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 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).

We call these Air Jim's in our house because my husband has been loyal to these shoes for decades! Seriously, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Every year, without fail, he buys the exact same pair. They’ve become a family tradition at this point – just like his favorite chair and his weekend "special coffee."

But honestly, who can blame him? The Nike Air Monarch IV's are the perfect blend of comfort, support, and style (even if my husband insists on sticking to one style for, you know, ever). Whether he’s hitting the gym, running errands, or taking a stroll in the park, these shoes hold up like champs! The durability is incredible, and they never lose their shape or comfort, no matter how many miles (or years) are on them.

If you want a no-fuss, reliable shoe that gets the job done, join the "Air Jim" squad – you won’t regret it. Here's to decades more of faithful service from these bad boys! 👟💯

Seems like everyone has the same problem with the squeaking, which appears to only get worse with use. HOWEVER, these shoes are so comfortable and they're available in 4E which is slowly helping me correct my bunion (among with other therapies); I typically wear a 13 but I was able to fit perfectly in the 12EEEE, so they may run slightly large. I work 12 hour shifts and am on my feet for most of the day, but I can honestly say there is no difference in how comfortable these are compared to my Hokas, and those are $170! I put these babies on with a nice pair of high ankle socks and people at home depot are bypassing employees to ask ME where the impact drivers are. People might clown you for wearing these, but just tell them it's part of you "Fatherhood Collection" it comes off as more stylish and acceptable. These are overall extremely comfortable, versatile, and well worth the price, assuming you have poor hearing and/or are not annoyed by the squeaks.

Ive worn Nike Air Monarchs for the last 12 yrs. I wear them a lot for work because they are pretty lightweight and comfortable to wear. Usually about every three months i replace them because they are worn pretty bad and they develope a squeeking noise. The problem I have with this particular pair is that from day one they were making all these noises, but I figured it was because they were new. I didnt try to return them because i had worn them, thinking the noises would stop, but instead they have gotten worse. These shoes are generally very good for me but not this time. I must have just gotten a below par pair. I will buy them again, but if they squeek and make noises from the start they will be returned. Worn these for over two weeks and with all the noises everyone can here it. Has gotten no better.