In the UK, one of the most popular leather shoes are monk shoes. It is true that monks are an unusual source of fashion inspiration; however, let us just take a second to be grateful that the tonsure hairstyle was not the one that fashion decided to adopt instead of the shoes. Nevertheless, after being a first-hand witness to the phenomenon known as the man bun, it appears that nothing is outside the bounds of possibility. It was in Europe several centuries ago when holymen engaged in manual labor and needed a closed-toe edition of their sandals for extra protection that the monk strap shoe was born. Even if there is a never-ending supply of mead in the brewery of the monastery to help ease the pain of a broken toe, nobody desire to rip their toe. 
The style eventually entered the collective lexicon of those concerned with fashion. Shoes made of leather and secured with a strap and buckle were quite fashionable for a good portion of the 1700s and 1800s, but they eventually fell into relative obscurity as lace-up styles rose to prominence again and took their place. The trend continued to develop throughout the 20th century, but it wasn't until the middle of the 2000s that the monk strap became popular in the general public. It was then quickly adopted by the #menswear scene, which brought it back into the limelight by means of a comprehensive Tumblr assault. These days, a hallmark of the fashion-forward yet traditionally inclined modern gent is a sleek pair of monk strap shoes. Elegantly dancing around the boundary between the traditional and the modern with exquisite dexterity. WHAT KIND OF SHOE IS CALLED A MONK STRAP? The monk strap shoe has the genetic makeup of a slip-on but maintains the tongue and vamp that are typically seen on its lace-up relatives, placing it in a middle ground somewhere between an Oxford shoe and a loafer. Monk strap shoes are distinguished by their use of buckles and straps in place of traditional shoelaces. There are single- and even triple-strapped versions of monk strap shoes, giving you even more opportunities to stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of a waiting street style photographer the next time you're strutting around Florence in your finest attire. Double monk straps are without a doubt the most popular, but there are also single-strapped versions. 
SINGLE VS. DOUBLE MONK STRAPS Single or double? It's a debate that's stoked the flames of many a passionate argument in the world of menswear, and with good reason. But is having two straps truly preferable to having only one? It comes down to an issue of taste on an individual basis. When compared to their dual-strapped counterparts, single monk straps typically attract less notice and, as a result, provide a bit more subtlety. Therefore, a single-strap monk shoe is better suited to a formal environment due to its clean, stripped-back appearance. On the other hand, the 'dub monk,' which is an abbreviation for 'double monk strap,' is the stomper of choice for parties, weddings, or any other occasion where your outfit permits a touch of personality. The monk strap, like its Oxford and Derby shoe siblings, has more than just a few variations that have the potential to cause confusion. These variations include the following: CLASSIC The traditional monk strap, which has an appearance that is comparable to that of the plain-toe Oxford, has a minimal amount of ornamentation, with the stitching typically appearing only between the vamp and the quarter, as well as down the back of the heel of the shoe. This results in a sleek and uncomplicated appearance, elevating the traditional monk strap to the position of most formal of the available options. 
TOE CAP There are no points awarded for guessing what the distinguishing feature of this variant is. Toe cap is exactly what it appears to be. Because of the additional layer of leather that is sewn over the toe, the shoe has a businesslike edge, which means that if you are looking for monk strap shoes that you can wear to work, these are your best bet. WINGTIP A wingtip is an excellent choice if you're looking for an alternative to something more dressy. A wingtip monk strap is a stylish option for weekend footwear since it features broguing all over as well as a leather patch in the shape of a W that is sewn into the top of the toe, 'wings' that can reach all the way around the sides of the shoe, and other decorative elements. MONK STRAP BOOTS There is no reason to ruin the look of your suit by wearing a pair of wellies just because the weather is turning wet. You don't need to worry about that when you've got a couple of these nasty boys at your disposal. Combining the classic excellent aesthetics of a monk strap shoe with the functionality and ease of wear of a boot. An excellent and refined option for the colder months. CASUAL The dressy image of the monk strap shoe has been mellowed and its appeal broadened thanks to the introduction of lighter hues, rubber soles, hits of brilliant color, and suede construction, all of which are components that have been included. You can rock a pair of these with jeans and an oxford shirt, or even a neutral suit for a summer wedding, and we almost certainly promise that you will receive comments on your ensemble. 
BUYER'S GUIDE Now that you've been persuaded of the benefits of purchasing your first pair of monk strap shoes, the question is: what should you look for when it comes to selecting the ones that are most suitable for you? Tim Cooper, who is the Cobbler-in-Chief at Oliver Sweeney, is such a huge fan of these alternate kicks that he knotted the laces of his own pair. If there's anyone who understands what makes a good match, it's him. SOLES "The construction must be one that has a name," explains Cooper. Examples of this include a Blake-stitched construction, a Goodyear-welted construction, or a Bologna construction. This is not a premium, comfy, or elegant option at all, therefore there is no use in even considering it. UPPER If you want your footwear to be of high quality and last a long time, you should always choose suede or genuine leather. Synthetic alternatives will have a low-quality appearance and will wear out quickly. Keep in mind that a quality pair of shoes is an investment. "If you want something vintage, go for full-grain calf leather since it makes the finish look more sharp. Cooper chimes in and says, "The monk should be a sharp shoe." "As a matter of course, the lining ought to be leather in order to provide both comfort and luxury."
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