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.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TUK Brothel Creeper | Not stated | Suede | Buckle |
| 2 | Apex Linda | Not stated | Not stated | Strap |
| 3 | Eastland Solstice | Loafer | Mesh | Slip-on |
| 4 | Beau Today Leather | Loafer | Leather | Buckle |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
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
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.
2
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.
3
The Eastland Solstice is a breathable leather loafer, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for Monk shoes for women.
- Quality leather and breathable mesh upper provides long-lasting wear and easy maintenance, which helps feet stay comfortable through everyday wear.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
4
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.
Index Table: Top Rated Monk Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TUK Women's Brothel Creeper - Pointed Monk Shoe |
| TUK | |
| 2 | Apex Women's Linda - Wide Width Monk Shoe |
| Apex | |
| 3 | Eastland Women's Solstice - Breathable Leather Loafer for Everyday Wear |
| Eastland | |
| 4 | Beau Today Women's Leather - Monk Shoes |
| Beau Today |
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Eastland Open Road to Eastland Solstice
- Oct 2026: Removed Michale Kors Adams, Cole Haan GrandPro Spectator, Jambu JBU, Eastland Syracuse and Eastland Anna (unavailable)
- Jun 2021: Added Michale Kors Adams, Eastland Open Road, Jambu JBU and Beau Today Leather
- Aug 2020: Added Eastland Syracuse and Eastland Anna
- Jun 2020: First published
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