Monk Strap Shoes

[DandySF]

After looking at some monk strap shoes I was initially interested in getting a pair.  However, after some additional thought, I realized that all of the shoe's visual interest, the buckle and strap, would be lost under the trouser cuff.  All that would be visible is the long laceless front of the shoe.  It seems it would end up looking like some sort of a boot, which is not my preference.  

Have others given any thought to this concern or had experiences contrary to my expectations?  

The shoe in question is made under Brooks Brothers' private label, Peal & Co.  I was initially drawn to the burnished quality of the brown shoe.  I need to determine if a fresh pair from the box will have a similar color quality or if the floor sample has benefited by being handled by many oily hands.

 

[bachbeet]

Not a fan of the Monk Strap style. BTW, Zappos is the best site for shoes. Great service. I particularly like the Belvedere brand. And, recently, became aware of the Vigotti shoes. They have their Neal style on sale right now in limited sizes (unfortunately, not my size )

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[Luc-Emmanuel]

monk strap looks bad. I don't own any and don't plan to. Supposedly, a bit of the strap will show under the trouser's break.

luc

 

[Teacher]

I really like monks. No, they don't look like boots. When you're walking or sitting, the buckle will show (unless you're wearing pajama-type trousers that are two inches longer than necessary).

 

[jtgudbln]

I bought that pair of Peal monks and wear it primarily with a blazer. Unless you are wearing your trousers very long, there will be some visual interest in the strap and buckle. I've gotten many compliments on the beauty of these shoes. Give them a nice shine and you will be surprised. I've worn monks since I was a kid.

-Jim-

 

[Bradford]

Do you stand in one place all day? The strap and buckle on my monkstraps sometimes show when I'm walking and always when I am sitting.

 

[discostu004]

i LOVE monks. i probably own 8-10 pair. i always get compliments on them too. great looking shoe

 

[Manton]

I love 'em too. They do sort of look like boots. A little. If they're made from good skins and you polish them up to a high shine, that long expanse of leather from the throat to the toe is just gorgeous.

 

[HitMan009]

If they're made from good skins and you polish them up to a high shine, that long expanse of leather from the throat to the toe is just gorgeous.

Speak the gospel, Manton.... Speak the gospel

 

[norcaltransplant]

Two words... Jermyn II Three words... Edward Green Stowe And my own personal favorite... JL Paris Derwent (double monk). The buckles sit slightly higher than the Classic William II http://www.armenak.fr/produits/nos_p...?id_modele=252

 

[globetrotter]

I love 'em too. Â They do sort of look like boots. Â A little. Â If they're made from good skins and you polish them up to a high shine, that long expanse of leather from the throat to the toe is just gorgeous.

have to agree with manton. but I love anckle boots and monk straps.

 

[Charley]

I love 'em too. Â They do sort of look like boots. Â A little. Â If they're made from good skins and you polish them up to a high shine, that long expanse of leather from the throat to the toe is just gorgeous.

I love them also. The slight resemblance to boots stops with the low top of the shoe. And the whole of the shoe leather is not encumbered with that mess of laces. The elegant leather strap is much more attractive, and may also be more comfortable if you have a higher bone over the instep or arch. Styles can be found with the toe and vamp in practically as many configurations as with laceups. While some may prefer other styles because of their personal taste, I can see no reason to "hate" them.

 

[thinman]

I own one pair of monkstraps and I love them. They're more comfortable than lace-ups and my heels don't slip like they do in loafers. The monks are very, very comfortable (I think I must have high arches). My monkstraps are also medallion captoes and IMO look very sharp. Since some of the pants I wear have tapered legs and are too short to cuff (I have a 36" inseam), the buckles show quite a bit when I'm moving or sitting. I plan to buy many more pairs of monkstraps. It seems you either love 'em or hate 'em.

 

[Charley]

Has anyone seen a white buck in a monk strap style shoe?  I believe I may have seen them long ago, but cannot remember for certain.  Anyway, that could be a distinctive and very sharp summer shoe.  If there was a real good way to deal with the buckle mark on the strap.

 

[A Harris]

I love monks as well, a pair of well made black monk straps should be one of the first purchases made when building a shoe wardrobe. And they do look somewhat like boots when you are standing, which I like.