Best Monk Shoes for Women

A Monk Strap Shoe or Monk shoe is a stylish dress-style shoe with one or two cross straps with buckle closure.

Today Monk Shoes come in many styles and designs that have been adapted over the years.

As the Monk Strap shoe is mostly a men’s, we will look at some of the Best Monk shoes available for ladies in this article.



The Monk Strap Shoe

Firstly, let’s have a peek at the History behind the Monk Shoe;

The Monk Strap shoe originated in Europe a few centuries ago when the Monks conducting manual labor needed a more closed-toe version of their original sandals for added protection.

This style became quite popular in the fashion industry and remained so throughout the 1700s and 1800s, where it later faded into obscurity as the Lace-up design shoe trended the markets.

The Monkstrap shoe style further developed through the 20th century, although it was in the nineties that the Monkstrap shoe became popular among men as an elegant dress shoe style.

However, today, the Monk strap shoe has developed and become more popular and rich in design and styles.

Today the Monk Strap design shoe is also available as a women’s fashion shoe in casual and dress styles.


Single or Double Strap

A debate that provided many heated discussions and opinions is the age-old, single or double strap debate;

All in all, it once again just boils down to personal preference. The single-strap Monk shoe is more classic and elegant for formal occasions, whereas the double strap is slightly less formal and more on the casual side.

Then there are also different styles of Monk Straps shoes available today, particularly in women’s styles;

  • Classic – The Classic Monk shoe has a single monk strap with a buckle closure and a plain oxford-style toe with minimal details and smooth lines.
  • Casual – Lighter shades and rubber soles slightly elevated and thicker are used in the most casual Monk shoe styles.
  • Monk Strap Boots – In this style, you get the traditional Monk Strap style, only in a boot form, which is perfect for winter or rainy days.
  • Toe Cap – The Toe Cap Monk Shoe has additional leather covering the shoe’s toe for added protection and style.

Features of a Good Monk Shoe


  • Uppers – Traditional Monk shoes have either genuine or synthetic leather upper in a solid color that is smooth and sleek. There is a single or double monk strap with a brass or silver-colored Buckle as a closure on each strap.
  • Sole – The Original Monk shoe has a flat sole that is quite thin and of good construction, such as Goodyear Welt or Blake-Stitched stitching. Some newer models feature a platform or rubber sole design with or without a heel.
  • Comfort Features – Because the Monk Shoe is minimalist, there are little to no comfort features. However, in the newer models, you may find a padded insole, EVA midsole, and smooth interior linings.

Reviews: The Best Monk Shoes

Listed, I have some of the top favorite styles and brands in Monk shoes for women;
We hope you love the products we recommend! We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.


1
Michael Kors is a trendy and trusted footwear brand, and their Adams Monk style boot is a favorite among many ladies.
  • The Adams has a leather upper manufactured from genuine Cowhide.
  • There are two colors from which you can select, black or DK Khaki.
  • The boot style is elegant and feminine with a pointed toe.
  • There are two Monk straps, both with Buckle details.
  • The Sole is low with a slight heel, and the rubber is suede for the outsole.


2

The TUK Brothel is a Creeper-style Monk shoe with a single buckle strap design.

  • The uppers are 100% genuine suede leather and have a durable synthetic sole.
  • The Brothel is only available in a black color option.
  • Furthermore, the sole is elevated and 1.25 inches high.
  • The toe is slightly pointed along with the deeper style
  • There is a single Monk strap that has a buckle closure.


3

The Cole Haan casual monk shoe has a comfortable slip-on design and athletic style.

  • The upper comprises 100% genuine leather, with two color options and a contrasting white sole.
  • The sole is a durable rubber that offers good traction.
  • Furthermore, the shoe offers an easy slip-on style and casual elegance.
  • There is a single monk-style strap with buckle closure.
  • For comfort, Grand OS technology is used in the footbed for cushioning and shock absorbency.


4

The Apex Linda is a Monk Style shoe with a difference.

  • The Linda is available in wider width options for a wider foot.
  • There is also a certified slip-resistant outsole.
  • You can create extra depth for comfort and support with the removable layers of plush cushioning, and the toe is quite roomy.
  • A padded heel counter provides a comfortable fit, and the adjustable monk strap of the genuine leather uppers.
  • There are also some colors to choose from in the Apex Linda.


5

A lovely heeled Round Toe Leather Monk shoe for ladies is available in two color selections.

  • The rubber sole is highly durable, with a shallow heel for stability.
  • The uppers are leather, available in black or color selection.
  • The single Monk strap has a large Buckle closure design.
  • Inside is a comfortable padded footbed.


6

The Jambu JBU has a Monk Style with a single buckle strap.

  • The upper consists of genuine leather.
  • There is a low heel and rubber outsole.
  • Onside is a memory foam footbed for cushioning.
  • The upper consists of a single monk strap with a buckle.
  • The Buckle has a D-shape and is silver in color.
  • There is a brown and black color available.


7

The Eastland Syracuse is a slip-on Monk-style loafer.

  • There are genuine leather uppers with a single Monk strap and buckle.
  • A few neutral color options are available for you to look over.
  • There is a Pillow sock insole for cushioning and comfort and a polyurethane outsole.
  • The design is more formal and elegant.


8
Here we have a roomy and wide-width Monk shoe for ladies.

  • There are more neutral colors available from which to select.
  • The shoe has a low-block heel for sophistication.
  • The uppers are smooth leather with perforation holes and a Monk strap.
  • Inside is a comfortable high-density memory foam insole for cushioning,
  • The entire she consists of completely Vegan materials.


9

Another superb Monk shoe from Eastland is the Anna.

  • Here we have only black and brown color options available.
  • The uppers are leather with a more casual Monk design.
  • There are a comfortable Memory foam insole and supportive midsole.
  • The Polyurethane outsole is lightly treaded for grip.
  • Inside is a moisture-wicking fabric lining.


Index Table: Top Rated Monk Shoes

No.ShoeImageFeaturesBrandScore
1Michale Kors Women's Adams - Monk Boot
  • Leather
  • Color Options
  • Rubber Sole
Michale Kors98.7
2TUK Women's Brothel Creeper - Pointed Monk Shoe
  • Leather
  • Heeled
  • Buckle Closure Strap
TUK97.8
3Cole Haan Women's GrandPro Spectator - Slip on Monk Shoe
  • OS technology
  • Rubber Sole
  • Single Strap
Cole Haan96
4Apex Women's Linda - Wide Width Monk Shoe
  • Wider Width Option
  • Leather
  • Slip resistant
Apex94.6
5Eastland Women's Open Road - Leather Monk Shoe
  • Durable
  • Rubber Sole
  • Large Buckle
Eastland95
6Jambu Women's JBU - Monk Strap Shoe
  • Heel
  • Buckle Closure
  • Monk Strap Single
Jambu97
7Eastland Women's Syracuse - Slip On Monk Shoe
  • Pillow Insole
  • Leather Uppers
  • Rubber Outsole
  • Wider Widths Available
Eastland97
8Beau Today Women's Leather - Monk Shoes
  • Suede Uppers
  • Low Heel
  • Memory Foam Insole
Beau Today95.6
9Eastland Women's Anna - Monk Style Loafer
  • Memory Foam Insole
  • Treaded Sole
  • Fabric Lining
  • Leather Uppers
  • Wide Widths Available
Eastland97.8


About the Author

David Alegeta

A Long Distance Hiker and Hiking Instructor. Recently a Blogger and Consultant for Top Shoe Brands. David is a Writer at Verywell and a Running & Hiking Coach for Teams in Training. He is a running and long-distance hiking coach, avid runner, trainer, nutrition specialist, and health & fitness writer. As a runner for 20+ years. Coached thousands of runners and has run 9 full marathons and countless other Triathlon races. David Studied Sport and Nutrition, MS at the University of Texas Dallas