Monk Strap Shoes: The Underrated Dress Shoe (2026)

Monk strap shoes: the most underrated dress shoe in menswear, explained.

Last updated: July 2026

A monk strap replaces laces with one or two buckled straps, giving you oxford-level polish with more character and easier on-off. It photographs sharper than almost any lace-up and reads intentional without effort, which is why it is the shoe style insiders reach for when everyone else defaults to oxfords.

In this article

• Why monks are underrated
• How to wear them
• The picks
• FAQ

Why monks are underrated

Most men own oxfords and loafers and stop there, which leaves the monk strap as an easy way to stand apart while staying fully office-appropriate. The buckle adds hardware interest the way a good watch does, and textured versions, croc-effect and grain finishes, take that one step further without crossing into loud.

How to wear them

Monks pair with everything a derby does: suits, separates, chinos and dark denim. Keep trousers slim with little to no break so the buckle stays visible, hiding the strap under fabric defeats the purpose. Brown and burgundy tones make the most of the hardware; match your belt leather, not the buckle metal.

The picks

Frequently asked questions

What is a monk strap shoe?

A dress shoe closed by one or two buckled straps instead of laces, sitting between oxford and loafer in formality.

Are monk straps business appropriate?

Fully. They read as polished as lace-ups in nearly every office, with more personality.

Single or double monk?

Single reads cleaner and slightly more formal; double adds more hardware and flair. Either works with suits and separates.

Do you buckle both straps?

Convention leaves the top buckle of a double monk casually undone, but buckled fully is equally correct.

Monk straps with jeans?

Yes, dark slim denim with no break shows off the buckle and dresses the whole outfit up a level.

More dress shoe help: the best dress shoes for the office and oxford vs derby vs brogue.