Suitsupply Dark Brown Double Monk Strap Review (The Good & Bad)7 min read

So you’ve been eyeing those Suitsupply dub monks?

Well then, you’re in the right place. Keep on reading for an in-depth review of the Suitsupply dark brown double monkstrap leather shoes — the good, bad and everything in-between.

Let me preface this review by letting you know that I purchased these double monkstrap shoes from the Suitsupply outlet (in July 2018) which is their bi-annual mega-sale where prices of soon to be out of season supply is slashed 50-60-70%+ off. Talk about a steal.

It’s worth mentioning that all outlet items are final sale which means as you guessed, no returns. And you shouldn’t be surprised to find visible flaws or QC issues. I’d compare the shoes offered in their outlets to Allen Edmonds factory seconds.

Suitsupply Double Monk Strap Review

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There’s no denying the greatness of Suitsupply’s stellar suit collections. Their Lazio, Sienna, Napoli, Havana, and Washington fits come highly regarded.

I actually purchased 2 blazers with the Havana cut along with these shoes last summer (unboxing/try-on video here), unfortunately I’m between sizes. If they carried 34S, I’d have several of their jackets in my rotation by now, but being just 5’6″ finding anything that fits well off the rack is a struggle!

I digress, let’s get back on topic.

What Are Double Monk Strap Shoes?

For the uninitiated, double monk strap shoes are unique because of the metal buckles and ‘straps’ that wrap around the shoe upper. I like to think of them as a grown man’s velcro sneakers.

They’re standout in their own right (more so than other types of dress shoes) so it’s best to keep the color muted and classic like brown, black or grey. It takes a confident fella to rock the double monkstrap, but one thing’s for certain, you’ll turn a few heads by stepping foot into these elegant shoes.

Before we officially jump in, let’s talk history.

Suitsupply History

Suitsupply is a men’s tailoring and suit brand that was founded in the year 2000 by Fokke de Jong in Amsterdam. Everything actually came about from Jong’s dorm room when he was just 26 years old. Today he continues to run the company and operates as CEO.

Suitsupply Advertising

I can’t talk about Suitsupply’s history without mentioning their awesomely absurd, always attention grabbing, and ostentatiously offensive advertising campaigns. A quick Google search of “suitsupply advertising” and you’ll see what I mean.

Since the beginning of time, sex sells, controversy sells — especially in fashion advertising. Suitsupply is not ashamed neither afraid to ruffle some feathers in order to sell suits. But hey, it works. Can’t hate the player. 

Where Are Suitsupply Shoes Made?

Suitsupply proudly advertises that their shoes are Made in Italy, and why wouldn’t they? When it comes to leather shoes and sneakers, Italian made is the gold standard.

• Founded: 2000 in Amsterdam
• Based In: Amsterdam
• Offices In: Amsterdam, New York City, Dallas, and Shanghai
• Website: www.suitsupply.com

With history out of the way, let’s get into the shoe’s style and design.

Style & Design

If I’m being honest, the suede dark brown double monk straps would be my first choice. Something about suedes rich texture and nap always wins me over. Especially in an elegant, mightily versatile chocolate brown.

Nevertheless, the dark brown Italian calf leather was my second option. It’s the brown colorway, but not as dark as the images on the website which is clearly a shade darker, and more like a dark chocolate brown.

Also, the buckles are a clean matte brass which I really like paired with the brown color. The shoe silhouette is sleek and slim especially because of the blake stitched construction.

Additionally, there’s a cap toe detail and the shoes are slightly pointed. I personally prefer a more rounded toe like my Beckett Simonon, Cole Haan and H&M double monk straps.

Finally, The Italian calf leather has a pebble grain appearance which appears different from the shoes on the website that have a smoother finish.

Quick note: If you’re enjoying this Suitsupply double monkstrap shoe review  then you’ll probably like this double monkstrap duel featuring Cole Haan vs Beckett Simonon.

Quality & Craftsmanship

With Italian made products you’d expect a certain standard and level of quality production. The shoes look great, don’t get me wrong, but there are some areas of concern.

Quality Control (QC) Check

I first noticed visible QC issues with the shoes which is not a big surprise considering it’s a final sale item. I noticed a several loose threads and a prominent gash across the leather upper of the right shoe.

These minor aesthetic issues are slightly disappointing, but ultimately it’s not all that bad considering I got them for $100 off retail.

Are Suitsupply Shoes Goodyear Welted?

No, the Suitsupply dark brown double monk strap shoes are stitched with the blake method which is similar to that of a Goodyear welt (GYW). The primary difference being a GYW is stitched 360° around the shoe.

Both methods consist of a stitched construction and both make for a durable shoe. Another difference is that a GYW can be hand stitched whereas a blake stitch can only be achieved with the help of a special machine. 

Are Suitsupply Shoes Good Quality?

In short, yes, Suitsupply shoes are quite good quality. Their double monk straps are made in Italy with soft Italian leather, looks and feels well constructed.

Like my Beckett Simonon double monks, there’s a dark strip of leather around the shoe collar known as French binding. This reinforcement is stitched between the leather upper and lining as a way to enhance the shoe’s structure and provide a clean finish.

As for the buckles, they’re securely sewn on with leather pieces. Suitsupply’s double monk straps are the only pair I own that doesn’t use elastic bands to secure the straps.

And the shoe is fully leather lined with buttery soft Italian leather, providing all day comfort and breathability. All in all, it’s a great looking, quality shoe for under $300.

Double Monkstrap Details

Comfort & Durability

With quality and craftsmanship covered, now let’s get into the comfort and durability of Suitsupply double monk straps.

Are Suitsupply Shoes Comfortable?

Absolutely. The Italian calf leather upper is soft from the start. As mentioned above, the soft leather lining is ultra comfortable and breathable.

Additionally, the insole is leather lined and feels solid, almost like a pair of Allen Edmonds, but with a little bit more heel cushioning.

How Durable Are Suitsupply Shoes?

In over a year and a half, the shoes virtually no creasing which is unheard of for such soft leather. And the leather is super supple, not rough at all. The shoe has kept its shape thus far and still looks great with minimal maintenance.

Furthermore, the outsole is leather with exception to rubber in the middle that helps provide better grip on slippery surfaces, and there’s a split leather and rubber heel. 

Shoe Sizing & Price To Performance

We’ve covered comfort and durability, now let’s touch on the sizing and what kind of value are you getting with these shoes.

Are Suitsupply Shoes True To Size?

Yes, Suitsupply shoes run true to size. I’m a size 7.5 dress shoe and Suitsupply’s 7.5 fit me comfortably without being too loose nor too tight.

Suitsupply only carries a standard D width size so those with narrow or wide feet might be out of luck.

Are Suitsupply Shoes Worth It?

One word, an emphatic YES!

For Italian made shoes with full-grain calf leather, full leather lining, and a blake stitched sole construction the $249 retail price is already quite attractive.

And since I purchased my during the Suitsupply Outlet’s final sale, I got them for $149 with free shipping making them an incredible value.

In terms of price to performance Suitsupply is a clear-cut knockout.

Shop Suitsupply Monkstraps

Quick note: If you’ve been enjoying this review of Suitsupply’s double monk strap shoes, then you’ll probably find my other writing on all things men’s style useful. Each week, I share updates, style tips and other things not shared on the blog through my free email newsletter.

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Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Affordable price even at retail
• Sleek and stylish design
• Blake stitch construction, and Made in Italy
• Comfortable and fully leather lined
• Member of the Fair Wear Foundation that promotes sustainable craftsmanship

Cons:

• Aesthetic imperfections with Suitsupply Outlet items
• Color and leather texture does not match the website

Conclusion

In the end, are Suitsupply’s shoes as good as their suits? Based on my experience with these double monk straps, I’d say yes. I’m not too disappointed about the QC issues because it is a final sale item.

The bottom line is that these are stylish and well-made Italian leather shoes under $300, which makes it a great value. If you’re in the market for a pair, I recommend you check them out. And keep an eye out for their Outlet sales, it’s a treasure trove of suits and shoes.

Have Suitsupply double monkstrap shoes been on your radar?

Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.

Looking forward to seeing you in there.