Sometimes a little monochrome can go a long way, especially if it’s a new take on a classic. For Nike’s Air Monarch IV, it’s been a game changer. What’s been considered the quintessential dad shoe since it debuted in 2009 has been known to crossover to the streetwear scene in recent years, especially with models like the Snow Day back in 2022, and the Wheat variant that just dropped, which puts an urban work boot spin on the cross trainers.
Timberland Vibes, Monarch DNA
The Air Monarch in Wheat borrows heavily from the workwear handbook, specifically Timberland’s iconic 6-Inch Boot. Instead of the typical smooth leather that’s defined the Monarch IV for years, Nike went with wheat-colored suede across the entire upper. The result is a tonal aesthetic that feels subtly rugged — no black accents, no contrasting panels, just committed earth tones throughout. Even the midsole gets the wheat treatment before transitioning to a gum rubber outsole that reinforces the boot-inspired approach. The mesh tongue carries over from the original design, while keeping things cohesive with the overall color.
Comfort Vs. Hype
The Monarch line has always prioritized comfort over hype, and this variant doesn’t stray far from that formula. The same full-length Nike Air cushioning unit that made the original a favorite among practical dads can still be found underneath the suede exterior here. The solid rubber outsole will still give you reliable traction across different surfaces, making these supportive on sidewalks and versatile for travel.
Dad Shoe, Elevated
The Air Monarch IV has had an unusual trajectory in sneaker culture. Initially dismissed by enthusiasts for being too utilitarian, it eventually became a dadcore icon when chunky sneakers dominated the mid-2010s. The “so uncool it’s cool” eventually captured attention from trendsetters and even athletes like Russell Westbrook. But Nike largely left the shoe alone during its moment, letting it exist in its natural state. This Wheat edition represents a more deliberate attempt to bridge that gap between practical comfort and style-conscious design without abandoning what made the Monarch IV work in the first place.
Spec Sheet
Model: Nike Air Monarch SE “Wheat”
Upper: Wheat suede with mesh tongue
Midsole: Full-length Nike Air unit
Outsole: Gum rubber
Branding: Embossed “Air” on heel tab
Colorway: Wheat/Gum Medium Brown/Black/Wheat
Price: $105
Pricing & Availability
The Air Monarch SE “Wheat” is available now through Nike’s website for $105 — a $20 bump from the standard Monarch IV’s $85 retail price.
Recap
Nike Air Monarch IV Wheat
Nike’s Air Monarch IV just dropped in a wheat suede colorway that’s basically channeling Timberland boot energy, swapping the dad shoe’s usual white leather for a full tonal workwear aesthetic.
