Solovair Footwear

Solovair is a heritage footwear brand with roots dating back to 1881 in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, a region famous for its shoemaking history. The brand is inextricably linked to the 'Soft Sole Suspension' technology, which was the original precursor to the air-cushioned soles now synonymous with British subculture boot styles.

For over three decades, NPS Shoes (the parent company) manufactured shoes under license for Dr. Martens. When production of Dr. Martens moved offshore, NPS Shoes launched their own brand, Solovair, to continue the tradition of high-quality, English-made footwear. Today, Solovair continues to manufacture 100% of its British collection in its original factory in the UK, maintaining traditional construction methods like the Goodyear welt.

The brand has remained independent and continues to be owned by the original cooperative-turned-private company, NPS Shoes Ltd. It represents one of the few remaining examples of large-scale traditional footwear manufacturing still active in England.