Solovair — The Original English-Made Bouncing Sole
Solovair has been made at the NPS Shoes factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire since 1881. The name is short for "sole of air" — Solovair was the original developer of the air-cushioned bouncing sole, licensed in the 1960s to Dr. Martens before that brand moved production overseas. Today Solovair is the only manufacturer still producing genuine air-cushioned boots in their original English factory, using Goodyear welted construction throughout. English Brands carries the full Solovair range — 8-eye derby boots, monkey boots, astronaut boots, Chelsea boots, gibson shoes and penny loafers — all made in England, all genuinely resoleable.
What we stock
The Solovair range at English Brands covers the full English-made line:
- 8 Eye Derby Boots — the iconic style, in Greasy Black, Hi Shine Black, Hi Shine Oxblood, Rub Off Burgundy, and Gaucho Crazy Horse
- Monkey Boots — the asymmetric-lacing classic, in Acorn, Burgundy, Ebony, and Gaucho Crazy Horse
- Astronaut Boots — 6-eye derby boots, in Hi Shine, Greasy, Rub Off, and Gaucho Crazy Horse finishes
- Chelsea Boots — in Burgundy, Ebony, Gaucho Crazy Horse and other heritage colours
- Hi Shine 11 Eye Derby — the tall classic in polished black
- Gibson Shoes — 3-eyelet gibson shoes in multiple finishes
- Loafers — Hi Shine Penny Loafer, Hi Shine Tassel Loafer
- Insoles and care — Solovair leather cushioned insoles
Why Solovair
The original, not the copy — Solovair invented the air-cushioned bouncing sole in the 1950s and licensed it to Dr. Martens in 1960. While Dr. Martens shifted most production to Asia, Solovair stayed at NPS Shoes in Wollaston, producing every pair in England.
Goodyear welted, not cemented — unlike Dr. Martens, every Solovair boot uses Goodyear welted construction. The sole can be replaced multiple times by any cobbler. A Solovair is built to outlast several DM equivalents.
Genuine premium leather — Solovair uses full-grain leathers (greasy, hi-shine, rub-off, crazy horse) sourced from premium European tanneries. The leather quality is noticeably superior to mass-produced alternatives at the same price point.
Made in Northamptonshire, every pair — the NPS Shoes factory in Wollaston has been producing boots since 1881. Every Solovair is built there by hand, using the same techniques developed over four generations.
Caring for your Solovair
Solovair leathers vary widely — from polished hi-shine to oiled greasy and rub-off two-tone. Match the routine to the finish:
Hi-shine and polished leathers:
- Use cedar shoe trees after every wear
- Polish with quality wax such as Saphir Medaille d'Or
- Buff with a horsehair brush
- Rest 24 hours between wears
Greasy and oiled leathers (Gaucho Crazy Horse, Greasy finishes):
- Wipe with a damp cloth — do not over-polish
- Apply leather conditioner or dubbin occasionally to nourish
- The leather is designed to develop a natural patina with wear
- Avoid wax polish — it changes the matte finish
Rub-off leathers:
- The top layer naturally lightens at flex points and high-wear areas with time — this is intended
- Buff to accelerate the rub-off effect, or apply matching polish to slow it
- Avoid silicone products
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Solovair really made in England? Yes — every pair of Solovair boots is made at the NPS Shoes factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, where boots have been produced since 1881. There are no Solovair products made anywhere else.
What is the difference between Solovair and Dr. Martens? Solovair is the original — NPS Shoes invented the air-cushioned bouncing sole in the 1950s and licensed it to Dr. Martens. While Dr. Martens shifted most production overseas, Solovair continued making every pair in England with Goodyear welted construction. The leather quality, build standard, and resoleability are all superior on Solovair.
Are Solovair Goodyear welted? Yes. Every Solovair boot and shoe uses Goodyear welted construction. The boots can be resoled multiple times by NPS Shoes, Solovair direct, or any skilled cobbler. This is the key construction difference from cemented mass-market boot brands.
How long does it take to break in Solovair? Solovair boots are firmer than mass-market boots but the air-cushioned sole is comfortable from the first wear. Expect 1-2 weeks of regular wear before the leather softens and moulds to your feet. Hi-shine leathers break in faster than greasy or rub-off leathers.
Is the bouncing sole comfortable for all-day wear? Yes — the air-cushioned suspension sole absorbs shock effectively on hard surfaces and is one of the original reasons the technology was patented. Solovair customers regularly wear pairs for trade shows, day-long walks, and hospitality work without fatigue.
