxblood or forest green, or try a two-tone version.
Business formal
A pair of monk strap shoes makes an easy substitution for derbies or loafers. Stick to subdued shades like black and chocolate brown, and pair them with tailored suiting or separates.
Formal
The perfect way to add a little flair to formal get-ups while still being dress code-compliant, monk strap shoes pair well with most suiting. Monk strap shoes in black or dark brown are safe bets, however more adventurous shades like forest green, oxblood, and deep blue can serve to enliven an otherwise staid outfit.
The best monk strap shoes for men in 2023
Santoni Light Blue Suede Double Buckle Loafer
Combining the DNA of a monk strap with that of a loafer, these double monks bear moc toe stitching typically found on the latter. Rendered in light blue suede, they serve to elevate casual and smart casual wear.
Approx $1670; santonishoes.com
Tom Ford Elkan Double Monk Strap Boot
A fresh take on the style, these double monk strap boots provide an interesting addition to formal outfits. With a soft square toe and toe cap stitching, these boots exude understated elegance.
Approx. $3090; tomford.com
Carmina Double Monk Straps
Made with Goodyear welt construction, these burgundy monk straps feature toe cap stitching and steel hardware, making for a failsafe option for formal occasions.
Berluti Galet Scritto Leather Monk Shoe
A decidedly artistic take on the style, these single monk strap shoes feature the maison’s signature Scritto artwork along the upper, complemented by perforated details. A surefire way to put your best foot forward on formal occasions.
$3950; berlutti.com
Jimmy Choo Finnion Monkstrap
If ever there was a pair of shoes simply begging to be paired with an immaculately tailored suit, it’s this one. Crafted from smooth black leather, they’re secured with gunmetal-toned buckles with subtle Jimmy Choo branding, and feature a stitched toe cap.
$1295; jimmychoo.com
Herring Monkwell Monk Shoes
An undeniably refined take on the style, the Herring Monkwell Monk Shoes are an apt substitution for Oxfords, allowing them to be worn on formal occasions. Available in dark brown or black leather, these single monk strap shoes are constructed with a Goodyear welt, allowing them to stand the test of time.
$707; herring-shoes.com
Brioni Black Benedict Shoes
A decidedly subdued style, these elegant single monk strap shoes are ideally suited for business formal wear. Their tapered sole and streamlined silhouette allows them to be paired with slim-cut trousers.
Approx. $1680; brioni.com
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Gentlemanly Restraint
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“Sips was destined for greatness even before it rocketed into the list at No. 37 just a few short months after opening in 2021,” William Drew, the director of content for 50 Best, said in a statement.
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Barcelona may be home to two of the top five bars, but London has cemented its status as the cocktail capital of the world: The English city had five bars make the list, more than any other town represented. Along with Connaught Bar in the top five, Tayēr + Elementary came in at No. 8, and Satan’s Whiskers (No. 28), A Bar With Shapes for a Name (No. 35), and Scarfes Bar (No. 41) all made the grade too.
The United States similarly had a good showing this year. New York City, in particular, is home to a number of the best bars: Overstory (No. 17) and Katana Kitten (No. 27) joined Double Chicken Please on the list.
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Check out the full list of the 50 best bars in the world below.
1. Sips, Barcelona
2. Double Chicken Please, New York
3. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
4. Paradiso, Barcelona
5. Connaught Bar, London
6. Little Red Door, Paris
7. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
8. Tayēr + Elementary, London
9. Alquímico, Cartagena
10. Himkok, Oslo
11. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires
12. Line, Athens
13. BKK Social Club, Bangkok
14. Jigger & Pony, Singapore
15. Maybe Sammy, Sydney
16. Salmon Guru, Madrid
17. Overstory, New York
18. Zest, Seoul
19. Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar, Bangkok
20. Coa, Hong Kong
21. Drink Kong, Rome
22. Hanky Panky, Mexico City
23. Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne
24. Café La Trova, Miami
25. Baba au Rum, Athens
26. CoChinChina, Buenos Aires
27. Katana Kitten, New York
28. Satan’s Whiskers, London
29. Wax On, Berlin
30. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires
31. Röda Huset, Stockholm
32. Sago House, Singapore
33. Freni e Frizioni, Rome
34. Argo, Hong Kong
35. A Bar With Shapes for a Name, London
36. The SG Club, Tokyo
37. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
38. The Cambridge Public House, Paris
39. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
40. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai
41. Scarfes Bar, London
42. 1930, Milan
43. Carnaval, Lima
44. L’Antiquario, Naples
45. Baltra Bar, Mexico City
46. Locale Firenze, Florence
47. The Clumsies, Athens
48. Atlas, Singapore
49. Jewel of the South, New Orleans
50. Galaxy Bar, Dubai
