92% matchDr. Martens
The original air-cushioned boot, same Wollaston lineage
What changes: Mostly overseas-made now, cemented not Goodyear-welted at entry price
Brand profile
Solovair
British bootmaker producing Goodyear-welted, air-cushioned-sole boots in Wollaston, Northamptonshire — the factory that once made Dr. Martens' UK-made footwear.
WollastonOrigin
UnisexFocus
Workwear / HeritageStyle
$$$Price
17 brands like Solovair like Dr. Martens, Trickers, Grenson →
What to know about Solovair
It made Dr. Martens for decades
The Wollaston factory produced Dr. Martens until that contract moved overseas in the early 2000s, after which it expanded its own Solovair label.
Goodyear-welted, not cemented
Boots are Goodyear-welted onto air-cushioned Solovair soles in the same English workshop, so the construction can be resoled rather than replaced.
Built for subculture silhouettes
The core range is 8-eye and 11-eye derby boots, monkey boots, chukkas and Gibson shoes in smooth, hi-shine and greasy leathers.
Looks from Solovair
Shop all Solovair ↗How Solovair fits
Overall fit
runs large
Solovair boots and shoes are widely reported to run large, so shoppers commonly go down about half a size to a full size for a proper fit.
Tip: Most people size down a half to a full UK size from their measured or Brannock size, especially in the boots.
High confidence · based on 15 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boots | runs large | medium width with moderate toe box volume; roomy for thicker socks | Size down a half UK size (a full size if between sizes); the leather softens quickly with a shorter break-in than vintage Dr. Martens. |
| Dress shoes | slightly large | standard width with a fairly sleek Gibson/derby last | Consider going down a half size from your measured size for a snug fit. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Solovair
See all 17 brands like Solovair →92% match
82% matchTrickers
Northampton welted country boots, chunkier and dressier
What changes: Higher price, country brogue rather than subculture styling
78% matchGrenson
English welted boots on commando soles, more fashion-led
What changes: Broader seasonal range, much made outside the UK
76% matchRed Wing Heritage
American work-boot equivalent, oiled leathers and wedge soles
What changes: US-made moc toes, no air-cushioned sole or mod heritage
Solovair fit questions
Does Solovair run big or small?
Solovair runs large. Most people size down a half to a full UK size from their measured or Brannock size, especially in the boots. Solovair boots and shoes are widely reported to run large, so shoppers commonly go down about half a size to a full size for a proper fit.
How does Solovair fit?
Solovair boots and shoes are widely reported to run large, so shoppers commonly go down about half a size to a full size for a proper fit. Overall shape: medium width with a slightly roomy fit through the toe box.
How do Solovair boots fit?
Solovair boots runs large. Size down a half UK size (a full size if between sizes); the leather softens quickly with a shorter break-in than vintage Dr. Martens. Shape: medium width with moderate toe box volume; roomy for thicker socks.
How do Solovair dress shoes fit?
Solovair dress shoes fits slightly large. Consider going down a half size from your measured size for a snug fit. Shape: standard width with a fairly sleek Gibson/derby last.
Brand facts
Solovair is the footwear line of NPS Shoes, a Northamptonshire Productive Society workshop that has made boots and shoes in Wollaston, England since 1881. The factory produced Dr. Martens for decades before that contract moved overseas in the early 2000s, after which it built out its own label. Core styles include 8-eye and 11-eye derby boots, monkey boots, chukkas and Gibson shoes, Goodyear-welted onto air-cushioned Solovair soles in smooth, hi-shine and greasy leathers, sold direct and through subculture-leaning menswear retailers.
- Founded
- 1881
- Origin
- Wollaston, United Kingdom
- Made in
- United Kingdom
- Price
- $$$
- Typical prices
- Footwear $193–$196 · Boots $203–$207
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Workwear / Heritage, Punk / Grunge / Goth, Urban prep / Ivy