Just a Single Strap

Until Allen Edmonds responds to the masses and brings back the Mora (Please!), you’re gonna get stuck paying more than a couple benjamins if you want a decent pair of double monks. I know they’re poppin’ off right now. I’ve seen a couple pair floating about the bay, but that’s not the point of this post. I want to bring your attention to underappreciated single monk. I must confess that it’ll never hold the same place in my heart as the double, but I respect it and I found a few decent pairs that I think you’ll like. 

Finding a single monk that looks good is no easy task. There are enough pointed and bulky versions out there to fill a million, nay billion, Payless warehouses. I think the strap itself adds enough flair and so I’m not a fan of the brogued, split-toe, or perforated versions. And I’m not even considering the laid back strap style of the JL Jermyn joints because, quite honestly, I don’t have that kind of swagger yet. A cap toe is the extent of embellishments that I’d rock.

The monk has been around since the dark ages, but they’ve been in the closet for about that long too. Luckily, I managed to scoop up one of the better looking monks at a thrift store. You walk a fine line when wearing a shoe like this. For me it comes down to not looking too classic, conservative, or disabled. It’s a casual shoe so I don’t try to change it. Most times I just wear them with denim—something like this. I’m probably going to wear them with grey wool flannel trousers this Fall, too.

I know I didn’t make it any easier by telling you about a shoe that’s no longer made. Like your dad says, they just don’t make ‘em like they used to. The only buckle shoe that AE is offering now is the Boston. If something happened to my Garners, I don’t think I’d consider the Bostons. Are we going to have to get another petition to AE going? If I did go for the Boston monk, I’d go for the older version. 

I wouldn’t leave you hangin’ with only one option. I found a couple more that are worth a look. The first are from Alden and made on the plaza last. I like the suede version best. These won’t be as cheap as the Garner and do have a few notable differences. One is the suede and another is that they have a pointier quarter piece connecting the vamp. I think this shoe is a lot slicker than the Garner, but it’s definitely one that you could still pair with your denim. 

The last pair that I really like are the Edward Green Troons. These’ll set you back a pretty penny, but since most of the kids have their ebay alerts set for double monks, you might just score a pair for a decent price. The Troon has a similar pointy quarter piece to the Alden monk and the buckle is a similar rectangle styled buckle that’s on the Garner. I prefer the rectangle buckle.

Let me know what you think. I must admit that this post was only created to distract you. I’m really just trying to keep you from coppin’ all the dubs when they come available. Your friend, Rob.

Update: It worked, I just snagged a new pair of black Moras. :)

photo credit: Shoe Mart

photo credit: Sky Valet Shoes