Monk shoe

A double monk shoe

Illustration of a man's single-strap monk dress shoe

A monk shoe or monk strap is a style of dress shoe with no lacing, instead secured on the feet by one or multiple buckles and straps.^[1][2] It was innovated by the English shoe maker Edward Green in the late 19th century.^[3]

The monk shoe is a moderately formal shoe: less formal than a full Oxford (American: Balmoral); but more so than an open Derby (American: Blücher).^[4][5] In between these, it is one of the main categories of men's shoes.

The monk shoe is described by some specialists in the fashion sector as the most accomplished men's dress shoe.^[6][7] It often has a cap toe, is occasionally brogued, and is popular in suede.

Differences between the Monk, the Derby and the Oxford shoe

Double Monk Felsted

A Plein Derby

Oxford shoe

Publications

• Sternke, Helge (2006). Alles über Herrenschuhe (in German). Berlin. ISBN 978-3-89479-252-7. OCLC 180886933.
• McDowell, Colin (1989). Schuhe Schönheit, Mode, Phantasie. München. ISBN 978-3-453-03606-2. OCLC 75129487.

See also

• List of shoe styles

References

1. Mandilaris, Kostas (2019-10-22). "History Of Monk Strap Shoes | Timeless Elegance For The Modern Man". Misiu Academy. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
2. Tao, Mei (31 July 2012). "Laces Out: The New Rules of Monkstraps". GQ. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
3. "Monk Strap Shoes: The Complete Guide To Monk Strap Shoe". Coveti. 24 March 2023. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
4. "Shoe Leather and Accessory Glossary". www.pediwear.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
5. Schneider, Sven Raphael (2016-08-29). "Monk Strap Shoes Guide". www.gentlemansgazette.com. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
6. Breslin, Yale (16 October 2014). "Five Essential Items for Every Man's Closet". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
7. Gallagher, Jacob (21 March 2023). "The Most Polarizing Men's Dress Shoe Is Back. Buckle Up". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2023-04-11.