There are few pieces of menswear as sharp, sophisticated and downright dapper as a good pair of monk strap shoes.
Whether you prefer the classic look of double monks or the striking boldness of single monks, a well-made pair of monk straps provide a unique look that can elevate your entire appearance.
[image: Daniel Krason / Shutterstock]
The good news is that monks have become a popular style over the past decade or so (especially the classic double strap monk shoe), and today there are more monk style shoes on the market than ever before.
The bad news is that, while the total quantity of monk shoes has increased drastically, the quality can differ wildly from brand to brand.
The best monk shoes use buttery soft genuine leather pieces that will hold up over time, while others use cheap synthetic materials that have a similar overall look at first glance, but don’t stand up under scrutiny.
To help you sort through the muck and find both great style and great value, in this post we’ve rounded up the absolute best double monk strap and single monk strap shoes on the market.
The (Absolute) Best Monk Strap Dress Shoes
Breaking Down the Best Mens Monk Strap Shoes
Overall Best Double Monk Strap Shoes ↓
Beckett Simonon Hoyt Monk Straps
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 248 Reviews
- Available in 5 colors
Advantages:
Combining stylish looks and exceptional quality into a striking and surprisingly comfortable shoe, Beckett Simonon’s Hoyt model is easily our top pick for the all around best monk straps on the market.
Available in five different colors, the Hoyt’s sport a timeless and classic style that never goes out of fashion, thanks in no small part to a perfect toe shape that’s neither too round nor too sharp.
And in terms of quality, these shoes are second to none.
The upper is made from full-grain calfskin leather sourced from a Gold-Rated tannery in Italy, and has the sort of soft, supple feel that synthetic leather just can’t re-recreate.
But the best part might be the price point:
Walk into any department store and you’ll likely find a pair of double monk strap shoes from luxury brands like Paul Evans or Berluti that offer the same quality as Beckett Simonon, but cost twice as much.
If you’re looking for good value, great style and high quality, look no further.
Promising Review:
I have owned many brands of shoes costing much, much more than what Beckett Simonon charge. I have rarely been happy with any of them, they are merely tolerated.
However these shoes are VERY comfortable. They fit like a glove, there are no pinch points, and every time I wear them they are more comfortable. I am a customer for life.
– Patrick G.
🔎 In Review ↓
Check out our in-depth review of Beckett Simonon’s oxford shoe to find out how their leather sole holds up after a long time spent pounding the pavement.
Johnston & Murphy Conard Double Monk Strap
Features:
- 4.7 Stars
- 68 Reviews
- Available in Brown and Black
Advantages:
Another great combination of a double buckle and a handsome toe cap, Johnston & Murphy’s shoes aren’t quite as well made as Beckett Simonon’s.
But they’re also not quite as expensive, so these are a good option for anyone who wants a pair of double monks in their shoe collection, but doesn’t want to spend too much.
In addition to the cap toe, these also have a nice bit of broguing that runs along the individual leather pieces, making them a great shoe for those who have a personal preference for brogues or wingtips.
They also have rubber soles, which aren’t quite as sophisticated as leather soles (and thus not as appropriate for formal wear), but tend to provide a bit more traction.
Promising Review:
These are classy, high quality, durable shoes. They fit as expected, and are made from high quality materials.
I like them so much I bought a pair of brown ones and black ones.
– Duane
Best Single Monk Strap Dress Shoes ↓
Beckett Simonon Leonard Single Monk Strap Shoes
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 128 Reviews
- Available in 5 colors
Advantages:
Not surprisingly, Beckett’s single buckle monks stand out as the best of the bunch among single monk straps, for pretty much the same reasons as the double monk model listed above.
(Their double monk suede shoes, listed below, rank as our top suede choice for much the same reason.)
One thing I particularly appreciate about Beckett’s single monk is the craftsmanship not just of the leather, but of the hardware.
The single buckle used here is eye-catching and elegant, which allows the shoes to make a clear, yet still understated and sophisticated, style statement.
Promising Review:
Color, style, look, feel are perfect! There’s not one flaw I can find in these shoes…
Extremely pleased with the process from ordering the shoes to delivery.
– Steven C.
Cole Haan Men’s Johnson Double Monk Oxford
Features:
- 4.4 Stars
- 28 Reviews
- Available in Brown and Black
Advantages:
These are good shoes for anyone who wants a cost-effective option that might not hold up forever, but will work well in the short term.
Cole Haan’s shoes are always known for comfort, but you tend to get what you pay for:
The higher end (and higher priced) models offer the best quality, while the cheaper ones can work fine for casual events, but likely won’t last too long.
With that said, sometimes it’s great to have a relatively low-cost pair of simple shoes that you can throw on when you want to look good, and not have to worry about whether or not they’re going to get wet, damaged or ruined.
Promising Review:
My husband is crazy about those shoes and I can’t believe we found them for that price on Amazon! The shoes are beautiful as expected, my hubby is super happy. Great purchase!
– shirl
Allen Edmonds St. John’s Double Monk Strap
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 1 Review
Advantages:
If the Cole Haans above are on the cheap-and-cheerful end of the quality spectrum, the St. John’s from Allen Edmonds is very much on the other side.
These are among the highest priced models on this list, but also some of the highest quality monk straps on the market.
Handcrafted from premium leather, they have an intricate broguing pattern that’s a little more sleek and sophisticated than the Johnston & Murphy’s listed above.
They’re more appropriate if you’re looking for a proper dress shoe you can wear with a full suit, rather than a more casual pair that you could rock with skinny jeans on the weekend.
Promising Review:
Classic monk strap dress shoes
I have needed to replace a pair of less expensive monk strap dress shoes. These were exactly what I wanted. Beautiful light brown color. They look smart and classic.
– Brian81
Best of the Rest
While the five models listed above represent our top picks, they’re hardly alone at the top of the heap.
Each of the monk strap shoes below offer a combination of quality, style and value that makes them more than worthy of your attention – and quite possibly your hard-earned dollars.
Steve Madden Men’s Covet Loafer
Features:
- 4.5 Stars
- 65 Reviews
- Available in Brown and Black
Promising Review:
Only had a few weeks but typically Steve maddens are great.
Good workmanship and sharp styling. I have the brown as well. Definitely recommended.
– Jeremy
Best Suede Monk Strap Dress Shoes ↓
Beckett Simonon Hoyt Suede Monk Straps
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 19 Reviews
- Available in 2 shades of brown
Promising Review:
Absolutely gorgeous shoes, they quickly have become the go to shoes in my closet!
– John C.
Mezlan Forest Mens Wing Tip Single Monks
Features:
- 4.2 Stars
- 32 Reviews
Promising Review:
Superb. Very nice color and design.
La Milano Mens Double Monk Strap
Features:
- 4.5 Stars
- 789 Reviews
Promising Review:
We had the guys in our wedding party get these shoes and man did they look sharp. We went back & forth about having them all match or not and are SO glad we chose matching.
None of the guys wore them ahead of time to ‘break them in’ and they all said they were still super comfortable to wear all day the day of.
– Avalon
Bruno Marc Men’s Monk Strap Shoes
Features:
- 4.5 Stars
- 1,489 Reviews
Promising Review:
I use them 2-3 times per week with no issues. For the price they do the job and look amazing. They combine with everything including jeans. Planning to buy the black ones next week.
– José
Allonsi Genuine Leather Monk Straps
Features:
- 4.2 Stars
- 73 Reviews
Promising Review:
These shoes are a perfect blend of classic style and beautiful craftsmanship. I thought the monk strap would be a nice choice to change up my dress shoe game… and I was right 🙂
The color is very true to the product images – warm and rich tan/brown.
Stacy Adams Desmond Cap Toe Monk
Features:
- 4.5 Stars
- 212 Reviews
Promising Review:
So comfortable. Recommend using a shoe horn and not using the strap (it has elastic to allow for this) but couldn’t be happier.
– RAKJ
Asher Green AG1101
Features:
- 4.5 Stars
- 284 Reviews
Promising Review:
These shes surprised me, I honestly did not have great expectations, I like them so much though.
The sole is sawed, the leather is soft to the touch, nicely polished, awesome color, comfortable.
Johnston & Murphy Men’s McClain Single Monk Strap
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 22 Reviews
Promising Review:
The shoes are exactly what I wanted and the size is perfect fit. Very happy. I will buy another pair.
Florsheim Sorrento Plain Toe Single Monk Strap
Features:
- 4.4 Stars
- 39 Reviews
Promising Review:
Great shoe!
Lethato Men’s Cap Toe Double Monk Straps
Features:
- 4.5 Stars
- 26 Reviews
Promising Review:
After about a year of wear they still look great and are still one of my go-to pair of shoes.
They are 100% genuine leather, do not crack or peel like faux leather, and the leather quality is pretty good for the price.
Allen Edmonds Plymouth Single Monk Strap
Features:
- 4.9 Stars
- 8 Reviews
- Available in 2 shades of brown
Promising Review:
The single monk strap in dark chili is my go-to casual shoe at the office but they can easily be dressed-up.
This pair gets a lot of compliments.
– Joe
Dapper Deep Dive:
Monk Strap Dress Shoes
After scrolling through our list (thanks for hanging in there, by the way), you should have a pretty good idea of which pairs represent the absolute best monkstrap shoes on the market.
But there’s more to looking sharp than just buying the right pair of shoes.
Once you’ve got the right shoes, the next step is to figure out not just how to wear them, but how to rock ‘em.
So let’s take a look at what else you need to know in order to make a monk strap dress shoe look as sharp as possible.
What are monk strap shoes?
Monk strap shoes are a type of men’s dress shoe that features a strap and buckle closure instead of laces.
The monk strap originated in the 15th century, and its modern incarnation is a popular choice for modern men who want a stylish and sophisticated shoe.
Monk strap shoes can be worn with both casual and formal attire, and they come in a variety of styles to suit any taste.
They’re traditionally leather shoes, but today you can also often find them in suede, which offers a slightly more casual – but still quite sharp – alternative that works just as well for most formal events.
What are the benefits of monk strap shoes?
There are many benefits to wearing a monk strap style of shoe.
Monk strap shoes are some of the most versatile dress shoes, as they can be worn with a variety of different looks.
They offer a stylish and sophisticated look, and make an excellent choice for casual, business casual and even formal occasions.
(A high quality pair of black leather monk strap shoes with a good toe shape works great for events like weddings, which call for more formal footwear.)
Additionally, monk straps have become popular shoes in recent years because they often provide a comfortable fit, and offer good support for your feet.
Lastly, monk strap shoes are a great choice for men who have trouble finding shoes that fit well, as they come in a variety of sizes and widths.
How To Wear Monk Strap Shoes
Monk strap shoes are a great way to (lame pun alert) step up your shoe game (sorry), and add a touch of class to your outfit.
As mentioned, they’re versatile shoes that can be dressed up or down, and they work well with a variety of different looks.
Here are a few tips on how to wear monk strap shoes:
- Pair them with slim-fit chinos for a sharp, sophisticated look.
- Try them with even more casual attire (monk straps are actually one of the best types of shoes to wear with jeans)
- Wear them with shorts to show off your style in the warmer months.
- Whether you’re dressing up or dressing down, don’t forget to add a belt to complete the look.
What To Wear With Monk Strap Shoes
Monk strap shoes are a great addition to any man’s wardrobe.
As mentioned above, they’re versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
But what do you wear them with? Here are some suggestions for the best monk strap shoes for men.
For a casual look, pair monk strap shoes with jeans and a button-down shirt. Add a blazer for a more put-together look.
For a more formal look, pair monk strap shoes with trousers and a dress shirt. Add a tie and jacket for a truly dapper look.
Don’t forget to accessorize! A pocket square or lapel pin can really elevate your look.
Remember, monk strap shoes are a great investment piece that will last you many years.
Invest in quality and you won’t be disappointed.
FAQ
More Resources ↓
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The Recap ↓
Summary
Combining stylish looks and exceptional quality into a striking and surprisingly comfortable shoe, Beckett Simonon’s Hoyt model is easily our top pick for the all around best monk straps on the market.
Banner Image: Beckett Simonon, Illustration by Irreverent Gent
