I’ve recently got myself a pair of these monarchs and I must say, these are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever purchased for myself. The sole is very soft and it makes it so comfortable to walk in. I wore these in the city, I walked for about 7 hours and my feet did not hurt with these. They also go very well with anything. These are straight up my style and definitely has the comfort fit I look for in shoes. An even better plus is that these give you an inch height boost lol, they’re pretty thick so that’s why. The bottom grip is also good for wet floors and the material in general is awesome. These are meant to last.

A shoe for maximum all day comfort

These are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I’ve been wearing Nike Air Monarch shoes since 2017. The extra wide fit is perfect for heavy set folks, like me. You can basically wear these shoes all day if you wanted to. There’s so much cushioning that it seems like you are walking on a cloud. One of two drawbacks; one is, the shoes aren’t very breathable. They are made of synthetic leather, which is somewhat durable. But if your feet are prone to sweating easily, be sure to wear some moisture wicking type socks, or lightweight socks if you plan to wear them all day. Another drawback, and it’s not that bad; not enough colorway choices. These shoes are mostly meant for older folks, but younger folks will enjoy the shoes for its benefits as well. If ... MoreThese are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I’ve been wearing Nike Air Monarch shoes since 2017. The extra wide fit is perfect for heavy set folks, like me. You can basically wear these shoes all day if you wanted to. There’s so much cushioning that it seems like you are walking on a cloud. One of two drawbacks; one is, the shoes aren’t very breathable. They are made of synthetic leather, which is somewhat durable. But if your feet are prone to sweating easily, be sure to wear some moisture wicking type socks, or lightweight socks if you plan to wear them all day. Another drawback, and it’s not that bad; not enough colorway choices. These shoes are mostly meant for older folks, but younger folks will enjoy the shoes for its benefits as well. If Nike could make a women’s version of these shoes, and to release more colors, it would probably make this shoe more desirable. But all in all, this a great shoe for anyone to wear if you are looking for maximum comfort for a walking/cross trainer type shoe.

Comfortable but squeaky/creaky

These Monarch 4 shoes are so comfortable. I usually buy a new pair every couple of years because they are comfortable yet durable. Unfortunately, the last few pairs I bought are squeaky and creaky. With the last pair I bought, the right shoe is squeakier than ever. I mean every step is a loud squeak, even when walking outside. The left shoe is quiet. I took out the insole, and it is still squeaky. There seems to be something rubbing together between the mid sole and the outer sole. The soles seems like they are glued together fine, but the noise says otherwise. Unfortunately, I do not think I will be purchasing these again.

Excellent Shoe.. Well Made.. Comfortable...

I've been buying these Monarchs for years. I wear them 90% of the time, and I get a good 15 months out of a pair typically. I especially like all leather as you can wipe them clean with a gentle soap and they still look good (where the other styles have nylon which just doesn't easily clean up. I wash these leather shoes in the washer with an old white towel and this is how they come out (note that this pair is 14 months old so they're nearing end-of-life as bottom treads are starting to thin). These probably have another two months left. One thing about washing is give them a full week to air dry (lift the inner portion out so it thoroughly dries). Only thing about these shoes I don't like is that some pair really squeak when new. Not the rubber tread against the ... MoreI've been buying these Monarchs for years. I wear them 90% of the time, and I get a good 15 months out of a pair typically. I especially like all leather as you can wipe them clean with a gentle soap and they still look good (where the other styles have nylon which just doesn't easily clean up. I wash these leather shoes in the washer with an old white towel and this is how they come out (note that this pair is 14 months old so they're nearing end-of-life as bottom treads are starting to thin). These probably have another two months left. One thing about washing is give them a full week to air dry (lift the inner portion out so it thoroughly dries). Only thing about these shoes I don't like is that some pair really squeak when new. Not the rubber tread against the floor, the the leather and insole sound like darn "clown shoes". I found that lifting the insole out some and thoroughly flooding the new shoe with foot powder gets in to the seams and minimizes that. After washing the squeak comes back.. so often more foot powder in the shoe is needed.

Excellent for comfort and durability.. but...

Great comfort, shoe lasts a long time, and these look good. I've been buying the Monarch for years and really like ALMOST everything about it.. except one thing. These develop a "clown shoe squeak". Yes.. I have four different pair.. and every single one squeaks like clown shoes. I've removed the inside/bottom portion and added foot powder, but that lasts about a day. Not sure WHY these do this, but they do. Maybe I inadvertently bought "Squeakers" instead of "Sneakers"??? I notified Nike a couple of years ago, but as expected.. no response.

MISTAKE for delivery drivers, postal carriers, etc

Built VERY poorly - after only four weeks the upper had separated from the outsole around the big toe areas, the liner in same area had worn completely through because I was able to see right through that spot entirely AND the spot where the back of the ankle contacts the inside liner of the shoe was beginning to blow out following the liner eroding. The only reason they made it to six weeks before I threw them away was because I was able to hold them together with some glue and duct tape, but they wouldn’t have made it past two months anyway because the tread had worn to be completely flat in some spots. It was such a mistake to try these instead of my usual pair of Hoka Bondi SR, those are more expensive but last so much longer that you save money after the ... MoreBuilt VERY poorly - after only four weeks the upper had separated from the outsole around the big toe areas, the liner in same area had worn completely through because I was able to see right through that spot entirely AND the spot where the back of the ankle contacts the inside liner of the shoe was beginning to blow out following the liner eroding. The only reason they made it to six weeks before I threw them away was because I was able to hold them together with some glue and duct tape, but they wouldn’t have made it past two months anyway because the tread had worn to be completely flat in some spots. It was such a mistake to try these instead of my usual pair of Hoka Bondi SR, those are more expensive but last so much longer that you save money after the lifespan of one pair of those, plus they’re so much more plush for their entire lifespan - a pair of those Hokas at four months is better than a pair of these Nikes right out of the box. Of course I walk a lot more than the average person, but these only see flat surfaces and the occasional bit of lawn plus the pedals of my work vehicle.

Nike Monarch Runners

I always got the impression that NIKE runners were leather. I had no idea it was made by recycled polyester. For me its one of the most comfortable runners I have ever worn. The ones I'm wearing now tend to make noise when I walk and my feet sweat from time to time. This type of runner is waterproof and very durable for the most part, thats what I have always liked.However, if it's not leather then I feel I'm paying to much for it. ($105)I have always loved the quality of clothing and foot wear from Marks, I love cotton clothing but absolutely hate polyester. Its cheap and you sweat in it a lot. In this case with my runners I don't feel I'm getting my moneys worth this time. To me Mark’s has always been a quality store of clothing, why carry polyester at all.

Squeaky. Finish Line does not want to exchange.

I have been wearing these since 2006. This last pair I received squeaks and sounds like a duck quacking as you walk. I took them to the Macy's located in Concord, CA at the men's store to return/exchange. I was denied a refund, and nothing was mentioned about an exchange. Their MAGIC skills are a joke. I was treated like I was shopping at Sears before they went under. I ended up making the drive down to Nordstroms to buy shoes, and I spent $250.00 there yesterday. Finish Line has a 45-day period for exchanges if there is a defect. I was within the 45-day period, and Macy's states on the receipt the return period was until the end of January 2024. Here it was January, 8, 2024, and I was denied service. The Finish Line employee also told me to go to a sporting goods ... MoreI have been wearing these since 2006. This last pair I received squeaks and sounds like a duck quacking as you walk. I took them to the Macy's located in Concord, CA at the men's store to return/exchange. I was denied a refund, and nothing was mentioned about an exchange. Their MAGIC skills are a joke. I was treated like I was shopping at Sears before they went under. I ended up making the drive down to Nordstroms to buy shoes, and I spent $250.00 there yesterday. Finish Line has a 45-day period for exchanges if there is a defect. I was within the 45-day period, and Macy's states on the receipt the return period was until the end of January 2024. Here it was January, 8, 2024, and I was denied service. The Finish Line employee also told me to go to a sporting goods store in the mall where the Macy's was located to do the return. My boss also said something about the noise these shoes produced. This is the last item I buy at Macy's or Finish Line.

The Best Overall Training Shoe

I wear these shoes for work as a delivery driver. I put a lot of miles on shoes, have flat feet that are hard on shoes, and need stable support in a shoe. I’ve tried many different shoes over the years and keep coming back to these. They have the best cushioned comfort combined with very good arch area/inside support of any shoe I’ve tried. I have LOTS of experience with these shoes. Seriously I’ve bought probably 20 pairs of them. With some the rubber on the bottom will start to separate after a few months. Super glue will fix that. The squeak usually occurs after a few months or harsh conditions such as walking in a lot of wet areas. The squeak is caused by the air chambers working loose and moving around. They definitely last about six months of everyday work, ... MoreI wear these shoes for work as a delivery driver. I put a lot of miles on shoes, have flat feet that are hard on shoes, and need stable support in a shoe. I’ve tried many different shoes over the years and keep coming back to these. They have the best cushioned comfort combined with very good arch area/inside support of any shoe I’ve tried. I have LOTS of experience with these shoes. Seriously I’ve bought probably 20 pairs of them. With some the rubber on the bottom will start to separate after a few months. Super glue will fix that. The squeak usually occurs after a few months or harsh conditions such as walking in a lot of wet areas. The squeak is caused by the air chambers working loose and moving around. They definitely last about six months of everyday work, but any shoe is truly worn out after that time regardless of appearance as the support will be gone and cause knee or foot problems. I’ve searched all over and these are still the best out there for all around comfort and support for everyday walking.

They are missing the heel counter cushioning

I have been wearing Nike cross training shoes ever since 1989 and I have worn all generations of the Nike Monarch. I have older pairs of the Monarch IV with manufacture dates of 2014 and 2019. I buy new ones before the old ones are completely trashed and keep the old ones as backups. 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 completely gone. It is just thin fabric glued directly to the plastic heel counter. It's bad enough that you can tap on the heel counter with your fingernail and you'll hear the sound of solid plastic, where my older ones that sound was muted due to the nice cushioning they had.I decided to do some research and went to a store and found that not only ... MoreI have been wearing Nike cross training shoes ever since 1989 and I have worn all generations of the Nike Monarch. I have older pairs of the Monarch IV with manufacture dates of 2014 and 2019. I buy new ones before the old ones are completely trashed and keep the old ones as backups. 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 completely gone. It is just thin fabric glued directly to the plastic heel counter. It's bad enough that you can tap on the heel counter with your fingernail and you'll hear the sound of solid plastic, where my older ones that sound was muted due to the nice cushioning they had.I decided to do some research and went to a store and found that not only Monarch IV shoes, but other ones like Air Force 1 lows have this same issue. Is it a defect? Or has Nike just decided starting with 2024 to do away with the padding on the heel counter?I am also disappointed that the overall heel structure is now higher by about half a centimeter than on my previous shoes. My 2014 and 2019 pairs were made in China, this 2024 model was made in Vietnam. Not sure if that is the difference, but I sure wish I could get the older ones that have the heel counter padding and also the lower cut height on the heel itself, which allows for better gait while walking since the back of the shoe isn't pressing into my Achilles tendon as much.I also notice that the various cuts of leather around the heel exterior aren't sewn as nicely as on my older China-made pairs. Some of the leather is not stretched flat before it was sewn, it's really just poor quality control. A real shame, these Monarch IVs have been in production for more than a decade now.I wish I could find one that was made in 2023 or earlier with the heel counter cushioning. Or better yet, a China-made version (not sure what year they switched to Vietnam).