Nike Air Monarch IV

Nike Air Monarch IV: King of dad shoes

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 sneaker that 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’s old-fashioned style, it’s been one of Nike’s best-selling models for years.  

Why you should buy it

Apart from its retro looks, here are a few of the good stuff you're getting from the Air Monarch IV:

• The solid rubber outsole extends to the toe box for additional protection. Its multi-pattern tread makes it suitable for use on both gym surfaces and city pavements while the pivot point at the ball of the foot allows the foot to perform quick transitions and change directions smoothly. It also features flex grooves to allow unhindered movement and bending of the foot.
• The midsole of the Air Monarch IV is made 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 embedded into the entire length of the Phylon midsole. The unit has pressurized air inside it which allows it to absorb impact and immediately return to its original state, ready for the next strike.
• Although synthetic leather makes up the entire surface of the upper making it stiffer than traditional running or training shoes that use mesh, the perforations scattered in various parts of the shoe keep the foot chamber aerated. The fresh in-shoe experience is also enhanced by the mesh tongue and breathable interior lining.