Solovair
Classic collection
In Wollaston, Northamptonshire, five men formed a co-operative, the Northamptonshire Productive Society (NPS), known locally as 'the Duffers'. Working from a dove house on Thrift Street, they got through their first year on a government order for army boots. In 1899 NPS moved to a purpose-built factory on South Street, which it still occupies. Solovair says it welted sample boots with air-cushioned soles for R. Griggs in 1959, then spent 35 years making 'Dr Martens by Solovair' under licence. NPS registered the Solovair name itself in 1994. After the business came close to collapse around 2000, its workers voted in 2006 to let Ivor Tilley, a Wollaston resident, buy it.
What sets them apart
- Goodyear welted
- Made in BritainWollaston, NorthamptonshireHow we know
The shoes
Shown here are shoes from Solovair's Classic collection, each Goodyear-welted and listed by Solovair as handmade in England. Its sneakers belong to a separate collection and aren't included.
£150–£249
View product ↗
£150–£249
View product ↗
£150–£249
View product ↗Had you heard of Solovair before today?
Only the boots and Classic collection shoes listed here have been checked as made in Britain. Solovair says its sneakers are an exception.
Where they're made
Wollaston, Northamptonshire
Made in Britain at Solovair's factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire. This covers its boots and its Classic collection shoes. Solovair's Made in England statement for its separate Casual collection leaves out sneakers, so none are included here.
Made in Britain — how we know
Solovair's UK website says its footwear is handcrafted in Wollaston, Northamptonshire. Its collections page describes its collections as Made in England, with an exception for sneakers, and none are listed here. Each product page we checked says Made in England. Checked October 2026.
- Maker’s range page
Checked 11 October 2026OUR COLLECTIONS – NPS Solovair UK ↗ - Maker’s about page
Checked 10 October 2026Solovair | NPS Shoes | Handcrafted British Made Footwear Since 1881 – NPS Solovair UK ↗ - Maker’s product page
Checked 11 October 2026Black Hi-Shine Gibson Shoe | Solovair | Handmade in England – NPS Solovair UK ↗ - Maker’s product page
Checked 11 October 2026Black Hi-Shine Tassel Loafer | Solovair | Handmade in England – NPS Solovair UK ↗ - Maker’s product page
Checked 11 October 2026Black Hi-Shine Single Buckle Monk Shoe | Solovair | Handmade in England – NPS Solovair UK ↗ - Maker’s product page
Checked 11 October 2026Black Hi-Shine Double Buckle Monk Shoe | Solovair | Handmade in England – NPS Solovair UK ↗ - Maker’s product page
Checked 11 October 2026Black Hi-Shine Mary Jane Shoe | Solovair | Solovair Classic | Made in England – NPS Solovair UK ↗
Something to add?
Spotted something missing, out of date or wrong? Let us know.