Nike M2K Tekno sneakers

An evolution of the classic Nike Monarchs which originated in the early 2000s, the M2K Tekno keeps the original shoe’s chunky ‘dad’ aesthetic, complete with thick soles and cut-out mesh panels.

Initially designed just for women, the M2K Tekno first debuted on the John Elliott Fall/Winter 2018 runway show in New York this year and after being released in May they caused a stir on social media. Reacting to the hype, Nike later released the Tekno in men's sizes this July, allowing actual dads to get their hands on the latest dad sneaker.

For female sneakerheads, the Tekno was a celebrated release. With nostalgia for the 90s and early 00s running high, Nike giving its famous ‘ugly’ shoe a new lease of life especially for the ladies was a real fashion moment. The Monarch’s silhouette defined the look of the early 2000s and is noted by Nike as one its most iconic lines from that era. In bringing back the new 2018 Tekno, Nike designer Jin Hong stated that “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.”

While the shape of the M2K Tekno and Monarch’s midsole and outsole are almost identical in the forefoot, the Tekno has chunkier soles with a more pronounced shape than the original. Two other major changes are the leather panelling which is more complex on the M2K Tekno and the Swoosh has decreased in size.

Not many would be keen to take on Nike but Kanye made his voice heard in a now-deleted tweet that blasted the brand for copying his Yeezy Boost 700. Drama aside, that didn’t stop celebs such as Emily Ratajkowski, Kylie Jenner and Sofia Richie picking up a pair of the Tekno. Emily Ratajkowski styled hers with a 90s-style slip dress and blazer while Jenner opted for an oversized T-shirt and cycling shorts.

Widely available from a wide range of stockists, you can purchase a pair of Nike M2K Tekno sneakers via Nike, MyTheresa, LuisaViaRoma, StyleBop, JDSports and Asos amongst others.