Currently enjoying the perks of its unexpected second lifespan, Nike’s Air Monarch went from just years ago being the “dad shoe” no one wanted to the ultimate source of inspiration for an entire industry movement centered around its very essence. Nike has gone as far as to produce a modern-day iteration of the Air Monarch, while other brands have — although not to expect specifications — made pairs in its image.
Collaborative offerings surrounding the Air Monarch are beginning to mount. A pair from Cambridge-based Concepts is widely anticipated although it may not be released. One that will, however, comes from London designer Martine Rose.
While no official images of the upcoming Martine Rose x Nike Air Monarch Pack are currently available, a reported price point is. The shoe is said to retail for $250, more than three times what the shoe currently fetches. The Nike Air Monarch proper retails for $55 on Nike.com.
*PRICE UPDATE*: The @Nike x @Martine_Rose Air Monarch has a new price….instead of $120 the pairs will now retail for $250.#NoMoreSecrets ? pic.twitter.com/zQK8HD0rQS
— py_rates (@py_rates) September 27, 2018
If this is to be considered fact-based information, Martine Rose’s collaboration will undeniably be the most expensive Air Monarch to date. But is it too expensive?
High-fashion sneaker collaborations often take great leaps in cost. Production procedures change. Materials could be more costly. There are many factors at work. But is there a breaking point? Is there a circumstance where a $55 sneaker should cost $250?
Both pairs of the Martine Rose x Nike Air Monarch are expected next month.
Update 12/10: Menswear designer Martine Rose reveals its official Nike collaboration featuring a re-imagined Air Monarch and tracksuits filled with English subculture references. The collection in its entirety is set to release in January.
Update 1/3: Official images of the Martine Rose x Nike Air Monarch IV “Medium Soft Pink” have been revealed by py_rates. The shoe is still expected to release later this month.
Update 1/7: According to HYPEBEAST, the Martine Rose x Nike Air Monarch IV launches on January 12 for $250 online at Nike and at select boutiques.
