Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

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

10 Pairs of Good Looking Affordable SINGLE Monk Straps

July 7, 2015 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.

Why maybe, just maybe, Single Monks > Double Monks

Look, you’re either good with Monk Straps, or hate ’em. But here’s why they seem to work:

We live in a time when 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. Monk Straps are the perfect shoe for that sharp-casual, laid-back-business-wear no man’s land. They’re not stuffy, but still eye catching. And single monk straps seem to accomplish this better than a double monk.

With one less buckle there’s 50% less flash. They’re more subtle. And while they’re still easy to dress down, all that uninterrupted leather between the toe and the hem of your pants is reminiscent of a true oxford. So suits? Yes indeed. They work great with a full suit and tie, tieless, with chinos, and often with jeans. Nifty, huh? So, if you’ve made it this far without barfing up your Cream of Wheat on your Park Avenues, then buckle up (HAAHAAHAH!) and proceed.

 

Cole Haan Cambridge in Java Grain – $115 – $180 ($258)

Cole Haan Cambridge in Java Grain

From one of Cole Haan’s higher quality lines. Still not Allen Edmonds quality, but better than many of their other offerings. Grain leather on this one with a bit of broguing. Stitched sole. Gold/Brass tone buckle might not float everyone’s boat. Maybe wait for the next select-shoes extra 20% off code so these drop into the mid $100s? Made in India.

 

Gordon Rush “Bryant” – $100ish – $188

Gordon Rush "Bryant"

Prices are depending on size & color. Bunch of different places to get these. Full price at Nordstrom, sometimes on sale at Bloomingdale’s, and all over the place in terms of price at Amazon. Full price is probably asking too much for a Gordon Rush shoe. But the shape is perfect, the buckle is subtle, and they’re versatile. Also available in black.

 

Allen Edmonds Franciscan – $385 (mid $200s for factory 2nds)

Allen Edmonds Franciscan |

Was just $199 during the Shoebank Tent Sale, and under $200 might be tough to find again for a good long while. But if you like the visuals that broguing can bring, then the Franciscan was made for you. The perforated cap toe / medallion are pretty darn spectacular, while the curved edges to the subtle buckle deliver on the elegance factor. Slight chisel toe, so not for everyone, and built on the somewhat rare 333 last. Shown above in the currently unavailable Merlot, but they do have the more true-red, “dark chili” in stock. Also available in walnut or black.

 

Wall + Water Made in Italy Single Monk – $149.00

Wall + Water Made in Italy Single Monk |

Wall + Water is a Gilt House Brand. Nobody else carries this brand, and therefor, you’re subject to Gilt’s (awful) return policy if you want to get a pair of these things. Anything under $199.99 is returnable for Gilt credit ONLY. So that makes anything under that price an enormous risk. But rarely it can pay off. Big time. Made in Italy. Limited sizes at post time, but it seems like every season or so they do another run of Wall + Water footwear. If you’re a Gilt member, it’s not a bad idea to keep an eye out for this brand.

 

Allen Edmonds Warwick – $385 (mid $200s for factory 2nds)

Allen Edmonds Warwick |

Man. Just… I mean, come on. Less is often times more, and these prove it. Currently made in Black, Oxblood, or the knock-your-socks-off walnut burnished calf as shown above. Goodyear welted of course, but they’re still slim and aerodynamic. Full review here.

 

Sak’s Fifth Avenue BLACK Brown Suede Monks – $49.98

Sak's Fifth Avenue BLACK Brown Suede Monks |

Well those are… inexpensive. From the in-house diffusion brand “BLACK” (kinda like Macy’s Alfani RED, where not everything is red… or black). Awfully similar to Florsheim’s old “Asset” monk from a few years back. Should do quite well in the cooler months, but why not wear em’ now with a mid to light grey suit and a light blue shirt?

 

DSW Aston Grey “Chatsworth” Single Monk – $99.95

DSW Aston Grey "Chatsworth" Single Monk |

DSW’s Aston Grey house brand does it again. Their suede single monks from last year were phenomenal, and these new, almost burgundy-leaning leather monks hold a bunch of potential for the late summer, fall, and winter. Perfect toe shape. Gonna look great with jeans and/or chinos. And while the buckle is “antiqued” a bit more than maybe some would prefer, it’s certainly not as distracting as some chromed-up shiny thing. Leather is super soft, but seems to wrinkle easily up where the flaps meet the smooth vamp. But that’s not unexpected for a hundred bucks.

 

Herring Made in the U.K. “Hilton” Monk – $254

Herring Made in the U.K. "Hilton" Monk |

Made in Britain, Goodyear welt, there’s that dynamite medallion at the toe, and the mid $200s price point is spot on for plenty. But there’s a catch. They ship from across the jolly ol’ pond, and you’re on the hook for international shipping in terms of returns. Dealing with customs and international shipping is a deal breaker for many. But Herring shoes are somethin’ else. Full review of another one of their models can be found here. Don’t forget that these are made in UK Sizes, so consider sizing down a half to a full size.

 

Charles Tyrwhitt Goodyear Welted Wingtip Monks – $199

Charles Tyrwhitt Goodyear Welted Wingtip Monks |

A wingtip single monk could be a little “much” for some, but being that it’s a single monk with a higher placed buckle, it can actually translate quite well up against all manners of grey or navy trousers. Along with their shirts, CT shoes offer good value for the money, and often go on sale.

 

The “hope it makes a comeback” – Jack Erwin Jake – $195.00

Jack Erwin Jake |

Jack Erwin tends to be pretty cyclical with their more fashion-forward models. They come, they go, they… might come back. You never know. if memory serves, their “Jake” single monk was offered in a couple shades of calfskin, as well as the fantastic brown suede seen above. Blake constructed so they were nice and slim through the sole. Made in Spain. (Or Portugal?) Here’s to hoping they show back up in the fall.

Note: Do not confuse the endorsement of single monks as a knock against double monks, or, traditional laced shoes or slip-on loafers. If you can’t stand em’? Understood.

Filed Under: Dappered Classics, Shoes Tagged With: affordable monk straps, affordable single monk straps, monk straps, single monk straps

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.

Steal Alert: 25% off select Hamilton, Seiko, and Timex watches at Macy’s

Steal Alert: 25% off select Hamilton, Seiko, and Timex watches at Macy’s

Authorized retailer. Models you don’t normally see on sale.

Seiko 5 Sports Divers, Target’s Spring Home Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Seiko 5 Sports Divers, Target’s Spring Home Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

WP Standard’s Spring Sale is underway.

Style Scenario: Sleek Athleisure (nothing over $100 edition)

Style Scenario: Sleek Athleisure (nothing over $100 edition)

Average item price is under $50. Jacket, pants, t-shirt, watch, sunglasses, etc.

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

  • Seiko 5 Sports Divers, Target’s Spring Home Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Cheap Sunglasses, Affordable Tech Pants, & More
  • Style Scenario: Sleek Athleisure (nothing over $100 edition)
  • Steal Alert: 25% off select Hamilton, Seiko, and Timex watches at Macy’s
  • Most Wanted Affordable Style – March 2023
  • Steal The Style: Danny Ocean’s Tieless Suit Look in Ocean’s 11, 12, 13

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.