Solovair

     Founded in 1881, Solovair (Sole-of-air) is a product defining British-made brand produced by NPS Shoes LTD. Solovair's origins are in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, an area with a long history in shoe manufacturing dating back to the 1300's. Known for the development of their Goodyear welt technology that is now used in all their shoe production. In 1960, NPS collaborated with a neighboring shoe manufacturer, Griggs, to create a boot using a Solovair sole and a Griggs upper; the result was the now iconic Dr. Martens boot. NPS Shoes continued to make footwear under license until the mid 1990's called 'Dr Martens made by Solovair'. Stretching to the future they trademarked the name Solovair in 1995 and now make their own air-cushioned boot using the same lasts and leather cutters and machines used to create the first original Dr. Martens suspension soles in the UK.