Nike M2K Tekno Sneakers ($100)
The chunky “dad shoe” trend has officially infiltrated the mass market thanks to the likes of Fila and, now Nike, pushing the style even further with their latest dad shoe release, the Nike M2K Tekno.
Paying homage to the Nike Monarch series, which is revered by sneakerheads everywhere in the “dad shoe hall of fame,” the Men’s Nike M2K Tekno kicks are all about support, comfort, and of course that big, chunky style.
“There is no question that Monarch defines the look of the early 2000s, and after 16 years it has emerged as one the most iconic lines of that era,” said Nike designer Jin Hong. “The goal in designing the M2K Tekno was to maintain the Monarch’s authentically bold stance while creating fresh features, thus revising what the Monarch could be for 2018.”
To that end, small design cues were taken from different iterations of Monarchs throughout the years. The upper is made with a combination of real and synthetic leather along with textile fabric, a nod to the Monarch I, while the non-marking, solid rubber outsole was inspired by the Nike Monarch IV.
Of course the M2K Tekno wouldn’t be a proper dad-shoe without the proper support and comfort that goes along with it, which is why there’s a TPU heel clip for support and stability along with an injected Phylon foam midsole for light, flexible cushioning. Appealing even further to the dad-like sensibility, there’s even a convenient pull tab on the heel to make getting in and out of the shoes super easy.
The sneakers’ street popularity has caused them to sell out rather quickly on Nike’s online store, but you can still get them at various reputable sneaker shops like Footlocker, Finish Line, and others with a little light googling. We’re partial to the Phantom/Oil Grey/Matte Silver Combo, but they’re also available in a clean, understated White/Pure Platinum combo and a Black/Off White/Obsidian combo. Happy hunting.
