For those that live and die by trends, and who thus abandon a trend as soon as it goes mainstream, monk straps have jumped the Menswear Shark. For those of us that adopt something when it works, and keep on using it until it doesn’t work anymore, Monk Straps are still very much in their prime.
We live in a time where many of us feel most comfortable in the middle of a Men’s Style Venn diagram, with formal on one side, and casual on the other. We dress down slightly when dressed up, and dress up slightly when dressed down. (Got that?) And Monk Straps are the perfect shoe for that sharp/casual relaxed/business-wear no man’s land. They dress down a suit, but dress up jeans. They’re comfortable, but still eye-catching. Different, without getting weird. Here are ten of the best looking pairs of monk straps (but still attainable price-wise for most) on the market right now…
Cole Haan Air Madison Single Monk – $130.94
($248)
Leans more casual, but still looks pretty smart with a medium grey suit (maybe a glenn plaid?) or trousers & a blazer. Traditional but not clunky toe shape. Down to $130 on Amazon and ships fast with Prime. Like a more affordable version of the Allen Edmonds Norwich
Mercanti Fiorentini Double Monk Medallion – $149.95
Lots of style-bang for not many bucks. The solo medallion at the toe is a super-sleek option that you’d think more designers would use. A slight chisel toe, but not square by any stretch. From the made in Italy, glued yet still durable, Mercanti Fiorentini brand. Be patient and these’ll go for less during the next DSW tiered code sale.
Gilt’s Wall + Water Plain Toe Suede Monk – $159.00
From a “Gilt Exclusive” brand. Made in Italy. Awfully rich looking, but know that since it’s Gilt, returns are for credit only. Also available in navy.
Jack Erwin “Jake” in Brown Suede – $195.00
Mentioned in yesterday’s monthly Most Wanted, but still belongs on this list. Full review of Jack Erwin shoes over here. Haven’t seen these suedes in person yet, but the single monks in particular might look outstanding with all manner of summer suits.
Allen Edmonds Franciscan Single Monks in Merlot – $345
WAIT. Don’t cringe just yet. These gotta come down in price. And here’s why. As already stated, there’s a push back on Monk straps right now. Plus, these are built on the slightly chisel toe 333 last. That’s the same last the double monk Neumora was built on, and that model was kicked to the curb in favor of the more rounded toe Mora 2.0. In the deep reddish brown merlot, these are almost perfect for our dressed up casual / dressed down business times. Wear them with grey or navy, and you’ll stand out quietly. Bottom line is: When these dip to the mid to low $200s (which is where some, not all, draw the line at “reasonable”), a few of us will be screaming: “TAKE MY MONEY.” Update: And like that, the Merlot seems to have disappeared off the Allen Edmonds site. Going to keep an eye out for these to reappear. Black & Walnut, as pictured at the top of the post, are currently available.
Florsehim “Classico” Double Monk Strap – $152.00 w/ LNKNEW14 ($190)
The less-fortunate man’s Mora 2.0, with what appears to be a slight chisel toe (so, really the less fortunate man’s Neumora?). From their upgraded Imperial line. Still going to be “imported”, but made with higher quality leathers compared to the entry level shoes. Speaking of…
Florsheim Castellano Double Monk – $100 w/ LNKNEW14 ($125)
From their starter line. Half-brouge perfs on this one. Also available in black. A little stumpy at the toe. Like the “Classico” above, use the code LNKNEW14 for 20% off new arrivals on Florsheim’s site through 3/2.
John W. Nordstrom Giordano Single Monk – $175.00
The buckle, at least online, looks a little chunky. But the perforated cap-toe is a nice addition. Made in Italy for Nordstrom, so quality is going to be there. May or may not be glued. A little splashy/angular looking for some.
Meermin Goodyear Welted Double Monks – low to mid $200s
All depends on what the Euro is trading for against the dollar, plus what kind of international purchase charges your credit card might tack on. The VAT that Europeans pay is taken off your final price, but international shipping sorta makes up for that in the end. Not as simple as buying something off Amazon since we’re talking International Returns. More on Meermin over here and here.
Magnanni Double Monk in Black Suede – $195.30 ($279)
Despite suede being matte in nature, and black being the only color option, these are pretty flashy in terms of personality. In a small way, these are getting close to velvet-tux slipper territory. They’re an evening shoe, but still easy to dress down. Try them with dark denim, a black corduroy or grey wool blazer (like that J. Crew Club blazer that was on uber-sale recently) and a simple dress watch. Made in Spain.
BONUS: The Current Standard: Allen Edmonds Mora 2.0 – $365
Perfectly rounded toe with a simple cap. Goodyear welted. Made in the USA. Available in black, their timeless brown burnished, or a warmer but still not that showy Bourbon. Might be worth seeing if there are some 2nds quality available during the now underway Shoebank sale. Looks like the 2nds quality were going for $269? Sizes might be scattered or non existent if they moved fast. More on how these sales work over here.
Additions are more than welcome in the comments Or, have you abandoned Monk Straps already? Did you never get on board? Are you a long time fan? Leave it all in the comments. Obligatory thanks to reader diversification for his patience with this post.
Queue the monkstrap hate in 3, 2, 1…
I own a pair of double monk strap shoes from Zara, black with a white sole so they’re definitely casual shoes, but I’m not in love with the shoe style on the whole. I do really like single monk straps that are like the Cole Haans and the AE Franciscans, Not at fan of the Jack Erwin and John W. Nordstrom pairs.
I get that they aren’t for everyone…but the hate part sometimes baffles me. Personally, I only like the single monk strap (doubles just aren’t for me), but I see why others LOVE double monks. Each..own…I suppose. 🙂
I love my Donald J Pilner double monks in Black. On the look out for a brown pair, may be up for checking out a suede pr too.
I actually understand the absolute disdain some people have for them – those people KNOW they don’t like monkstraps and can absolutely express that. What bothers me is people who “don’t understand how anyone could like them” as if somehow they have to justify their tastes. At the end of the day… we’re arguing matters of taste. Saying that you don’t “understand” someone else’s tastes is a fruitless point.
I think their ubiquity has made them divisive. If we concede that the only people who really care one way or another are guys who care about style, trends, and fashion in general, then there’s a good chance that when something becomes as of-the-moment as monks, it’s going to annoy both people who never liked them and people who liked them primarily because they were different than a usual pair of oxfords, i.e. people who pay attention enough to notice. Now, either this look you can’t stand is being touted everywhere from GQ to your favorite affordable style blog, or a style that had set you apart is now being worn, often to horrible effect, by every pleated-khaki wearing schlub in your office. Both are annoying, but only because you care enough about shoes in general to have an opinion. Ubiquity makes you take a position and heightens the annoyance until you get hatred in the comments. Once the trend dies out, I bet a lot of people who hate on them will cool off a bit. Personally, I couldn’t care less. I like them more on a foot, beneath pants than I do in pictures, but I still don’t own a pair. They’re not an essential part of my personal style.
EDIT: I may be projecting a bit here. I’m preparing a lecture on netiquette and the nature of incivility in public discourse.
Yeah people will always complain about something. It’s the internet ideal that since I am always able to offer my opinion I must always offer it. It’s a free website that gives you daily content. I’m not interested in every single post either, but it’s so easy to just not read it!Some people just like to watch the world burn, I guess.
Those AE Moras are smooth.
I have a feeling Joe’s having a bit of fun with this post.
Not at all. Better a good spirited soliloquy than some mean spirited snark.
Good luck with the lecture, public speaking makes me vomit in fear.
Be honest, you wrote this on January 14th, didn’t you…
My thoughts exactly.
Just the italics at the end.
Ha, was just thinking this… *RANTS*
Haha, well played. Honestly, I was half expecting my name to be linked with the Charlie Murphy drop-the-mic gif.
Getting grad school paid for through a teaching assistantship cleared up any of that public-speaking fear. Or at least made it easier to swallow down than the (even greater) crushing debt I’d owe otherwise. Now that I’m fully on the other end of the educational spectrum, it helps that I’m lecturing to a classroom full of students who have no choice but to listen patiently to whatever it is I’m rambling about.
What, no quad-monks?
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/6808/monk.png
For the record, I actually do like monks and double monks (don’t tell anyone though).
Haha! Those are sweet. I’d have to set my alarm 30 mins earlier to make it out of the house on time.
And in the I-don’t-want-to-pay-a-lot-for-something-that-may-be-passe-soon category, I’d suggest the Madden Lyfe double monk. For under $70, comfortable, no-nonsense shape, surprisingly decent construction for that brand. Lots of compliments. Solid reviews on the DSW site.,
Tip: to save time in the morning wear them to bed put them on, and never take them off.
No mention of the Aldo double monk that were just posted in the “Spring temptations” post?
You’re killing me!
I hafta jump in and recommend against Steve Madden shoes, in general. I’ve [unfortunately] owned a number of SM shoes over the years (all went for between $50 and $75) and every single pair has been pretty awful. They start out looking ok, but they get ratty looking very quickly and then just fall apart. I’d recommend jumping up $30 into Florsehim territory.
Eh… this style just isn’t for me. Some of those aren’t too bad looking though.
I, for one, LOVE this shoe. That rich brown calf leather really takes them up a notch into business classy territory.
However, they are Blake stitched, so on the construction front, I would put them slightly below the AE Mora 2.0s.
What?! No love for the double-monk, chisel toe BOOT?
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/mercanti+fiorentini+double+monk+boot?prodId=287707&category=cat20303&activeCats=cat20192,cat20303
What?! No love for the double-monk, chisel toe BOOT??
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/mercanti+fiorentini+double+monk+boot?prodId=287707
I think I am just over the non stop coverage of monkstraps. It’s a trend I get it and clearly people on this website enjoy them but how many pairs of monkstraps do you need? They stand out so much your probably only going to own one or two. How about a boot roundup so we can get through this never ending winter.
They have a goodyear welted version in cognac, and slightly cheaper too.
http://us.suitsupply.com/en_US/shoes/cognac-monk-strap/FW122137.html?start=7&cgid=Shoes&prefn1=collection&prefv1=Fall%2FWinter
http://dappered.com/2013/09/best-looking-boots-fall-2013/
$250 is an excellent price for those, assuming they fit well. Just wish they were in a darker color.
There’s something very S&Mish about those. Master.
I don’t hate them, but I’m getting a little tired of them. I suspect I’m not the only one.
Have and love the Meermins. Great looking shoe with a rounded toe, a bit narrower than the AEs for a more modern look, but not crazy. Best shoe for the price on this list.
I’d be cautious with the Cole Haans. I purchase the first pair of Cole Haans bought in a decade or so last fall. Back in the day they were known for quality but the leather on mine is obviously that coated crap, because they wrinkled almost instantly despite regular shoe tree use. I guess if you know what you’re buying going in you’ll be OK, but don’t let the name fool you into thinking they’re quality shoes.
Thanks I remember looking at that. Ordering a pair of those chippewas. The rest of them probably won’t work for my wide feet.
Loscv29: LOL. You are misreading. I never said that I don’t understand someone else’s tastes. Maybe I should simplify, I don’t understand the human desire to “hate” absolutely an inanimate object. Now, as to the point you made about the position on having to justify a personal taste, that makes sense.
I wasn’t replying to your comment directly… I actually agree with you. I was simply making a general statement about people who dislike the shoe and their justifications.
That was awesome. 🙂
Blake stitching doesn’t necessarily mean lower build quality. In fact, on a double monk I’d see the sleekness it provides as an asset (buckles + clunky sole can put you in pilgrim territory quite quickly). Just avoid stepping in puddles.
Joe – any intel on Shoe Passion monk straps (or their shoes, in general)? Just looking at their doubles here – http://www.shoepassion.com/formal-shoes/no-591.html. Seen some good reviews floating around out there…
Also a member of the crushing-debt-motivated college-course-passing crew. Don’t like the course? Don’t like the prof? Don’t care! I’m passing cause I’m paying for it!
Are there only the two poles of polished (formal-ish) and suede (casual)? I’d like to get into a monk (zing!) but would prefer to blur the lines with a distressed finish that isn’t quite the slash and burn finish of suede. Does such a thing even exist?
I too was wondering about Meermin. They’re in the same range and are highly regarded apparently. Haven’t gotten my own pair yet but I will within the VERY near future.
Nice find Brock. Dug the suede Dub Monks they have. I personally plan on having about two pairs of these style of shoes: Nordstrom’s 1901 and Meermin’s. Maybe I’ll have to bump that up to 3…
I learned about it from this site, but perhaps the mixed reviews on the BR site prevented them from being on this list this time around….but I absolutely love the Adrian Monk Straps from BR. Yeah, it took a bit of breaking in and does run long, but it is extremely comfortable and fashionable.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=556738&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CCkQFjAA%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.bananarepublic.com%252Fproducts%252Fadrian-monk-strap-P556738.jsp%26ei%3DOGzxUtneCYuBogSV1ILIBA%26usg%3DAFQjCNGgSSyZS9-8NppIm1AaAwsDjHdZtg%26sig2%3D0UKuZ3XCkXfXbSd5Bx5P1A%26bvm%3Dbv.60799247%2Cd.cGU
From what I’ve seen, that’s all there is. Maybe the double monk scene needs some inspiration? (Side note: In my opinion, you can just dress up the suede ones. They look great with both jeans and nice suits).
I like to think that now that I stand at the front of the room instead of sit at the back, I’m considerate of the sacrifice students make in terms of time and money, especially because I teach mostly required humanities courses in an English department. Student engagement is a mixed bag unless you keep it really interesting.
Disclaimer: I have yet to see SS’s shoes in person. That said, if the photos are anything to go by, I’d be very skeptical about the quality of leather they use for their uppers. It could just be the sharpening but it looks like Zara quality on the website
Too much of mens fashion is about uniformity. Part of the reason I like them is because not everybody else does. Wait, that makes me a hipster, doesn’t it?
dammit… *tucks hands in pocket, looks down at double monks, kicks crumpled can down dusty sidewalk*
Cool. Yeah I was thinking about trying their monks or those dark brown suede brogues…
Great post!
FWIW, I have the Mercanti double monks and picked them up for $125 last
year. For my dollar, they live up to that price tag but are not in the same league as $250+ shoes.
The soles are holding up just fine, but the leather is on the thinner side and has some heavy creasing on the top. Not a deal breaker, and still worth $125, but thought I’d share…
I think AE Franciscans are on sale for 150 at the seconds sale. But, then again, its seconds
Johnston and Murphy Clayton Double Buckle comes in pebble grain. Not to be confused with the Clayton oxford.
At a higher price point Septieme Largeur’s Louis Charles in mixed material (suede/calf) for both poles at the same time (that came out wrong didn’t it). SL can also do custom patinas starting from a white shoe.
thats not bad.
The Allen Edmonds Norwich is a distressed finish monk strap.
I have the Meermins. They look great. Only downside was it took probably 2 or so months (maybe more, I can’t remember) from the time that I placed the order until receiving them.
Any of these available in a size 16? Good shoes are impossible to find in a giant size…
Have been wearing monks for nearly 20 years. Alden black cordovan cap toe single, and Paul Stuart/Grenson brown pebble grain double. I guess you could say they are investments