Solovair

Solovair is made by NPS Shoes in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, a shoemaking region with roots back to the 13th century. The factory traces to 1881 and was originally run as a co-operative by local shoemakers. Goodyear welting is used across the range, a construction method built up over decades alongside riveted, stitched, stuck-on and vulcanised techniques. The name Solovair, short for Sole of Air, comes from the air-cushioned sole developed in the 1950s, which NPS produced under licence for Dr. Martens for 35 years before continuing to make boots and shoes under its own Solovair name. Production still runs through six departments at the original Wollaston factory.