Monk Strap Shoes: A Buying Guide for Men
By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 29 September 2026
The short answer: monk strap shoes fasten with a buckled strap instead of laces. A single monk has one strap and is the cleaner, slightly smarter choice; a double monk has two and is the most popular. Both sit between an Oxford and a Derby in formality, so they work with suits, chinos and smart jeans. Choose black or dark brown for the office and weddings, and tan or suede for smart-casual.
Types of monk strap shoe
| Type | What it is | Best for | Try |
| Double monk | Two buckled straps across the instep | Suits, weddings, the office | Garson Black, Hadley Brown, Kayden Tan |
| Single monk | One buckled strap, plain toe | A sleeker look with tailoring | Theodore Black, Theodore Brown Suede |
| Cap-toe monk | Monk strap with a toe cap | Business wear | Ernest Brown, Hudson Black |
| Monk brogue | Monk strap with brogue punching | Smart-casual, weddings | Shelby Tan, Shelby Black |
| Monk loafer | A slip-on with a buckle detail | Summer, smart-casual | Clifford Brown, Clifford Black Patent |
| Monk trainer | A casual trainer with a buckle strap | Weekends, jeans | Nash Cognac |
Single or double monk?
A single monk is simpler and a touch more formal, so it suits slim tailoring and business suits. A double monk has more presence and is the easier all-rounder: it looks at home with a suit at a wedding and with chinos at the weekend. If you are buying your first pair, a double monk in black or dark brown covers the most occasions.
How to wear monk strap shoes
| Outfit | Works? | Tip |
| Business suit | Yes | Black or dark brown, single or double monk |
| Wedding suit | Yes | Dark brown, tan or black; match your belt |
| Chinos and a blazer | Yes | Tan, brown or suede monks |
| Smart jeans | Yes | Suede or tan monks, or a monk brogue |
| Black tie | Rarely | Wear patent Oxfords or velvet loafers instead |
| Shorts | No | Choose loafers or sandals |
Buckled or unbuckled?
Wear the straps buckled. Leaving the top strap of a double monk undone is a style some men choose, but it can make the shoe loose and wear the strap unevenly. Set the buckles so the shoe holds your foot without pinching; the straps should not need adjusting every time you put them on.
How should monk strap shoes fit?
- Your heel should not slip as you walk, because there are no laces to pull the shoe tight.
- The straps adjust the fit over the instep, so monks suit a high instep better than an Oxford.
- Leather softens with wear, so choose a snug fit rather than a loose one.
- Check your size in our shoe size guide.
What to look for when buying
- The leather. Full-grain leather keeps its shape around the straps and polishes up well.
- The buckles. They should be solid and sit flat, without sharp edges.
- The colour. Black and dark brown first; then tan or suede for smart-casual.
- The lining. A leather lining is more comfortable and breathes better than a synthetic one.
How our monk strap shoes are made
Every Oswin Hyde shoe is cut from full-grain crust leather or suede with no surface coating or printed grain, lined in lambskin or sheepskin, with a padded insole and a handmade sole cemented to the upper, so it is light and needs little breaking in. See how our shoes are made.
Frequently asked questions
What is a monk strap shoe?
A smart leather shoe that fastens with one or two buckled straps instead of laces.
Are monk strap shoes formal?
They sit between an Oxford and a Derby. Black or dark brown monks are smart enough for business suits and weddings, but not for black tie.
Should you wear double monk straps buckled?
Yes. Wearing the top strap undone is a style choice, but buckled straps hold the shoe on properly and wear more evenly.
Can you wear monk strap shoes with jeans?
Yes. Tan, brown or suede monks, or a monk brogue, look good with dark, well-fitted jeans.
Single or double monk: which is better?
A double monk is the more versatile first pair. A single monk is sleeker and suits slim tailoring.
Are monk strap shoes good for wide feet?
Often, yes. The straps adjust over the instep. For a wider fitting, see our wide fit shoes.
Shop the pieces in this guide: men's monk strap shoes · brogues · wedding shoes · leather belts
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