Putting on monkstrap shoes

EBugatti · Nov 21, 2009

How many of you actually fasten and unfasten the buckles? (For both single and double monkstraps).

I have been told by some shoe sellers (Church's and Crockett & Jones in NYC) that you should avoid unfastening the buckles, because the straps can wear out. What has the forum's experience been? I never fasten and unfasten for singles, but do for doubles (the top buckle).

-- E.B.

macaroni · Nov 21, 2009

Originally Posted by EBugatti

How many of you actually fasten and unfasten the buckles? (For both single and double monkstraps).

I have been told by some shoe sellers (Church's and Crockett & Jones in NYC) that you should avoid unfastening the buckles, because the straps can wear out. What has the forum's experience been? I never fasten and unfasten for singles, but do for doubles (the top buckle).

-- E.B.

How can you put them on, if you never unfasten?

83glt · Nov 21, 2009

A shoehorn? Or perhaps a servant?

kev777 · Nov 21, 2009

Originally Posted by EBugatti

How many of you actually fasten and unfasten the buckles? (For both single and double monkstraps).

I have been told by some shoe sellers (Church's and Crockett & Jones in NYC) that you should avoid unfastening the buckles, because the straps can wear out. What has the forum's experience been? I never fasten and unfasten for singles, but do for doubles (the top buckle).

-- E.B.

They should also have warned you that wearing them out on the street wears the soles down too

Cary Grant · Nov 21, 2009

I rarely unbuckle mine and always use a shoe horn

AndrewRogers · Nov 21, 2009

I have seen many things here, but I did not expect to see a thread discussing how to put on a pair of shoes.

kev777 · Nov 21, 2009

Originally Posted by AndrewRogers

I have seen many things here, but I did not expect to see a thread discussing how to put on a pair of shoes.

Its very Important Andrew just think how many people may put them on the wrong feet, put them on backwards or even put them on someone elses feet .....

Albern · Nov 21, 2009

Originally Posted by AndrewRogers

I have seen many things here, but I did not expect to see a thread discussing how to put on a pair of shoes.

haha... Actually I think this is a good question, I've been wondering about this myself (since I don't have a pair). I guess monkstraps are more of an aesthetic and feel like loafers.

ThinkDerm · Nov 21, 2009

Originally Posted by Cary Grant

I rarely unbuckle mine and always use a shoe horn

how do you get your foot in your dbl monk romano Ms from rider without unbuckling the top buckle?

i use a shoe horn and dont ever buckle the top buckle on my double monks

Holdfast · Nov 21, 2009

Buckles are functional for a reason! I wouldn't sweat using them normally. I certainly do.

And actually, if you're really that worried about the wear on the buckle leather/elastic, wouldn't you be putting just as much (if not more) strain on it by using a shoe horn and forcing your foot in as you would by undoing/redoing the buckle in the normal way?

Film Noir Buff · Nov 21, 2009

You're supposed to leave monk straps unbuckled so that they jingle jangle in Buccaneer fashion. You see Vikings adopted the Monk Strap when they raided monasteries in East Anglia but they were always in such a rush that they never bothered to fasten them. Later on, when English privateers wanted to imbue fear into the hearts of their foes, they left the buckles unfastened in the older Norse style. This is the origin of the term "Buccaneer" to unbuckle or "Buck" the system "Near" you.

sfo423 · Nov 21, 2009

Originally Posted by Cary Grant

I rarely unbuckle mine and always use a shoe horn

I never buckle mine; Sprezzatura and all.

tommyrt · Nov 21, 2009

Skip the buckle and slap on some velcro

Cary Grant · Nov 21, 2009

Originally Posted by ThinkDerm

how do you get your foot in your dbl monk romano Ms from rider without unbuckling the top buckle?

i use a shoe horn and dont ever buckle the top buckle on my double monks

The buckles are attached with elastic. They slip on easily like a loafer.

Star · Nov 21, 2009

I usually say a double pray before I put my double monk straps on on

Putting on monkstrap shoes

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