From Wollaston, Northamptonshire, to the big world
The business is drenched in history, both of their own and the region of England where Solovair is being run. When NPS began to grow at the end of the nineteenth century, they moved into a large, purpose-built factory building which they still occupy today.
Their styles show off some of that rich history, mixing traditional, hard-wearing, practical techniques with a modern aesthetic. Their original styles cross genres and are brilliant for both casual and formal wear.
The thing that’s special about the Solovair branch of their shoes is their suspension sole. This means that they are air-cushioned soles, making them really comfortable to wear.
The sole itself is made out of PVC, Poly Vinyl Chloride, which means they are resistant to a range of materials such as acid, oil, fat, petrol, and alkali. They are the perfect mix between comfort and practicality. They work as Solovair motorcycle boots, workwear footwear, or for a trip around town.
Solovair footwear has several recognisable features, such as green and black tag at the top of the shaft with their name and the grey stitching around the sole of each boot. On the bottom of each sole, the Solovair label is stamped, a proud sign of their makers.
Solovair Shoes at HANSEN
To reflect Solovair’s catalogue, we stock a range of Solovair shoes, including both low and high-top styles.
To start, we stock the Solovair Monkey Boot. This boot intersects multiple different designs. They are made from high-shine leather and have seven eyelets studded onto each side of the shoe for the laces to be wound through.
As we expect from Solovair products, this footwear is of brilliant quality. The suspension sole makes sure that the shoes are comfortable to wear. They even have a microporous cellulose insole which protects the shoes from bacteria.
The unique way your Solovair shoes are made in
The shoes are made using a process called the Goodyear welted method. This means that the upper of the shoe is sewn to the insole using a chain stitch. Then, the outsole is attached separately to the upper using a lock stitch.
Each of Solovair's shoes is created in this way meaning that each of them is hand-made. They are so comfortable to wear partly because of this method. As the two parts of the shoe are sewn separately, it creates a space between them, giving extra flexibility for the shape of the wearer’s foot.
This space also means that they have an insulation layer, making them warmer to wear too! They’re even easier to mend this way. A pair of shoes which are fitted with a new sole is given a life expectancy of up to twenty years.
From Gibson Shoe to Derby Boot at HANSEN
All Solovair colourways are classic and straddle the boundary between a casual and formal style shoe. The typical Solovair label, made with black and green stitch, adorns the back of each of their high-top design.
Here at HANSEN, we also stock their Derby Boot and Hiker Boot which are both high-top designs too. The Solovair Hiker Boots have hook and loop fastenings going the whole way up the middle of the boot in the classic style of Solovair walking boots. They come in black and a deep tan colour.
The Derby Boots we stock come in two different styles - Solovair Derby Boot with six eyelets and Solovair Derby Boot with eight eyelets. Such a subtle difference really makes a difference to the personality of the shoe.
Our low-top model is the Solovair Gibson. The Gibson has three eyelets and we stock it in rub off burgundy and black. Solovair adapted their own rendition, using their classic stitching on the sole but decorating the shoe with brogueing detailing too.
The collection is finished off with Solovair Wallace Chukka Boot available in two different designs. This model has a suede outer layer and natural crepe sole, keeping the design classic and the feel comfortable.
The original design of traditional loafers takes a different meaning in the Solovair Tassel Loafer model. Combining black hi-shine leather and black Solovair suspension sole with Micro Porous Cellulose insole, keeping the shoe free of bacteria, and the signature grey sole perimeter stitch, this design is simply a must-have in any summer closet.
Although brogues were created for outdoor or country walking, they are now generally considered suitable for all situations. The same can be said for Solovair’s version. They are classic, stamping their own style into heritage pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solovair
Solovair vs. Dr Martens - What is the difference?
In terms of deciding which you want to buy, it comes down to style. Unfortunately, DMs are no longer all produced in the UK. In fact, only 1 per cent of the shoes they manufacture are now created on British soil. Being 100% manufactured in the UK, this is a serious point in Solovair's favour in any Solovair review.
Another popular question is the difference between Solovair vs Tredair. Tredair is another local company running their production solely from England. It too was established at the end of the nineteenth century though are now running a smaller production line.
How do I care for my shoes?
The method you use to take care of your Solovair shoes and boots depends on which material they are made out of. Each of the shoes we stock at HANSEN is tailored from high-quality leather, so you should use the best shoe polish or cream. Buff it in using a dry cloth or soft brush and make sure to keep them away from sources of heat.
In general, keep your shoes clear of dirt using a brush or damp cloth. It’s good practice to keep shoe trees in your boots when you aren’t wearing them so they maintain their shape.
What other shoes does Solovair create?
Apart from the boots stocked here at HANSEN, there are plenty of other popular models which have given Solovair the reputation they have. For example, there is the Solovair Astronaut boot which has eleven eyelets. This taller design makes a real statement, suiting a punky aesthetic perfectly.
There’s also the Solovair Postman, a low-top shoe style that has a padded collar for comfort. They are perfect for people who have to do a lot of walking and crouching down in their job, hence the name.
They also have boot models in Solovair vegan leather, just in case you want the comfort and style of the brand whilst maintaining vegan values. They decided to make their vegan boot in the style of the classic eight eye derby boot in black. It still has the same classic white stitching and Solovair label, only they’re vegan.
If you are lucky enough, you can select the next boot in the Solovair sale and shop for a better price, often as much as half off. Or get a pair from our site for a better price or with the free shipping deal from our store.
