Solovair Footwear

Solovair is a British footwear brand with a rich history. In the late 19th century a group of individual shoemakers from the village of Wollaston got together to form the Northamptonshire Productive Society or (NPS). They immediately secured a government contract to create army boots and as industrialisation spread, there was a demand for high quality boots in England and overseas. As NPS grew it moved into its own purpose-built factory.

In 1945 a doctor named Klaus Maertens had a skiing accident, broke his ankle and realised his standard issue army boots were too uncomfortable to wear. He went on to develop a now famous air cushion sole. The best local factories were chosen to try and manufacture the new technology. In 1959 NPS welted some sample boots and history was made.

For 35 years NPS produced Solovair boots and shoes under licence, which were sold under the name ‘Dr Martens by Solovair’. Solovair – Sole of air.

Throughout those years Dr Martens were originally popular among postmen, police officers and factory workers. By the 70s they were standard for Punks, new wave musicians and other youth subcultures. The look was cool but the quality and comfort was supreme.

In the mid 90s, Dr Martens expanded to produce their footwear across the globe and parted ways with NPS. The quality of Dr Martens was compromised. NPS registered the name Solovair and continued to make the footwear with its original manufacturing quality. This created a sort-after demand as purists saw Solovair as the original quality Doc Marten.

Today Solovair expands its high-quality range including a fully vegan line and high profile collaborations with the likes of London’s Ronning, Noah in New York, and British designer Margret Howell.

Since 1881, NPS have been combining traditional craftsmanship and tooling with the latest technology and materials.

To maintain this undisputed quality, NPS and Solovair products will always be handmade from start to finish in the UK.