Solovair: Tracing the Epic Chapter of British Footwear Industry Since 1881

Solovair, a British brand brimming with profound historical heritage and exquisite shoemaking craftsmanship, is like a vivid footwear legend, narrating a glorious chapter spanning over a century.

In 1881, on the land of Northamptonshire in the UK, a region steeped in shoemaking traditions and the spirit of craftsmanship, Solovair’s predecessor, the Northamptonshire Productive Society (NPS), was born in Wollaston. Northamptonshire, a glittering gem in the British shoemaking industry, provided Solovair with a unique environment and a legacy of skills for its growth.

In the long river of the brand’s development, 1960 was undoubtedly a shining milestone. At that time, NPS joined hands with R. Griggs Group Ltd. This powerful collaboration was like a passionate collision of creativity and craftsmanship, giving birth to the iconic Dr. Martens boots that swept the globe. Solovair, with its masterful sole-making techniques, complemented Griggs’ outstanding upper designs perfectly, jointly creating this timeless classic. Subsequently, until the mid-1990s, Solovair painstakingly crafted every pair of shoes under the name of “Dr. Martens made by Solovair”, seamlessly integrating quality and style, and bringing an unparalleled wearing experience to consumers worldwide.

In 1995, Solovair witnessed a significant turning point in its brand development. It officially registered “Solovair” as a trademark, thus embarking on a new journey of independent development. Since then, Solovair, with its unique brand philosophy and exquisite craftsmanship, has focused on producing distinctive air-cushioned boots, establishing its own distinct banner in the footwear field and continuing to write the legendary story of this century-old brand.

Distinctive Craftsmanship

• Goodyear Welt Construction: Solovair adheres to the traditional Goodyear welt construction. In this process, leather or hard-rubber soles are directly stitched to the leather welt. Subsequently, PVC welts and PVC-moulded soles are utilised, with a high-temperature blade fusing the sole and the welt, rendering the shoes more robust and durable. This method also endows the shoes with excellent waterproofing properties and repairability.
• Exquisite Hand–made Skills: Beginning from the leather-cutting stage, experienced workers, much like playing Tetris, skillfully cut the leather into various shapes according to the pattern to minimise waste. In subsequent processes such as stitching and assembly, proficient manual operations are predominantly employed to ensure that every minute detail meets high-quality standards.
• Multiple Meticulous Procedures: These include the skiving process, where the edges of the leather are thinned for seamless joining; the lasting process, where the upper parts of the shoe are sewn together; the lasting-off process, where a shoe tree is inserted inside the shoe for shaping; and the stiffening process, where wooden support strips and moisture-absorbing materials are inserted between the upper and the sole. Each procedure is stringently controlled to guarantee the quality and comfort of the shoes.

Design Features

• Combination of Classic and Modern: The design concept of Solovair seamlessly integrates classic British style with modern functionality. It features traditional British-style models like the 3-eye Gibson shoe, while also catering to modern consumers’ demands for comfort and fashion. As a result, these shoes can be effortlessly worn in both formal and casual settings.
• Unique Detail Design: There are grey stitches on the top of the sole, and a green-and-black pull-tab on the top of the heel, embossed with the Solovair logo and the words “Made in England since 1881”. The Solovair logo is also present on the bottom of the sole. These details enhance the brand’s distinctiveness and the uniqueness of the products.
• Rich and Diverse Styles: Solovair offers a wide range of styles, including Derby work boots, tassel loafers, single-buckle monk shoes, 6-eye astronaut boots, etc. Additionally, there are various colours options and different numbers of eyelets available, meeting the aesthetic and wearing needs of diverse consumers.

Technologies

• Air–Cushioned Sole Technology: The sole of Solovair shoes, known as the “Solovair” (Soleof air), incorporates a special technique where air is trapped within the cavity of the moulded sole. This provides excellent cushioning performance, effectively absorbing shock and reducing foot fatigue. As a result, one can wear the shoes for extended periods without discomfort.
• Soft Sole Suspension Technology: By applying the soft sole suspension technology, the shoes can better conform to the movement trajectory of the feet. This offers comfortable support and a flexible wearing experience, as if the sole can “follow” the movements of the feet, enhancing walking comfort and stability.
• Materials and Environmental–friendly Technologies: Solovair places great emphasis on using high-quality materials, such as full-grain leather. This not only ensures a superior texture and durability but also provides good breathability. Moreover, the brand practices sustainable development in its production, prioritising responsible sourcing methods and environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes, demonstrating its concern for the environment and society.

Unveiling Solovair’s S8551 Derby & S0900 Dealer Boots: Style, Comfort, Durability

Solovair Derby Boots (S8551)

The Solovair Derby Boots, model S8551, stand as a beacon of classic style and robust craftsmanship.

Design & Aesthetics As an 8-eyelet lace-up derby boot, the S8551 showcases a timeless design. Its upper is crafted from top-notch leather, with options like the sleek Black Hi-Shine, which gives off a refined and polished appearance, suitable for semi-formal events or elevating daily outfits. The Black Greasy Grain leather, on the other hand, offers a more rustic, textured look, appealing to those with a penchant for a vintage-inspired aesthetic.

Comfort Features The S8551 is designed with comfort in mind. It features a well-padded insole that provides cushioning with every step. The soft, flexible sole, equipped with Solovair’s shock-absorbing technology, effectively reduces the impact on your feet, making long walks or extended periods of standing more comfortable. The lace-up design allows for a customizable fit, ensuring the boot hugs the foot snugly without sacrificing comfort.

Durability & Traction The outsole is made of a high-grip material, ensuring excellent traction on various surfaces. Whether you’re walking on city pavements or light-terrain paths, the S8551 offers stability. The boot is constructed using the traditional Goodyear welt method, a hallmark of Solovair’s craftsmanship. This not only adds to its durability but also makes it easily resolable, extending the lifespan of the boots.

Solovair Dealer Boot (S0900)

The Solovair Dealer Boot, model S0900, combines classic design elements with modern comfort features.

Design & Style The S0900 sports the classic dealer boot silhouette. Its upper is crafted from premium-grade leather, available in colors such as the rich Oxblood Hi-Shine, the classic Black Hi-Shine, and the textured Black Greasy. The elastic side panels and pull-tabs at the heel are signature features of the dealer boot style, providing easy on-and-off convenience. The thickened shoe collar adds a touch of luxury and comfort around the ankle.

Comfort–Oriented Design Inside, the S0900 features a cushioned insole that offers support and comfort. The elastic side panels not only contribute to the ease of wearing but also adapt to the movement of the foot, ensuring a comfortable fit. The sole of the S0900 is designed with Solovair’s shock-absorbing technology, which helps to cushion each step, making it suitable for all-day wear.

Traction & Long–Lasting Build The outsole of the S0900 is made of a durable, high-grip material. This ensures reliable traction on different terrains, whether you’re walking on smooth floors or slightly uneven surfaces. The overall construction of the boot is solid, built to withstand the rigors of regular use, making the S0900 a long-lasting addition to your footwear collection.