There’s only so much wear we can get from oxford shoes because of their formality, but if you want to cop that vibe without being too prim-and-proper in a casual event or just in a normal day, then you’ll want to look for monk shoes or loafers instead. They’re great alternatives for pairings with more casual clothes.
In terms of men’s dress shoes, they’re apparently one of the best for everyday use. Apart from losing the time-consuming lace fastenings, the buckle and slip-on feature of the monk shoes and loafers offer a more nonchalant quality to a man’s aura, which no one would say no to. As we’d observe from the growing popularity of double monks, which essentially have 2 buckles instead of one, they’re not only preferential but essential to a gentleman’s minimal shoe collection.
We know shopping for the right pair is overwhelming enough, so we’ve narrowed down the market to 5 pairs from the reputable fashion house, Balenciaga.
BALENCIAGA Formal high-shine loafers
Price: US$650.00
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We can always find some luxury in the simplest of things. These high-shine loafers are the best example for that, because when is patent leather not luxurious? Most probably never. It’s the epitome of slick, and so you can get away with wearing this for regular office days or formal events, if you dare.
BALENCIAGA Croc-Effect Leather Shoes
Price: US$895.00
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With less shine but significantly more character, these croc-embossed monk shoes are the exact type of shoes that says you’re an official adult. Balenciaga’s script label in gold-tone hardware takes the place of buckles, and simultaneously showcases your taste for fashion brands aside from being a bold style element.
BALENCIAGA Croc-Effect Leather Shoes
Price: US$895.00
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Unlike the black croc-effect monk shoes that are true to a dad-like style, this electric blue variation brings a youthful vibe to a traditional-looking pair. When you’re just starting out in the real world, or not but you really want to bring out the fun kid in you, fashion is the best outlet, and these shoes will be your greatest asset.
Balenciaga Runway Monk-Strap Shoe
Price: US$895.00
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You’re probably asking, who would take a man wearing red shoes seriously? But a better question to ask is, who wouldn’t take seriously a man who wears red shoes unapologetically? It takes guts to go beyond the norm, and nothing earns respect quite like a man who dares to wear dress shoes in a sassy red color. Just try it, then thank yourself later.
Balenciaga Striped Lace-Up Derby Shoe
Price: US$750.00
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When almost all plain black shoes available to get are similar, if not the exact same, it’s so unmotivating to bother looking, but this plain black Balenciaga pair is demanding your attention and it’s well worth giving it some. It’s a cutting-edge style using plain leather in alternating matte and patent styles to create a design that’s simple but full of creativity.
When it comes to shoes, men don’t tend to have a mutual appreciation or love for it as much as women do. For some, it has an absolutely crucial quality that could make or break an outfit, but for others, it’s just another sort of mindless necessity in everyday dressing. But if monk shoes and loafers have never been in your radar before, it’s totally on you. Even if you couldn’t care less about what you wear on your feet, these easy and convenient footwear aren’t the strangest things to have in your shoe cabinet. You’ll eventually wear them for the kinds of events that won’t allow sneakers but also don’t require formal dress shoes, and trust us, those events will come.
