The history of Solovair
In 1881, a group of five men formed a co-operative of shoemakers call the Northamptonshire Productive Society, NPS Shoes. Based in their home village of Wollaston, Northamptonshire, they carried on the traditions of generations of shoemakers who had come before them in the area. Once in business, NPS quickly secured a contract with the British government to produce boots for the army. Plus, with growing industrialisation, there was more and more need for high-quality footwear.
Solovair today
Today, they combine over 130 years of tradition of Solovair shoes and for the past thirty years, each pair that comes from their factory represents the best of Solovair shoes you can get. To maintain their undisputed quality, products are made in the UK from start to finish. Their footwear is traditional, timeless, and modern.
From a small town to the big world
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.
Soles
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.
Details
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.
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.
Solovair collections at HANSEN
To reflect Solovair’s catalogue, we stock a range of Solovair shoes, including both low and high-top styles. As we expect from Solovair, their products are 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.
High-top models
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 Solovair six eye Derby Boot is another popular model.
Low-top designs
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 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.
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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.
Solovair vs. Tredair
Another popular question is the difference between Solovair vs Tredair. Tredair is another local company running their shoe production solely from England. It too was established at the end of the nineteenth century though are now running a smaller production line and a smaller collection.
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.
