10 MONK STRAP SHOES THAT PROVE THE STYLE IS BACK
After peaking in the #menswear era, monk strap shoes took a backseat. In 2024, they’re so back, with proof from Toga Virilis, Dries Van Noten, and others.
After hitting new heights of popularity in the late 2000s and 2010s—primarily within the #menswear boom that prioritized slim tailoring and polished oxfords—monk strap shoes experienced a fall from grace. As the pendulum of fashion swung emphatically in the other direction, the formal refinement of the monk strap fell out of favor. But as tailoring makes a resurgence on the runways—see AURALEE, LEMAIRE, 032c, to name a few—men’s monk strap shoes are due for a comeback. With styles from Dr. Martens, Toga Virilis, Dries Van Noten, and others bringing fresh new flair to the style, the resurgence is already underway.
Monk strap shoes take a similar shape to a classic oxford shoe, with a narrow footbed that gives the silhouette its streamlined, formal character. A look back at monks’ footwear from the fifteenth century will tell you all you need to know about why they’re called monk strap shoes. Now more refined, the monk strap shoe offers formality and subversion in equal measure, bringing a new angle to the tailored outfits that are sure to dominate men’s style for the foreseeable future.
Featured In This Image: Toga Virilis monkstraps
Toga Virilis has cultivated a fiercely loyal following with its unique style that revolves around heavy silver-tone embellishments. Without the brand’s perfect silhouettes and adventurous yet always sophisticated color choices, the detailing could be overpowering, but as this pair of double monk strap shoes exemplifies, everything is delivered in perfect balance.
Featured In This Image: Dr. Martens monkstraps
Mary Jane shoes are effectively a form of monk strap shoes. And while men’s Mary Janes have been creeping into the zeitgeist recently, it tracks that they will surf the rising tide of monk straps. Boasting the brand’s signature rounded toe, the Dr. Martens T-Bar monk strap shoes are a less formal and therefore highly versatile way to incorporate the style into the daily rotation.
Featured In This Image: Stefan Cooke monkstraps
Stefan Cooke’s talent for subverting the traditional has put him at the forefront of modern British fashion brands. Here, the black leather monk strap is given a rebellious new flavor courtesy of silver-tone stud detailing to the forefoot and an unusual double-strap layout that wraps the ankle.
Featured In This Image: Toga Virilis monkstraps
Toga Virilis’s signature metallic details are a defining feature of all the brand’s creations. Stylish and recognizable, but certainly not understated, they are perhaps at their most impactful against a simple black leather backdrop.
Featured In This Image: KLEMAN monkstraps
KLEMAN’s workwear pedigree is unquestionable. Dating back to the Second World War, when the founders’ grandfather began making shoes, KLEMAN’s roots are far-reaching and authentic. It shows in the brand’s no-nonsense collections, which are informed by history but no stranger to a modern twist, like this monk strap version of a classic French work shoe.
Featured In This Image: Dries Van Noten monkstraps
Dries Van Noten collections are always rooted in classic menswear. From famously relaxed tailoring to shoes like these single-strap monk strap shoes, the label understands how to bring new life to time-tested favorites. With a long, pointed toe and a subtle Cuban heel, this pair has understated character in spades.
Featured In This Image: Ernest W. Baker monkstraps
Taking inspiration from ’70s tailoring, Ernest W. Baker’s take on men’s monk strap shoes was always going to carry a bit more punch than normal. Cut from striking red leather, gold-tone hardware combines with perforated detailing to the toe for a classic look that still feels fun and original.
- Date: February 26, 2024
