If you are unfamiliar with the Solovair brand, you may be for forgiven for thinking their boots are another famous type of lace-up boot. You would be completely forgiven because Solovair’s manufacturer, NPS Shoes, used to make Dr. Martens boots.
Dr. Martens’ patent owner R. Griggs Group Ltd and NPS both had factories in the hub of shoemaking, Northamptonshire. They collaborated on the Dr. Martens boots until the mid-1990s when Solovair started up as a brand of its own.
Made using traditional Goodyear welt technology (find out more in What is a welt?), these were and still are hardwearing boots with a rebellious edge and beloved by students across the world.
They use the same lasts, leather cutters and machines used to make the original Docs and have a full set of eyelets, thick suspension soles and grey stitching around the top of the sole. They come in a variety of colours, styles and number of eyelets.
Established in 1881, NPS has plenty of pedigree and we only deal with quality shoemakers.
We are now collaborating with the Solovair factory to make us shoes and boots complete with their legendary air cushioned sole to create our new urban-themed range of smart footwear.
Introducing the Wollaston (named after the location of NPS Shoes), this is an Oxford cap shoe on the light and flexible Solovair air-cushioned sole making these incredibly comfortable for all-day wear.
We can also offer a rugged brogue too in the Wellingborough (another nearby Northamptonshire town) and the super-smart Chelsea boot in the Sywell.
Lastly, if your office is not quite ready for the Solovair eight eyelet boot, then we have a stylish solution. The Sharnbrook has six eyelets and is more suitable for the worker who likes rock climbing at the weekend rather than full-time punk rocker (well, you can do what you want at the weekend to be honest!)
Herring Shoes has a long history of working with the Northamptonshire shoe and boot making set. We are delighted to add the NPS traditional skills and the Solovair style to our portfolio.
What are you waiting for? Regress into your student days and quietly rebel!