It seems like it’s been almost a year since the double monk straps hit their peak. The trend generally started by Sid Mashburn took hold in the 2008 time frame, but has since lost a little bit of steam. From the looks of it, there are two distinct double monk camps – those that love them, and those that don’t. At all.
I am still on the double monk bandwagon, wearing my brown Allen Edmonds Moras and my black Magnannis quite a bit. For us double monk lovers, the good news is that quite a few other brands have released their versions. This gives us quite a variety of styles, colors, and leathers to choose from. Some of the choices out there:
Left to right
1. Ovadia & Sons Milford Suede: Snuff suede. Hard to beat.
2. Howard Yount Double Monks: The polishing job alone warrants a second look at these bad boys.
3. Billy Reid Mules: These are very ‘Billy Reid’. Good lookin’.
Left to right
1. Cole Haan Air Harrison: Cut like gunboats, but green suede.
2. Magnanni Miro: These look like a race car.
3. Crockett & Jones Lowndes: Very English, and very professional.
Left to right
1. Burberry Double Monks: A low-cost option in a cool reddish-brown color. I could see these getting a lot of wear.
2. Battistoni Cap Toes: The pebbled leather is a nice touch.
3. Santoni Sumners: Another race car, with a different take on the ‘seat belt’.
Left to right
1. Peal & Co for Brooks Brothers: More suede…from the Mothership.
2. Sid Mashburn Holburn Suede: The suede version from the guy who started the craze.
3. John Lobb Williams: These will probably last longer than you can stand.
I’m still on board…are you?
by JRS
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