Nike Air Monarch IV has been the first pair of sports shoes that I tried from this Nike series. I had them for running, casual walks, a bit of calisthenics outside and also in the gym for two months. Before testing, I had absolutely no reason to expect anything inadequate from them because I only tend to train in the most popular, most sold running shoes. And these are not only meant for running but for strength and other kinds of exercising as well. A pretty interesting model, I must say… So after giving them a try for more than a few kilometeres on the track and hard workouts, how did it go in the end…
Overall look and shape
Well, if you take a look at the top professional running shoes from Adidas and Nike, you will definitely agree with me when I say that they look very aerodynamic and lean. As such you may find basic ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 4, Saucony Freedom ISO (my favourites also for the color) or Nike Zoom Fly 3 (extremely aerodynamic, maybe even too much…). If you compare them to Nike Air Monarch IV, you will immediately notice the difference. Nike Air Monarch IV are way bigger, almost huge-looking compared to those other models.
I didn’t mind that much because I got a Nike Air Monarch IV black version. And despite the huge-looking shape, the black color made it look very neutral. White version would be different… As for the upper, it is made of a perforated, breathable leather. That is also very unusual for sports shoes. I like it for the style. It actually looks pretty original and a bit trendy compared to other sneakers.
Above average weight
Unfortunately, the fact that Nike Air Monarch IV is made of leather, is adding some unwanted weight to the model. And not just a bit. Average running shoes and sports shoes go from 250 (8.1 oz) to 350 grams ( 12.3 oz). These that I had in the US size 9, went over 380 grams (13.5 oz). Not the lightest model for running or other sports during which you perform cardio either. If you are NOT a diehard support of Nike and love leather, you may find an alternative in New Balance 624 V2. Those are quite similar but 40 grams (1.4 oz) lighter.
Great for indoors training?
Well, Air Monarch IV are definitely much better for the gym than for running outside. They are a bit robust but solid, resistant. At least that’s how I perceived them. After the two months of using Nike Air Monarch IV, there were no scratches on the top visible and the rubber outsole hasn’t separated from the midsole either. As you don’t have to run long distances in the gym, you won’t mind their weight. Instead, when you workout with the bars, or exercise jumping jacks, do burpees etc. they feel nicely protective. Definitely recommendable model for this kind of activity.
Overall comfort
They are roomy, they feel wide. They are simply the best for people with wide feet. At the same time, Nike inserted a foam midsole with an Air-Sole unit along the whole length of the shoes. No that it would be the best cushioning below the sun, but it is nicely responsive. Not firm so that even when you decide to go with them for a run, you will appreciate the way they are made.
The obstacles
You will most likely find them squeaking all the time. I have nothing else to add. Maybe just that you won’t mind that if you take earphones on you and play some music. But that is not the best solution, right? This is seriously the point where Nike should make some amendments for the next version of Air Monarch IV. Otherwise it will remain annoying, even though it it a pretty nice shoe.
Overall…
Nike Air Monarch IV is (as the heading prompts) a great indoors sports shoe for tough workouts in the gym as it is made of firm, resilient material. On the other hand, I would not recommend it for you if you are solely focused on running. These shoes are overly heavy and excessively add weight to every step that you perform in them. If you have wide feet, you will find them awesome! For people having wide, flat feet, they are a great choice.
Nike Air Monarch IV
Pros
- Wide width shoes
- Stylish, unusual look
- Resistant against harm
Cons
- Overall heavy
- Squeaking sounds all the time
I really love this shoe for walking long distances and jumping rope. Yes, my right shoe started to squeak after a couple of weeks, but I poured regular foot powder under the insert and that completely cured the problem. No squeak for over a year now!
After 4 pairs of Air Monarchs I can truely say they are junk. The glue comes apart at the welt and they fall apart. I only got 6 months of light use out of the last pair. You can’t say I didn’t give them a chance.
I rarely write a complaint about a product.I just don’t buy from that manufacturer any more. My Air Monarchs we’re comfortable,( size 9 xw ). In the past I’ve bought them three times.With each pair the front of the show has come unglued.My last pair the entire sole has come unglued.
these Monarch shoes are junk. Every 2 or 3 months the soles fall off. Took them back to a store for warranty once. I have 3 pair that did the same thing. 1 pair was not stitched all the way at the top also. My first pair lasted 3 years. I cannot get 3 months now. I have pictures for proof.
Nike monarch air are good shoes but they are not made properly. 1 out of 3 of these shoes are not glued properly between the sole and the shoe it self,so they squeak .Really fucking annoying
Very sqeaky shoes. Other wise good for the fat foot older man. Nike should fix this product.
These shoes were recommended by a podiatrist for a condition called charcot foot related to diabetes look it up but the squeaking problem can be cured by removing the cushion inside the shoe so you can see the sole get some powdered graphite and squeeze into the two holes you see in the foot bed and your squeaking problems will be over talc would work too but good luck finding that
nice cool designs and comfort i should not judge it yet though had it for 4 days
Mine fell apart after 6 weeks. I walk 4 miles a day for health reasons. Took them back to J.C. Penneys and they laughed at me. Bought another pair at Kohls and the same thing happened. I’m out $140.00 and Nike won’t replace them.
Paul Kopko
57 Bellview Circle
McKees Rocks, PA. 15136
I’m 70 years old and I want my Nike Air Monarch 1V replaced. After 6 weeks the soles separated. I wear an
8 1/2 and am 70 years old.
Paul Kopko
57 Bellview Circle
McKees Rocks. ,PA 15136
I am like the person above the first pair lasted close to three years. The last 3 pairs I bought within three months the soles were coming off . Don`t think I will be buying any more with the soles coming off every 3 months it makes it too costly at close to 100.00 dollars a pair with Tax.
Very disappointed in this product.
Same here they used to last but now they are junk no more for me and my wife they last about 3 months if you don’t used them to mutch
I find this a problem with a lot of Nike trainers. They are so comfortable they are a joy to wear and then they just seem to fall apart. The material is good but the workmanship is shoddy.
I was a fan of them UNTIL the toe box area comes unglued.They are very comfortable,but not made well and would not recommend them anymore.
just garbage shoe’s anymore ..they squeak when you walk . the sole comes off and the shoe and the sole never stay together. this is my 5 TH or 6TH pair and they all do the same thing . they are comfortable and don’t heart my feet and that’s why I buy them . changing brands . can’t by new shoe’s every 4 month’s ..
Over the last 10 years I have bought about 20 pairs of this shoe. I have a wide foot and find them very comfortable. Lately I am experiencing quality problems in every pair. The leather upper separates from the sole after very mild usage. They squeak so loud I have to turn off my hearing aids when I walk. Nike obviously does not care to fix the problem so I am looking for another make of wide shoe.