Quiet and understated - The Monk Shoe

This is the next most formal shoe after the Oxford and it is a heavenly shoe for men with wider feet whose top priority is comfort. The shoe is closed by a buckle or strap instead of lacing. 

As you may have guessed this shoe has its origins with the style of shoes monks used to wear – originally made of cloth with a soft fabric run around to bind the shoe.

Crockett & Jones Monkton shoe

From Northampton, the shoe capital of the UK, is Crockett and Jones. Here we have their classic plain one buckle monk shoe called the Monkton, in chestnut burnished calf at £305.00 They don’t have a wide distribution in the UK other than their own London and Birmingham retail stores, and don’t sell online. But you can visit their website for the stores addresses: www.crockettandjones.co.uk

Bodileys Lyndon shoe

Bodileys of Northampton have just started making their own range of shoes, one of which is the double buckle monk shoe called Lyndon. This range is so new that the price hasn’t been confirmed but will start from £275 upwards depending on style and type. Details should be on their website soon. www.shoesnorthampton.co.uk

You'll be keeping your head bowed just to admire your monk shoes.