Men monk shoes

The monk strap shoe for men holds a distinct place in the realm of men's footwear. It's the style you turn to when you want to venture off the beaten path, or when you already have a collection of black leather Oxfords, loafers, and boots. Combining tradition with a bold modern edge, they are the ultimate choice for those seeking refined details that make a real difference.

Contemporary design and character

Buckle shoes add an extra touch of character to a suit, and even to a casual outfit. That's why at In Corio, we believe that the double-buckle shoe deserves its spot in your wardrobe. Building upon the classic double-buckle design, we've infused our monk shoe with an irresistibly contemporary style through a discreetly low-profile sole, clean lines, and understated silver buckles. Crafted from premium full-grain leather, these shoes guarantee exceptional durability and a patina that only gets better with time.

Unprecedented comfort for dress shoes

Just like the rest of our collection, our monk strap shoes for men boast unprecedented comfort. With its ergonomic shape, the support of the high-density latex midsole, and the flexibility of the Blake stitched sole, you're assured of unwavering comfort throughout the day. Whether you choose a leather or rubber sole, our construction ensures a perfect fit for an active city life or special occasions.

Artisanal excellence from portugal

Every pair of In Corio monk shoes is the result of meticulous artisanal craftsmanship. Made in our family-run workshops in Portugal, they feature exceptional materials such as full-grain leather from French tanneries and premium suede. Every detail, from the precision of the stitching to the placement of the buckles, is handled with care to ensure long-lasting elegance. It's the perfect time to take the buckle plunge and elevate your style!

The buckle shoe often intrigues before it seduces. Bolder than a Richelieu, dressier than a loafer, it nonetheless finds its place in many outfits. Here is how to choose it, wear it and care for it so that it stays with you for a long time.

What is a men's buckle shoe?

A men's buckle shoe is a low dress shoe fastened not with laces but with one or two leather straps fitted with a metal buckle. It is also called a monk or, in its two-strap version, a double monk. It belongs to the family of dress shoes for men, alongside the Derby and the Richelieu.

A shoe from the monasteries?

Its name, monk, refers to the men of the cloister. According to tradition, the shape was inspired by the strap-fastened shoes worn by certain monks, more practical than laces for work. The story is hard to verify, but the name has stuck. The buckle shoe later became a classic among men's shoe styles, appreciated by those who want to move away from lacing without giving up elegance.

Single or double buckle: which model to choose?

The single buckle is the most discreet and the most formal; the double buckle, with more presence, makes more of a style statement. Both can be worn with a suit as well as with more casual trousers.

Edward, the single buckle

Edward pairs a clean silhouette with a slim silver buckle. In black leather on a leather sole, it is the dressiest buckle shoe in our collection, at ease with a dark suit. Its hand-finished chocolate patina version reveals the depth of the leather through subtle nuances: no two pairs are exactly alike.

Victor, the double buckle

Victor takes up the codes of the double-buckle shoe with more modern lines and a discreetly protruding sole. In black or chocolate leather on a leather sole, it goes with office outfits. In camel suede on a rubber sole, it gains in flexibility and relaxed style, ideal with chinos.

How to wear buckle shoes?

Buckle shoes are best worn with fitted trousers that show off the strap. Smooth leather reserves them for dressy outfits, while suede opens them up to weekend wear.

With a suit

A black buckle shoe goes with an anthracite grey or navy suit as precisely as a Richelieu, with a little more personality. Among men's wedding shoes, the double buckle in smooth leather is an elegant choice that stands out without clashing.

With chinos or jeans

In camel suede, Victor adds warmth to beige chinos, linen trousers or raw denim jeans. A short hem, without breaking on the shoe, shows off the buckles.

Why are our buckle shoes comfortable?

Their comfort rests on three elements: an ergonomic last, Blake stitched construction and a high-density latex midsole, to which is added the precise adjustment of the buckles.

Our last, developed with our craftsmen lastmakers, follows the natural curves of the foot; it is identical across all our models. The buckles are adjusted once and for all: you then simply slide your foot in, with the help of a shoehorn, to put the shoe on without undoing them. Made in family-run workshops in the Porto region, in full-grain leather, our buckle shoes thus combine hold, flexibility and a fair price.

The care ritual

A beautiful object is made to last by the care you give it. Here is the ritual we suggest:

1. Slip cedar shoe trees into your shoes as soon as you take them off, to absorb moisture and keep their shape.
2. Let each pair rest for a day between wears.
3. Dust the leather with a brush, then nourish it with a cream in the shade of the leather, or colourless on a patina.
4. Wipe the buckles with a dry cloth to keep them shining, and brush the suede with a brass brush.

Not sure about your size? Come and try our models and feel our leathers in our stores in the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Lyon. Online, returns and exchanges are free.

Frequently asked questions about men's buckle shoes

What do you call a men's buckle shoe?

People speak of a buckle shoe or, in English, a monk. The two-strap version is called a double buckle or double monk. All these names describe a low shoe fastened by a buckle rather than laces.

Do you have to undo the buckles to put the shoe on?

No. Once the buckles are adjusted to your instep, the shoe slips on like a loafer, ideally with a shoehorn to protect the heel counter. The buckles are only undone to adjust the fit.

Can you wear buckle shoes to a wedding?

Yes. A buckle shoe in smooth black or chocolate leather, on a leather sole, is perfectly suited to a wedding or a ceremony. It offers an elegant alternative to the Richelieu, with a little more character.

In summary

The buckle shoe fastens the foot with one or two straps rather than laces. Edward, with a single buckle, is the most understated; Victor, with a double buckle, the boldest, in smooth leather or suede. With an ergonomic last, Blake construction and latex cushioning, they are comfortable to wear from the first day.