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I think it was my 9th or 10th summer and I recall being very excited to go shopping. I remember walking into the store and that new shoe smell permeating the air. The salesman approached my dad and I and asked how he could help us. I excitedly said, "I'm getting a new pair of dress shoes!" You see, growing up in my family required that you attended weekly church services and part of the Sunday church uniform required a "nice pair" of dress shoes.
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As we looked over the selection of shoes, I saw them, a pair of black monks with a single strap. I knew I had to have them. Sure I had been firmly committed to wearing oxfords or loafers in the past but this time it would be different. I wanted to have these different looking shoes. After cajoling my father, I got them. I didn't know it then but this was the early signs of my love affair with shoes.
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Monk straps were originally worn by monks in Europe because they offered more protection than the sandals they normally wore for work. They were a versatile shoe that was hard wearing and could last a long time. I didn't know monks were this fashion forward....
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Over the years, Monk straps have maintained their versatility as an all around shoe that can be dressed up or down. They now come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors. While, single and double monk straps abound, there are even triple straps! I personally prefer double monks in leather; for my money nothing beats the refinement of leather. Just keep in mind, lots of options are available and you should really find what works for you.
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The next time you are shopping for shoes, give monk straps a second look as they will be a welcome addition to your shoe collection. Stay stylish friends...