Nike Air Monarch is a series of shoes made by Nike, Inc. designed to be worn for everyday use. The popularity of the shoe among older dads has led to the shoe being known as the "dad shoe".[1]
 A pair of Air Monarch IV sneakers | |
| Type | Sneakers |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Nike |
| Inception | 2003 |
| Manufacturer | Nike |
| Available | Yes |
Overview
editThe company saw that it was losing market share with the older male consumers to other companies and wanted to release a new shoe that would appeal to this demographic. The idea for the design was to create something that was seen as vital to everyday life like food. Many of the designers at Nike went to theme parks to watch the men in what they did as well as ask for their input on the design.[2]
Models
editAir Monarch I
editThe first model was released in 2003. It featured a leather upper with a chunky design to offer comfort along with a lot of cushioning inside the shoe and tongue.
Air Monarch II
editThe second iteration of the shoe was designed by Jason Mayden who would later become the director for the Air Jordan brand. He decided to keep the overall same design and only make small changes. Changes made to the shoe included the internal construction, added traction patterns and a pivot point in the outsole for rotation, and textures in areas that wrinkled in the previous version. The shoe also had its own unique version of the Swoosh logo.[3]
Air Monarch III
editThe third model featured full length Nike Air in the outsole as well as added herringbone traction.
Air Monarch IV
editReleased in 2009, the shoe featured changes to the design to make it look faster and added perforations.
References
edit- ^ "Here's How The Nike Air Monarch II's Became The Most Iconic 'Dad Shoe' Ever Made". BroBible. 2018-06-18. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ "A History of The Nike Air Monarch, Told Through 3 Ideas (And 1 Dad)". Global Brands. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ "What It's Like Being a Father to the Ultimate Dad Shoe". Nice Kicks. 2017-06-18. Retrieved 2024-09-28.