The exact origins of the monk strap shoes are unclear. It was first registered as a design for the first time in 1901. It quickly became a staple in a gentleman’s wardrobe. In the Mediterranean countries, there is a tendency to wear double monks with the straps partially or completely unbuckled to project a nonchalant look.
There have been many variants of the monk strap, but the single is the original with the double strap also being fashionable. There have also been three or more strap designs in varying styles. To avoid the shoes being dated, it is always a safe bet to go with the classic original which, in this case, is the one strap.
MR PORTER, the award-winning online retail destination for men’s style, has some of the best Monk-strap shoes available. Here is a compilation of our favorites from MR PORTER that every man should own.
Santoni Leather Shoes
AED 3,128
This Santoni style has been expertly handmade in Italy from burnished-leather that’s polished to a nice shine.
Balenciaga Leather Shoes
AED 2,892
Cobbled in Italy from croc-effect leather, they’re embellished with the brand’s scrawled signature in the form of gleaming gold plaques.
Berluti Venezia leather Shoes
AED 7,706
This sophisticated pair is cut from the brand’s Venezia leather that’s hand-treated by expert craftsmen to create a distinct patina.
O’Keeffe’s ‘Bristol’ Leather Shoes
AED 2,495
These are made in Italy from raw vegetable-tanned leather that’s hand-polished for three hours to create the subtle black-to-merlot ombré finish.
Officine Creative ‘Princeton’ Shoes
AED 1,943
This pair has been made in Italy from rich brown suede.
