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Nike Steps Up Its Original Dad Shoe with a Rugged, Retro Redesign

The brand’s definitive mall sneaker swaps lawns for trails with a new hiking-inspired makeover.

Close-up of a mustard yellow suede sneaker with matching laces and embroidered Nike swoosh.Nike
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By Jack Seemer

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For better or worse, Nike’s Air Monarch IV is the stuff of legend.

Cheap, utilitarian and ugly as sin (almost proudly so), the early-2000s design helped define the “dad shoe” aesthetic.

Today, it straddles the line between meme and cult classic, with fans as varied as Russel Westbrook and Barack Obama.

If the original colorways call to mind freshly cut lawns and suburban shopping malls, however, the latest entry into the lineup would look right at home on a leaf-covered trail.

Pair of mustard yellow suede Nike sneakers with lace-up design and rubber soles on a white background.
The Air Monarch IV dresses up for fall with a monochromatic suede makeover.
Nike

The Air Monarch SE “Wheat” follows in the footsteps of other Nike silhouettes, such as the Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 9, adopting a monochromatic look seemingly inspired by a rugged hiker from yesteryear.

Tan suede Nike sneaker with tonal stitching and a thick rubber sole.
No accent marks. Every part of the upper is designed to match.
Nike
Close-up of a mustard yellow suede sneaker heel with detailed stitching
As with the original, the tongue is fabricated from mesh for breathability.
Nike

Textured suede replaces the smooth leather of the original model, covering most of the new upper. And its yellow-brown hue, reminiscent of a Timberland boot or the new C1ty Premium, pairs with a matching mesh tongue and midsole.

Close-up of a mustard yellow suede sneaker heel with detailed stitching and textured rubber sole.
A tonal midsole and gum outsole keep visual contrast to a minimum.
Nike

To keep the tonal look intact, Nike here opted for a brown gum sole, which ultimately keeps visual contrast to a minimum.

Pair of wheat-colored suede sneakers shown from the back with "AIR" embossed on the heel tabs.
Subtle branding, which reads “Air,” can be found on the heel. That is carried over from the Air Monarch IV.
Nike

Availability and pricing

The Air Monarch SE “Wheat” is available now from Nike’s official website. It costs $105.

The original Monarch IV retails for $85 but can often be found at a steep discount.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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