Solovair is a British footwear brand with a heritage rooted in craftsmanship.
In the late 19th century, a group of skilled shoemakers from the village of Wollaston came together to form the Northamptonshire Productive Society (NPS). They quickly secured a government contract to produce army boots, and as industrialisation spread, the demand for high-quality boots grew both in England and overseas. As NPS expanded, they moved into a purpose-built factory to meet this growing need.
In 1945, Dr. Klaus Maertens, recovering from a skiing accident that left him with a broken ankle, realized his standard army boots were far too uncomfortable to wear. Determined to improve, he developed the now-iconic air-cushion sole. Local factories were tasked with manufacturing the new technology, and in 1959, NPS crafted the first boots featuring this innovative sole, marking the beginning of a new era in footwear.
For the next 35 years, NPS produced boots and shoes under license for Dr. Martens, sold under the name “Dr. Martens by Solovair.” Solovair, meaning “Sole of Air,” became synonymous with comfort, quality, and durability.
During this time, Dr. Martens became a staple among postmen, police officers, and factory workers. By the 1970s, however, the boots had gained iconic status among punks, new wave musicians, and youth subcultures. The look was edgy, but the quality and comfort were unrivalled.
In the mid-’90s, Dr. Martens expanded production globally and parted ways with NPS. As a result, the quality of Dr. Martens footwear declined. NPS, dedicated to preserving the original craftsmanship, registered the name “Solovair” and continued to produce the boots with the same commitment to excellence. This sparked a renewed demand, as footwear purists viewed Solovair as the original quality Dr. Martens.
Today, Solovair continues to expand its high-quality range, now including a fully vegan line and high-profile collaborations with the likes of London’s Ronning, Noah in New York, and British designer Margaret Howell.
Since 1881, NPS has seamlessly combined traditional craftsmanship with the latest technologies and materials to maintain its legacy of superior quality.
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