Nike Air Monarch IV Review

The Nike Air Monarch IV has earned its place as the quintessential "dad shoe" by prioritizing function over fashion, establishing a loyal following among those who value comfort and support over trendy aesthetics. Despite its polarized reception—with users either loving the exceptional comfort and durability or criticizing recurrent squeaking issues—this cross-trainer remains a reliable, affordable option for those with foot problems, wide feet, or anyone who stands all day.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.2/5 based on 247 customer reviews
Best For: All-day standing, people with foot problems, wide feet, and everyday casual wear
Key Strengths: Exceptional comfort, available in wide widths, durable leather upper, affordable price
Notable Limitations: Notorious squeaking issues, occasional sole separation, old-fashioned aesthetics

What Makes Nike Air Monarch IV Stand Out?

The Nike Air Monarch IV has carved out a unique identity in the athletic footwear market as the archetypal "dad shoe" that prioritizes practical comfort over fashion-forward design. With its distinctive chunky silhouette and no-nonsense approach to functionality, this cross-trainer has become something of a cultural icon, embraced by those who value substance over style.

What truly distinguishes the Monarch IV is its focus on addressing specific needs that many other athletic shoes overlook. The availability of wide widths (up to 4E) makes this shoe a rare find for those with broader feet who struggle to find comfortable options. The combination of Nike Air technology and substantial cushioning creates a supportive foundation that has made these shoes particularly popular among older adults, people with foot conditions, and workers who spend long hours on their feet.

As one long-time user puts it: "I have been buying this shoe since Nike came out with it... I am in mid-40s and in Skilled Trades and have worn 'Gym Shoes' my whole life and Nike is the best quality out there." This sentiment captures the Monarch IV's position in the market—a reliable, proven performer that inspires unusual brand loyalty despite (or perhaps because of) its unfashionable reputation.

Real Customer Experiences

User feedback on the Nike Air Monarch IV reveals a notably polarized pattern. The majority of reviewers give the shoe perfect scores, frequently citing exceptional comfort and support as standout features. One mail carrier who walks 12 miles daily states, "These shoes are super comfortable right off the bat. I know these shoes are old school but please do not discontinue it." Another reviewer with diabetes mentions, "I am 75 and use them to just walk in and wear daily. I am diabetic and these shoes go easy on my sore feet."

However, there's a significant minority of users who rate the shoe poorly, almost exclusively due to one recurring issue: squeaking. As one frustrated customer explains, "After wearing for a couple days they are not very comfortable (toe area is narrow and not a lot of arch support). And now they have started to squeak. Not happy I purchased these shoes." The squeaking problem appears so prevalent that some users have developed workarounds: "To cure the squeak, pull the inner sole out, apply foot powder or talcum powder, re-insert inner sole. Repeat as needed... it's a small price to pay for such comfort."

This binary response pattern—users either loving or hating the shoe with very few middle-ground opinions—suggests that the Monarch IV delivers exceptionally well on its core promises of comfort and support when it doesn't develop the dreaded squeak, but this quality control issue significantly impacts the experience for many customers.

Design and Build Quality

The Nike Air Monarch IV features a classic, substantial design characterized by its leather upper and chunky silhouette. The leather construction provides good structure and support, creating a durable exterior that many users appreciate for its longevity. One customer noted, "The leather upper is nicely padded, but I do not expect it to stay that way for long. I would recommend purchasing a high quality insole if you plan on using these shoes daily."

The sole unit combines lightweight foam with Nike Air technology, providing responsive cushioning that many users describe as "walking on air." The rubber outsole offers solid traction for various activities, from gym workouts to everyday walking. The shoe's construction appears sturdy, with reinforced stitching around high-stress areas.

However, quality control issues have become increasingly apparent in recent years. Multiple reviewers mention a decline in manufacturing standards: "I have been buying Nike cross training shoes ever since 1989 and I have worn all generations of the Nike Monarch... I just bought a pair manufactured in 2024 and am very disappointed to see that the cushioning on the inside of the heel counter is missing."

The most significant design flaw relates to the connection between the sole and upper. One user explained: "After 5 months the glue separated on the front of the shoe. These shoes are by far the best for walking and arch support... I just hope they fix the glue issue." This recurring problem suggests a systematic weakness in the construction that detracts from an otherwise solid design.

Comfort and Fit

The comfort of the Nike Air Monarch IV consistently stands out as its most praised attribute, especially for people with specific foot needs. The substantial cushioning and Nike Air technology create what many users describe as an exceptionally comfortable walking experience. "Feels like I'm walking on clouds," shares one satisfied customer, while another notes, "The support from the sole is superior to anything on the market - and I have tried many!"

For those with foot problems, the Monarch IV offers particular benefits. One user with neuropathy called it a "great shoe for neuropathy!!" while another mentioned, "I have tender feet and this shoe provides both support and cushioned comfort. Perfect for feet like mine." Many users with wide feet express relief at finding a shoe available in extended widths, with one stating the "4E is perfect fit for husband's very wide fit."

Regarding sizing, most users find the Monarchs true to size, though some suggest they run slightly small. "Shoes run small by a half size and seem narrower than medium but over time the shoes should expand width-wise," advises one reviewer. The break-in period seems minimal for most, with several mentioning immediate comfort, though a minority report initial stiffness: "They are somewhat stiff initially," one user notes, but adds they become comfortable after breaking in.

For those who spend extended periods on their feet, the comfort benefits become particularly significant. A teacher commented, "As a teacher, I am on my feet for many hours per day. They are great walking shoes," while a mail carrier shared, "I walked at least 12 miles everyday, and these shoes are super comfortable right off the bat."

Style and Versatility

The Nike Air Monarch IV embraces its reputation as the archetypal "dad shoe" with a design that prioritizes function over fashion trends. This distinct aesthetic has created a polarized response among users – many embrace and even celebrate the shoe's old-school look, while others acknowledge it's not winning any style contests.

"Bought them as a joke and then I realized they are the most comfortable shoes ever and can't ever throw them away," confesses one reviewer, capturing the surprising journey many customers experience with these shoes. Another user humorously notes they're "Great for flipping patties on the grill and mowing the yard on a crisp cool Sunday afternoon," leaning into the shoe's dad-culture associations.

Despite (or perhaps because of) its unfashionable reputation, the Monarch IV offers practical versatility for everyday wear. The black version, in particular, receives praise for its adaptability: "The Black model will pass as a work shoe at a glance," mentions one customer who uses them for both work and casual occasions. This makes them particularly valuable for professionals who need comfortable footwear that doesn't obviously look like an athletic shoe.

Users report wearing Monarchs for an impressive range of activities, from gym workouts and walking to yard work and professional settings where standing is required. "These are my go to shoes when I'm stepping out," shares one enthusiastic customer, while another explains, "I wear them for walking, working, or just plain standing on your feet all day."

For those concerned with style, the limited color options in wide widths represent a drawback. However, for the target demographic who prioritize comfort and function, the straightforward design represents exactly what they're looking for.

Quality and Durability

The quality and durability of the Nike Air Monarch IV presents a complex picture with significant variance in user experiences. Long-term users frequently report excellent durability, with multiple customers mentioning pairs lasting for years: "Been buying an wearing these shoes for 20 years," states one loyal customer. Another explains, "I have owned many pairs of Monarchs. Always happy with the size and comfort of these shoes."

However, there are concerning patterns regarding quality issues. The most frequently mentioned problem is the notorious squeaking that develops in many pairs after limited use. "After about four hours they started hurting my feet so bad... After a month one whole side needs glued and they look a year old," reports one disappointed user. Another bluntly states, "The 2nd time I wore them they developed a loud creeping noise that sounded like nails on a chalkboard combined with a whoopee cushion."

Sole separation at the toe area emerges as another common durability issue. "After 5 months the glue separated on the front of the shoe," reports one user, while another notes, "My last pair have to be glued at the toe. After a month one whole side needs glued and they look a year old."

Heavy users, like mail carriers, typically report getting 3-6 months of wear before replacement becomes necessary. "I do a lot of walking on my job and these just don't last," explains a customer in a physically demanding profession.

Many long-term users perceive a decline in manufacturing quality: "I only wish they were made the way they used to be made. Been buying these shoes for 15 years and the quality has gone down." This sentiment appears repeatedly in reviews from customers who have purchased multiple pairs over the years.

Value for Money

At its price point (typically around $70-90), the Nike Air Monarch IV offers exceptional value when it performs as intended. Many users specifically highlight the affordable price as a key benefit. "Very affordable," "good value," and "sensible price" appear frequently in positive reviews, suggesting customers feel they're getting substantial quality for their investment.

"I would give them 6 out of 5 because they are very affordable," enthuses one reviewer, while another states, "These are great knock about shoes for walking, working, or just plain standing on your feet all day. Very Comfortable. If it were up to me I would give them 6 out of 5 because they are very affordable."

Compared to other specialized comfort shoes that can cost significantly more, the Monarchs deliver comparable comfort at a lower price point. This value proposition is particularly strong for users who need wide widths or have specific foot problems, as specialty footwear in these categories often commands premium prices.

However, the value assessment becomes more complicated when considering the quality issues. For users who experience the squeaking problems or premature sole separation, the initial value diminishes significantly. As one customer puts it, "I have been wearing these for work for years... I bought three pairs at once. They all squeaked horribly... they were so loud and embarrassing I tossed them out."

For the majority who don't experience these problems, the combination of comfort, durability (with many reporting years of use), and affordable price creates outstanding value that explains the shoe's enduring popularity despite its aesthetic limitations.