Solovair was founded in 1881 by five men known locally as 'the duffers' from the village of Wollaston, Northamptonshire, and was originally a co-operative called NPS, 'Northamptonshire Productive Society'. The county of Northamptonshire has a long history of shoemaking dating back to the 13th century, due to many factors including a central location for trading, as well as abundant supply of leather from local cattle markets.

Due to the spread of industrialisation in the UK, demand for high-quality leather footwear increased significantly, which led to a major boost in sales for NPS. The company moved to a larger factory in 1899, which they still occupy to this day. By the 1950s, NPS acquired the license to produce Solovair (Sole-of-Air) boots and shoes under the name 'Dr Martens by Solovair', and this lasted for 35 years.

The manufacturing of footwear in the UK decreased in the 1980s due to international imports, leading to hard times for the company, and almost leading it to shut down. However, Ivor Tilley, who comes from the village of Wollaston and has been in the footwear business for over 40 years, purchased NPS shoes in 2006 (with support from the workers) in order to save the factory. Since then, the business has flourished and is now distributed worldwide. Solovair, as well as leather boots of this style, are a staple of several British youth subcultures such as the skinheads, the punks, and more.

Shop our collection of Solovair boots and shoes here.