Many would complain that monk strap loafers have become as over exposed as Kate Upton. Many others would agree, yet add that maybe that’s not such a terrible thing. Maybe.
Even if you’re waiting for the monk strap thing to just die out already, each of these three options will at least lead you to a potentially decent sale event. Just like at the gas pump, there’s three levels here:
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Unleaded: Florsheim Network Single Monk Strap – $88.00 w/ LINK20 ($110)
Florsheim has launched their annual summer clearance, and the code LINK20 is still taking 20% off your order. Even stuff that’s on sale. Lump on top of that free shipping at $99 pre-code and there’s some potential there. The Network looks a little clunky, but for $88 it could do some serious duty as a down-time loafer. Ships free too. Also worth noting: Zara’s much sleeker “shoe with buckles” has yet to debut, but when it does, it’ll be cheap at $99.90.
Mid-grade: C. Lendini Single – $133.80 ($168) | Double – $142.40 ($178) w/HAPPYBIRTHDAY
Just in to Yoox and just marked down thanks to the 20% off site wide code HAPPYBIRTHDAY. Their summer clearance section is now up to more than half off, and thus been picked over, but maybe worth a look with that extra 20% off if you’ve got some time to kill. Double monk has a medallion and a toe that leans chisel. Single has real potential and a pair is on the way. Shipping is steep at $9.94. And now, a lightning round for a few other solid shoe deals during this Yoox sale: Try these, these, and maybe these. All get the extra 20% off with the code. Remember, everything (not just shoes) is on sale. Code expires 6/22.
Premium: To Boot New York Ritter Single Monk Strap – $158.00 $237 ($395)
Park and Bond’s Spring Sale might haven’t changed names to Summer yet, but they have ratcheted up the discounts. There might be a few new items in there too? The Italian made Ritter single Monk Strap from To Boot New York is ultra-sleek and more than $150 off. Hardly any sizes left in the brown, and some scattered sizes left in black. Only a couple sizes left in the very similar “Varden” monk strap in navy suede. UPDATE: The price on these dropped significantly today. Credit to John in the comments for the tip.
Florsheim’s LINK20 code has been working for awhile. The Yoox Extra 20% off code HAPPYBIRTHDAY expires 6/22. And yes, you can still get that CHANT CD if you really want to. $10.61 via Amazon
Those Florsheim monks are some really ugly shoes—really ugly.
I also stopped by a Zara for the first time and took a look at some of their wingtip shoes—based on the quality of what I saw, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that their double
Monks will feel cheap.
Every time you mention Park & Bond, my mind immediately jumps to CLAD. Then I have to decide whether to cry because it’s over, or smile because it happened. At that moment, I put on my $200 Hugo Boss suit and head out with a smile. Oh, how I smile . . .
Can Kate Upton ever be overdone?
I’d give it my best shot.
Correct answer here.
I just can’t dig monkstraps
those brown captoe look outta control. Whats the consensus on the Ciro Lendini? Quality shoes? You mentioned those suade loafers a few post back, and Ive had an itch to try out Yoox.com
Monk straps shoes? Not for me. Just can’t dig ’em. Also, Park & Bond sales are pretty hit or miss for me (especially with regard to shoes).
Anybody come up with a Yoox free shipping code? Looks like it’s free over $200, won’t come close to that.
One of your best, Shawn
I feel like could only wear these if I looked like Gordon Gekko, or had as much money as him
I’m surprised that you haven’t mentioned the fantastic deals on Walk-Over saddles and dirty-bucks at Neiman Marcus’ Last Call!
there can never be kate upton overexposure:
Just for your information, the Park and Bond Ritter single monk just plummeted to $158. That’s like $240 off, and that’s pretty cool. Black is the only option though, unless you have use for monstrous 13+ shoes.
Only Ciro Lendini I’ve ever seen in person were a pair of wingtip boots, and they were solid: http://dappered.com/2011/08/in-person-the-under-150-made-in-italy-wingtip-boot/ Seems like they’re the Yoox version of Mike Konos / Mercanti Fiorentini from DSW. Have some cap toes on the way for a review.
In my uncle’s fancypants hamlet in California, you can get 100 octane racing fuel at the gas station. Would that be something like these? http://www.parkandbond.com/product/130238831?oaff=google
The Zara double monks are available now, ordered a pair already
When I click the Ritter Monk Straps they still show $237. Am I missing something?
Prices went back up.
I have no idea why Dappered keeps promoting shoes that look decent but fall apart after just a few months of use. For as much or a little bit more, you can get excellent Goodyear welted British shoes, you know? Leather and watches are things were “The poor man cries twice” holds true the most.
Here’s a nice single strap from Herring. I believe these are made by Cheaney: http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-info.php?&brandid=6&shoeid=2674 (They regularly have 10% off codes on their Twitter)
A minimalist and rather beautiful pair from Shipton. Their shoes are made by a variety of british manufacturers like Cheaney, C&J, Loake and Alfred Sargent. http://www.shipton-usa.com/mens/mens-monk-shoes/grosvenor-brown-calf.html
…and here’s a poorly kept secret when it comes to VFM Goodyear welted double monks.The Loake Blackfriars: http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-info.php?&colset=1&styleid=794&shoeid=2664&brandid=7&catid=20&oldcolid=1422&stype=0&colourid=1423
Believe me, I was on the “If it looks good and costs only a pittance, I’m ok with replacing them in a few months” wagon too, but ever since I discovered quality British shoemaking, I haven’t looked back. The smell of the leather, the quality of the stitching, the way the cork bedding molds to your feet after a few wears and makes them more comfortable than sports trainers… these are things that no cheap shoe can hope to replicate. Of course, goes without saying that if you take good care of them, they can last years.
Oh, and if you’re not into monks, then there are tonnes of other styles to choose from too. A lot of people have a misconception that all Goodyear welted shoes are staid, boring and look like “Old man shoes”. If you look at brands like Alden, then yeah. But There are lots of other brands that have beautiful, modern looking models.
I love these twin eyelet gibsons from Cheaney that I bought a while ago and they are as modern as one’d want them without going over the top.
https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/292555_10150897543053196_620080374_a.jpg
Bought them from Bodileys of UK. http://www.shoesnorthampton.co.uk/index.html
They had the best shopping experience I’ve ever encountered on the Internet. Highly recommended.
I see Florsheim hasn’t changed their single monks much in the last ten years. I have almost the exact same pair but they’re cap toes with a small strip of broguing and from 2003. I need to look at getting them re-soled.
All terrific looking shoes. But this is an argument that’s been had time and time again. Some people claim cheap shoes fall apart on them (maybe they do have direct experience) and sure, there are lemons out there. But for plenty of us, a sub $150 pair of shoes will last a lonnnnnnnng time. And for some, $300 just isn’t possible, period.
I’m not sure how some guys seem to beat the snot out of their shoes to the point where they peel apart, but, everyone walks differently I suppose. Thanks for the links…
Fair point and I do understand the budgetary constraints, but my counter point to that is to look at shoes as an investment, not as an expense. If it means that I can’t buy the pair I like this month, then wait till the next month. It’s not like we’re saving up for a Ferrari, right?
But of course, the key is to get into the mindset where it’s perfectly justifiable to spend $300 on a pair of shoes. I do agree, that’s not an easy task.
…that said if you ever do reach that place, you’ll never ever regret it. Trust me.
The Ritter monks arrived this afternoon, and they’re utterly stunning. Inviting a few friends over tonight to kneel and pay homage to them. I wish I was joking.