Summary
We spent 8.2 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what training geeks think:
5 reasons to buy
- A majority of users lauded the Nike Air Monarch IV as a very comfortable trainer; they used it for daily walking, moderate exercise, jogging, working and running errands.
- Many of the buyers became repeat customers because they trusted the quality of the product.
- A lot of people marveled at the fair price of the trainer.
- The purchasers were happy with the variety of width options.
- More than a few wearers found the “dad shoe” style of the trainer to be appealing.
5 reasons not to buy
- One of the biggest issues that people had with the Air Monarch IV was the squeaky noise produced by the midsole after some time of use.
- The toe box was narrow and pinched pinky toes for a handful of users.
- Some reviewers found the design to be too bulky and heavy.
- Several users mentioned that the outsole peeled away from the front of the shoe after a few weeks of wearing the shoe.
- There were a few cases where the interior seams dug into the skin of some consumers.
Bottom line
Many training enthusiasts liked how comfortable the Nike Air Monarch IV was, especially for regular activities during the day. They were also pleased that it came in different widths to accommodate various foot types. On the downside, the buyers were disgruntled by the squeaky noise that the shoe developed over time. The trainer also caused discomfort for some users and showed signs of wear after a short period of use. On the whole, the product offered sufficient quality for a moderate price.
Facts
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Use
Workout
Shoes with optimum cushioning, lateral support, and flexibility for daily workouts and studio sessions. See workout shoes
CrossFit
Versatile, low-profile shoes for constantly varied exercises including plyometrics, sprinting, weightlifting, and rope climbing. See CrossFit shoes
Weightlifting
Heavy-duty shoes with a wedge and an elevated heel that create a sturdy platform and promote ankle mobility. See weightlifting shoes
Walking
Shoes for daily wear that ensure a smooth walking gait cycle. Check out walking shoes
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Arch support
Neutral
For people with normal pronation. Also provide support for high-arched feet with underpronation (excessive outward rolling of the foot). See neutral training shoes
Stability
For people with low-arched or flat feet and moderate overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot). See stability training shoes
Motion control
Shoes feature stabilizing technologies for people with severe overpronation. See motion control training shoes
Good to know
Stability and motion control add-ons are uncommon for workout shoes and are never present in CrossFit or weightlifting footwear. They are mostly found in walking shoes where the gait is easier to correct.
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Price$65
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WeightMen: 15oz
Weight
Training footwear typically weighs between 200g and 300g per shoe to accommodate agile workouts. Minimalist trainers go as low as 150g, while weightlifting shoes can go as high as 500g.
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Heel to toe dropMen: 10mm
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WidthMen: Normal, Wide
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Release dateUnknown
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are training geeks, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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76 / 100 based on 3 expert reviews
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If you're looking for a decent shoe and you're on a budget...eh.
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For the amount of money that you pay for these shoes, it doesn't seem right that they should go back.
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Considered the leading athletic shoe, the Nike Air Monarch IV is able to meet many different training requirements. It can offer robust support, excellent traction, and lightweight cushioning.
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Updates to Nike Air Monarch IV
- Nike is known for offering shoes and apparel that cater to a wide range of people: from professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts to casual wearers. The Air Monarch IV is meant to fit somewhere in between, fusing style and performance. It is an iconic Nike model which has gained the reputation of “the king of dad shoes” with its cumbersome design and 90s appeal. At the same time, it is ready to support the wearer during a light workout, a walk, or a Sunday backyard barbecue. While some people may laugh at the shoe, it’s been one of Nike’s best-selling models for years.
- The trainer sports a full-length Air-Sole unit embedded into the lightweight and responsive Phylon foam. The two components work in tandem to deliver reliable cushioning and shock absorption.
- The trainer makes use of a solid rubber outsole. It is designed to provide traction and protection on gym flooring and concrete pavements.
Nike Air Monarch IV size and fit
The Air Monarch IV is a unisex shoe based on a man’s model. Consumers have a choice between D - Medium and 4E - Extra Wide width profiles to accommodate foot shape best. The width is indicated on the insole inside the shoe. The trainer runs true to size and is available in both full and half sizes.
Outsole
A non-marking solid rubber makes up the outsole of the Air Monarch IV. This type of material won’t leave residue on the gym or polished floors when walking across it. The outsole extends to the toe box for additional protection.
With regards to performance, the multi-pattern outsole makes the shoe suitable for use on both gym surfaces and city pavements. The pivot point at the ball of the foot allows the foot to perform quick transitions and change directions smoothly. The outsole also features flex grooves to allow unhindered movement and bending of the foot.
Midsole
The midsole of the Air Monarch IV is made up of a full-length Phylon, which is a type of rubber that is lightweight and reactive. Phylon is made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam pellets that have been compressed, treated with heat to expand, and then cooled in a mold to get the right shape. EVA is a popular material used in shoes for its durability.
As the name implies, the shoe uses Nike’s proprietary Air-Sole Technology. This unit is located in the entire length of the midsole. The unit has pressurized air inside it that allows it to absorb impact and immediately return to its original state, ready for the next strike.
Upper
The materials used in the upper unit of the Nike Air Monarch IV vary depending on the color option. Two of the versions (Black/Black and White/Metallic Silver/Midnight Navy) are made with synthetic leather only, while the other two (White/Black/Varsity Red and White/Cool Grey/Anthracite/White) have mesh on the quarter panels and synthetic leather in the rest of the shoe.
Synthetic leather makes up the entire surface of the Air Monarch IV’s upper. This material makes the shoe stiffer than traditional running or training shoes that use mesh. It has perforations scattered in various parts of the shoe to keep the foot chamber aerated. The fresh in-shoe experience is also enhanced by the mesh tongue and breathable interior lining.
It features a traditional lacing system with rounded laces that also go through a slot on the tongue. This design secures the padded tongue in place and prevents it from slipping to the sides or bunching upfront while walking, running or training.
The heel pull tab makes it easy to put on or take off the shoe. The fabric lining on the inside adds a layer of comfort.
Nike Air Monarch IV Snow Day (PR)
Given the stratospheric popularity of the Nike Air Monarch IV as well as the ambivalence around it, no wonder the brand has chosen to release the shoe in fresh, limited editions. The most recent colorway to be released in December 2018 - January 2019 is called the “Snow Day” or "PR." Inspired by the freshly-fallen snow, the makeover features an all-white upper. Unlike the original, this variant uses a genuine full-grain leather material with a furry collar to keep the wearer nice and warm during those cooler days. Its lustrous blue outsole and chrome silver Swoosh give an impression of ice being iridescent in the sunlight. And if you’re wondering what the orange pods and the black round pivot point at the bottom remind you of, that’s the representation of the main snow-day attribute - the snowman.