Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

The $50, Made in Spain, Suede Single Monk

July 8, 2013 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Zara Suede Single Monks – $49.99 ($99.90)

UPDATE: Sizes 8, 9, 10, and 11 were available at post time, and have since sold out.

“The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain”

– Eliza Doolittle

Apparently along with water, there are shoe making elves falling from Spanish skies. How else could España produce a pair of shoes this nice for the on sale price of fifty bucks?

Yep, they’re made in Spain. That was a bit of a stunner when they came out of the box. They might even have some sort of lightweight stitched welt construction instead of bonding (unless these stitches are a bit of fakery).

Look, they’re not Alden, nor Allen Edmonds, or even the also-Spanish made Magnanni, but they sure do look and feel incredible for occupying territory in the canvas-sneakers price sector. They’re lightweight but not flimsy. The buckle doesn’t feel like it’s going to tear off. And despite not having the thickest soles, they’re plenty comfortable.

Zara DMsGreat toe, nice feeling suede, and a brushed/matte buckle.

The interior is lined with a combination of some sort of textile and what appears to be sheepskin. The pics on the Zara website make it look like they have some sort of traction to the sole. That’s not the case. They’re smooth, synthetic soles, and it just must be the stitching that gives it that weird look on the web.

Thinner solesNot the beefiest soles, so here’s to hoping they hold up.

The suede uppers have a nice, short & soft nap to them, and there’s no silly burnishing. Toe shape is perfect. And while they’re on the trim side when it comes to width, they’re not elongated or anything like that. No half sizes available, but a 10 fit my 10.5 feet just fine.

Recently wore them during a 5 mile, round-trip bike ride down to dinner with some friends, and they were comfortable the whole way. The other shoe option for the night was going to be a pair of canvas sneakers, but these had just showed up that afternoon. They played nicely with some dark linen-blend jeans* and a light blue/aqua polo. Not quite sure they’d look right with shorts, (you could give this a shot) but they’re a nice casual upgrade for jeans and chinos.

Zara does free shipping and free returns, and they even come with a pre-paid, already printed out for you return shipping label. But at this price, that label probably won’t get used very much.

Zara Singles

*A warning on these jeans. They’re final sale via GILT, very slim, and have a low rise. But they’ super comfortable, breathe well, and are made in the USA.

Filed Under: Shoes Tagged With: made in Spain, single monks, Suede, Zara

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Style Scenario – Valentine’s date night dressed up, going out

Style Scenario – Valentine’s date night dressed up, going out

Sharp, dark, and handsome for a nice night out.

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Rhone Polo & Commuter Shirt Savings Packs are back, & More

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Rhone Polo & Commuter Shirt Savings Packs are back, & More

There is a peculiarity about the Rhone pack deals though.

BR Factory New Arrivals (and 49% off), Seiko 5KX decent price, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

BR Factory New Arrivals (and 49% off), Seiko 5KX decent price, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Totes, sneakers, and Nordy Rack is worth a look.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • BR Factory New Arrivals (and 49% off), Seiko 5KX decent price, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Style Scenario: It’s still winter. (Nothing over $100 edition)
  • The Dappered Space: 5 Essential Home Decor Items for any grown-guy’s home
  • The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Rhone Polo & Commuter Shirt Savings Packs are back, & More
  • Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.