My wife has just retired after 25 years at the ambulance service. She was issued with a pair of Solavair shoes on her first day and was still wearing them on her last.
Doc actually don’t have cork anymore after they outsourced to Asia,the foam won’t last you very long before they became really uncomfortable. The solovair is actually cheaper than the made in England doc,and they are higher quality. Imo the solovair would absolutely put doc out of business if they are more well known.
@@apaisitodak1854 You mean Underground UK? I always wonder how’s the quality of their shoes. I’m planning on getting a pair of creeper,they looks pretty nice. Btw,do you happen to know where are they made in?
@@Joseph_yy underground UK total made in UK. I have one and still wear it untill now. Compare to Dr Marthens, I'm preferred Dr Marthens than underground UK, but for stylish, no doubt on Underground UK.
Knowing that they use European sourced leather is enough for me to give them a chance. I'll be honest in that I really dislike buying products sourced from Asia but I have also come to accept that If I want much anything likely it comes from products sourced in Asia. If I had to pick I'd say anything, not from China but they are a superpower that produces things everyone needs at a cheap market price.
I bought a pair of Solovair boots after watching Weston at Rose Anvil tear down several pairs of Docs vs a pair of Solovairs. The Solovairs are better made on just about every level. Really enjoy the boots.
@@davidpalmer9014 I don’t know that I could answer that very well. I only have the one pair Solovair, the 11-eye derby (built on the 409 last). It feels a little narrow for my foot, but the next size probably would be too large. When I need a new pair, I might try the astronaut boot (built on the 493 last) since they say it runs a little larger.
I found the 8 hole derby true to my brannock measurement (11.5E). The boot takes some getting used to as it's snugger in the toe box than I'd have liked it to be and looser in the heel. My pair was also shipped without any sort of removable footbed, so you might have to buy some insoles. Boots are unwearable without imo, like wearing bricks. I'm happy with them now, though.
I've owned a few pairs of Asian made DMs. The first pair I owned lasted a couple of years but the soles eventually cracked across the bottom and started letting in water. I have a couple of newer pairs that I've taken good care of and they are still in decent shape but I always wanted an original pair. I finally decided to buy the MIEs but before I pulled the trigger I was doing some research and the name NPS came up as the original manufacturer of DMs as Dr Martens by Solovair. The factory was still open and producing the same shoes as I dug a little deeper it' seemed Solovair was the better choice. I bought a pair of 8 hole derbys and after wearing them almost daily for about three years and they still look close to new. The soles are a bit harder than the Docs but they have very little wear as a result. The fact that they can be re soled means I'll probably have them a very long time.
So DR. Martens stops buying made in England shoes from Solovair and starts rebranding cheap asia shoes. Then they sue Solovair for still using the yellow stitching and same soles. What is the ethical brand to buy shoes from? It's not even a question of preferance for me anymore. Dr. Martens is the big company with rich bosses only using the old punk image to sell to uninformed buyers we all like to hate. Suport localy handmade shoes!
You’ve finally done it. I’ve never actually owned docs because they were too expensive when I wanted them, but now that I can afford them, I can only go with solovair. I bought the 8 eye in gaucho and, while I probably went a half size too large, I made a 1/4” thick wool felt insole and haven’t looked back. I’m using them as a winter boot and they are serving fabulously.
Thanks for this comparison. I was looking for a Doc alternative. I had 2 pairs of Docs in different colours all through high school...a while back lol. I walked most days and that was about 3.5 kilometres both ways combined, and wore them everywhere else as well. Those two pairs lasted until after high school. Now I drive to work and mostly everywhere I go and my new Docs wear out in a couple years. It's sad how far their quality has come down, I will never buy Docs again.
You’re lucky the most I got out of a new pair of made in England docs was six months before they split across the toes ..180 quids worth of junk ..my old solovair made docs in the 80’s lasted me for ten years at the very least great boots unlike this new crap they’re making now .im going to try solovairs this time .
I have a couple of pairs of solovair , including an ox blood astronaut boot and the quality of the leather and comfort far exceeds anything I’ve had on previous doc martens. Go for solovairs
I prefer the astronaut boots as they are only 6 eyelets, so don’t go so far up above your ankle, but definitely go for solovairs as they are much better quality!
I want a pair of ox blood but I have two questions, one is it as bright as the made in England dr marten oxblood and two is it as slim around the foot as the made in England dr martens?
I don’t own oxblood doc martens but looking at them the oxblood colours look similar. The astronaut boot is certainly slimmer round the foot as the profile is different/slimmer compared to their other boots, but as I said solovairs quality is much better. Hope this helps😀
Docs became way more pricey here, in Germany the 1460 made in Asia now cost 189€ (my first ones 7 years ago were 145€) the solovair 210€. Next ones are going to be solovair definitely.
watching in 2023 and searching for new boots. The "original" is now at 199€ and the Solovair is at 219€. The "Made in England" is even more expensive with 249€. I love my Docs very much, but i won't go back to those. they're just not worth the money anymore.
I think Solovair should go with green stitching to make them more noticeable and to match the tab. Even though Solovair are better constructed, DM's are more fashionable. The whole DM range is classy in looks, just not in construction.
i dont know how its been when this comment was made, but solovairs product palette is very solid and i personally dont have anything id miss there. also docs 20 and 14 hole boots are much harder to find. this is for german shops anyway
I think the lawsuit limits Solovair to grey or white stitching? So no green or anything else interesting? I do agree with you though, I think it would be great if they did green stitching. Not just saying that cuz it is my favorite color. 😂
Thank you @stridewise For this Review, it helps me a lot to make a decision. I bought my Solovair 6 Hole Astronaut Boots in Burgundy Rub-Off a month ago. It was difficult to walk in these at first. I had to buy heel pads because my heels got bloody. The heel pads then went very well and after 2 weeks of daily wear I can now walk in them without heel pads and they are super comfortable.
Bought my first pair of Doc Martens in ’92, so they were basically Solovairs with yellow stitching. They were a nightmare for a couple of weeks but once broken in they were sooo comfortable. No pain no gain Iol.
Some more pros for solovair: They come in half sizes, they have a much better material counter, the soles arent as bouncy because their durometer rating is higher meaning the soles dont wear out as fast.
The history is a bit misleading. NPS (branded Solovair) did used to make Doc Martens in the past but only small quantities. They are a small co-operative with less than a hundred employees I believe, whereas at the height of Doc Marten fame in the 1970s and 1980s R.Griggs (Doc Martens UK licensee) employed a couple of thousand people in the UK factories. So NPS /Solovair (and some other small manufacturers) only ever made a tiny percentage of Doc Marten boots and most were still made by R.Griggs from 1959 onwards.
Thanks for making this comparison review, I have both solovair hishine derby and MIE doc. I would like to give some insight for whom are interested. Personally I prefer solovair over docs however tbh, it really comes down to sizing since I am a half sizer and docs are either too loose or too tight. The solovairs have a wider last (F width according to their website) and higher toe box so its a wiser choice for ppl with thicker wider feet. I am a D/E width, that being said, Solovair doesn't give me that snug fit but more potential for winter time with thick socks! The wooden shank also offers a bit more support if you're planning to wear them for a long day.
Hey with DM's I can barley fit in size 12 in a regular derby style boot but a 13 is too loose, but in steel toe there to tight around the toe cause my foots really wide, so I was gonna get size 13 in steel toe, because length wise 12 is fine it's cause my foots wide as all Hell down towards my toes, like a friggin caveman or something? but then I thought I was gonna try solovair cause the offer a 12.5 but are you saying a solovair 12 will be wider then a dm 12? Because I usually by 13 in sneakers like vans or converse because my foots to wide for there 12 but I don't really need a 13 for length, if that makes sense? Anyway hope that's not too confusing and thanks for any advise
I will have to check out Soloviar. I wore Doc's for years until two new pair fell apart on me within a few months. Haven't looked at them since. My old UK docs are still together, I just wore through the soles.
I know that the Solovairs are technically better in every way but the Docs just look so cool. It’s not just the yellow stitching (although as you mentioned it is iconic now) but the way the stitching is chunkier. It’s also how the gum sole contrasts the black leather, the way the triple stitched part where the upper joins the vamp is just slightly higher up, the way the tie box is flatter and less bulbous and the shape of the sole when viewed from above is more squared off. I wish that either Docs were made like they used to be or that the Solovairs could make their boots as cool looking as the Docs.
Well since the Solovairs are re-soleable and the stitching is decorative you could technically just take them to a cobbler and get them to put a thick yellow stitching on it. Or even better, whatever colour you like.
I have three pairs of Soloviar, one of them has yellow stitches just like DM. The other two are Solovair Monkey boots, green twitches. Solovair are definitely more comfortable and durable than DM.
@@sergiousera4905 Solovair used yellow stitching on their boots until around about 5 years ago, when Dr Martens sued them sucessfully and forced them to switch to a different colour.
@@sergiousera4905 Back in high school my friends who had docs would hide the yellow stitching by drawing over them with black permanent marker (school uniform rules), guess you could do something similar to Solovairs?
As soon as I get paid I'm going to be picking up a pair of the greasy Solovair boots. I love the look of the Doc Martens, but I know the quality isn't the greatest so I was looking for a higher-quality alternative and fell in love with the solovairs company and quality. Never bought a pair of shoes like this so hopefully I love them just as much on me!
I had docs by solovair in maybe 94. THey lasted me 10 years or so. I was a teen ager then and worked in kitchens and eventually auto repair shops. I recently ordered (and returned) MIE docs after watching this and Rose Anvil cut the boots in half. I have ordered the Solovair burgundy rub off derby 8 boot and it took a bit to break them in but I absolutely love them. I'm on my feet as a Barber all day and have nothing but praise for this Solovair. Is it the best boot in the world? No. Better than what DM has been putting out? yes there is no question about it!
Very good comment and greetings from germany! It's just right what you say. Solovairs aren't the best boots in the world, there are even much better and more expensive boots. But: talking about what they are, a classic leather boot Made in England from a 140 year old shoe factory in the style of the famous DM's....they win. For every cent of the price you get pure, serious quality and a long lasting, very comfortable boot. That is what more and more people realized in the last years and NPS deserves that growing success.
After watching several videos like yours, I've gone for Solovairs instead of DMs after 30 years of DM wearing. New to me, so time will tell, but living in England, buying stuff made in England seems right, and if the quality is better, then it's a no brainer!
Didn't know about Solovair until your video, sadly my last par of Doc's (Asia) didn't last long as my other pairs of Doc's (English). I'm definitely going to find a cobbler who can put Solovair on my Docs. Thank you for the knowledge.
I totally agree with you on the docs losing their comfort after all day wear. I liked this comparison video, you seemed to show more love to the docs in this video than the timberland vs docs lol, docs and solovair feel more like trainers for me because how light they are and bouncy, perfect for the streets, where as timbs are just solid boots for any condition though nubuck is a pain to clean, hence the reason I purchased the helcor premiums. i love to see you do a review on the timberland helcor premiums as the leather is scratch proof, which I have personally tested myself, the only downside is the interior isn’t leather like the nubuck premiums which is a huge disappointment. Great video as always
I’m from the UK and neither Dr Martens nor Solovairs would make my list of “Great British” boots. That list would include the likes of Trickers, Cheaney, Barkers, Loake, Crocket and Jones, etc. It used to be that R Griggs and Solovair both made Dr Martens, with Griggs calling theirs Airwair. Back in the 70s to 90s, Airwair were superior and more sought after, with Solovair catering more for the workwear market. R Griggs then became Dr Martens and their quality has deteriorated (they used to include a shank and had better leather), while Solovair now make the superior product. A few points: both boots are technically Goodyear welted in that a welt is sewn to the shoe to which the sole is attached, and; technically they are both repairable, since they are both made using identical processes, though Dr Martens doesn’t seem to supply soles to American cobblers, or there is no demand. I think Dr Martens has misled you into thinking there is a cork midsole. I think they either use felt or poron foam padding, but definitely not cork, even in their Northampton-made shoes. The Engineered Daily TV channel has factory videos of both Dr Martens and Solovair. Rose Anvil has also cut them both in half - no cork!
you forgot John Lobb, snowflake. normal people wear martens / solovair and do not care about cork midsoles, shanks, your gluten free diet and 70s history...
@@wrrrrrt somewhat of a snide overreaction, and clearly off the mark if you think a cork filling or a shank is some sort of elitist affectation. Both are important components for both work and dress footwear for people who actually have to be in them for long hours....If you think wearing doc martens is a sign of solidarity with the working class guy, that's fine....but just realize that that is more style than substance...
@@wrrrrrt So 'normal people' wear low quality boots. I have bought Loake, Barkers and even Cheaney boots multiple times in the sales, for cheaper than a made in England Doc Martens boot would cost me. If you wish to pay more for rubbish, feel free but because something is popular doesn't make it good.
In fairness I could easily name ten American brands that made far better boots than Red Wing, but I wouldn’t blink at all if someone called them the Great American Boot Company. Great and quality aren’t necessarily synonyms, know what I mean?
Solovair having replacement soles easily available is what made me get mine. So they'll last way longer than Docs ever will. I'm fully satisfied and I don't feel bad paying a little extra for the Solovairs now that I've had them for a while. I don't imagine I'll buy Docs again
Good luck finding a cobbler willing to put those soles on. I bought the soles and keep getting turned down by cobblers who insist that i “bring them in so i can see them” or say they can do it, keep them for a week, and then call me up to say they can’t do it.
I was fortunate enough to own a pair of Martens when I was around 15 and they were made in the UK. Amazing boot. They gave me HUGE blisters until I broke them, but once they were broken they fit like a glove. Wore them for around 7 years not giving them the slightest care (I was young..) and used they every single day. When I made a hole on them I bought a second pair...this time from somewhere in south Asia....completely different. The leather felt super plasticky, was never able to break them because they didn't adapt.....horrible. couple of years ago I finally decided to get a pair of solovair. SUPER HAPPY with the decision. The leather is still not as good as my first docs from 20 yes ago, but since day 1 they don't give me a single blister, leather is deff better than nowadays docs...they are super comfy.... Planning on getting a couple more in different colors. Love them
I bought some new Martens about 3 years ago, my previous ones were bought in the 90's (when the factory was in England) and I wore them like hell for 3 years, the new Martens soles lasted less than 6 months, I was totally dissapoinred on the quality droop. I've been wanting to try a pair of Solovairs for sometime, I know I will miss the yellow stitching but it sounds they will be as nice and lasting as the original Martens, plus they just opened a resole service for UK and soon Europe!!!
I bought some of the ‘made in england’ Docs a couple years ago. They are wearing fine, but the comfort went downhill after about 6 months.. disappointing. I’ve tried a few different insoles that seem to help, but when I was a teenager in the 90’s, the Docs back then were great... (as far as I remember anyway..lol)
I am wearing my new pair of Docs while watching this, I loved Docs as a kid/early adult but never could really afford them until recently again so I treated myself to a pair. This honestly is the first time in my life I've ever heard of Solovair, I will look into them based on your review, however, and this is big, they're not Docs. The yellow stitching is an absolute must if going down this path in my opinion and tbh eventhough they are more expensive all I would feel wearing solovair is I'm wearing a pair of knocked off Docs, I'm sure most of anyone seeing them would think the same. It's the look, the stitching and just the vibe of wearing Docs, they are far more than just a boot. Thanks for the very informative video, God bless.
Cafe leather jacket from Thursday...I agree! If you do, can you do your best to give size suggestions? I'm on the fence, about buying one of their jackets without trying it on first...which obviously I can't do first...so you're the man!😁
I have a pair of Docs that I have worn basically every day for 5 years - they are still great but the soles are now worn slick. Just over a year ago I bought a replacement pair, for when the originals finally give up. I started to wear the new ones in and within two weeks the soles fell off at the instep. As it was over a year since I bought them, Docs would only give me 10% off a new pair. Then I bought Solovair - the quality is so obvious. The leather is great and they were more comfortable out of the box. I have now bought a second pair of Solovairs and I can’t see me every owning another pair of Docs.
I was always the Doc's fan, simply because of how iconic they are, it was almost my dream to buy them. But once I started to really consider them, and I was trying them on, looking at them in the stores - they absolutely don't convince me. I have no idea why I didn't know Solovair exists until very recently, but I'm absolutely buying those. Docs are iconic but the standard models look so cheap, especially once they get a bit worn out, and they crack so easily.
@@cd0u50c9 I already gave my Solovair pair a fair amount of use, and I am really satisfied with how they look and behave. Even tho I do find them a bit hard, I can walk in them the whole day!
@@a6m41 I am not completely sure as I am currently traveling and I don't have them on hand. With Docs I for sure found the bigger size more comfortable. From Solovair I actually got the Gibson shoe, so I don't know if something changes for the high boots. I believe I sticked to the size chart and took my actual size, not a bigger one like in case of Docs.
@ayesha_h I did, but so far, I was wearing them constantly for, let's say, a year. Now I am abroad long-term and I don't have them with me. But for that year I was wearing them really a lot and walked in them a lot, I was satisfied with them.
I got a pair of Solovairs a year ago and they have already lasted longer than my last Doc Martens (which had the seem of the soles rip a part). Easily the Solovairs are the better boot. Going to buy another pair in another colour.
I got my first pair of DM's in 1986 in Washington D.C. I wore them everyday for years before they finally blew out in the mid 90's. By then Doc's were everywhere and the quality was dropping so I didn't want a new pair. Recently an old friend posted a picture of his new Solovair Derby boots and I had to order a pair. Right now they are stuck at the DHS warehouse and won't be delivered until Monday!!! Had to go with the oxblood, just like my first pair.
I wore DR. Martens working in a grocery store for 8-11 hrs a day my feet were on fire after each shift , if you can get used to it that's why I stop wearing them.
I was a server wearing dr martens 12 eye boots, same thing happened to me. I've walked a lot more in my solovair boots (after breaking them in ofc.) and never had feet pain or lower back pain from them. Just my experience.
i was wearing docs working as a barista for a while very comfortably, up to probably two years after i started wearing them basically daily. i just started a new job tho - the docs are almost exactly 4 years old, and after 2 days in them i’ve accepted the fact that i need to wear some sneakers until i can replace them. i think it was the boiling a frog thing - i didn’t notice how awful they had become bc it was gradual, but now it’s totally untenable
For me it's Solovair all the way! I bought a pair of acorn monkey boots and they were perfect out the box. Literally no break-in. Been treading in them for bout a year now and they are still more comfortable than me Docs Churhes...
Would like to add that the wooden shank in solovair boots - under normal conditions- offer some flex yet still offering support. As such it would be better in and around the city or in urban cobblestones settings. Where a steel shank would be better is out in the woods - but neither of the two would be at home there. red wing boots would be the most durable but then there’s a price difference.
Before watching this video i bought a pair of Doc Martins Chelsea Wincox boots thou they look great its noticeable they have no shank. I just wondered has anyone tried to make a homemade wooden shank ? then gluing them directly inside the boot then placing an extra insole on top creating a shank sandwich . I wonder f there was enough room for a thin wooden shank and a good quality insole it would make a pair of Docs more rigid and comfortable .
I bought a pair of Solovairs (1/2 size bigger than I usually wear, btw) last year and had to stop wearing them, because they caused deep, painful grooves across the tops of my feet after a couple hours. I used shoes trees and conditioners and eventually stretch spray, but after 3 months there was no improvement. I contacted Solovair, but the best they could do was offer me $60 off on a pair of their Premium line, which have leather linings instead of cloth, and might stretch more.
I had a similar problem with my pair of Solovairs. I persisted, wearing thick socks, a few hours per day, but then sort of gave up for a few months. Then I switched back to thinner socks and they were OK, when I put an insole in. The boots had somehow adjusted themselves. They feel great now. Guess the tough leather makes them hard to break in.
Hey Nick, what size are you in Solovairs compared to your Thursday Captains? I'm an 11 in sneakers, and a 10.5 in Thursdays. Solovair's size chart is a little iffy and I'm pretty sure a 10.5 US/9.5 UK would fit me best in Solovairs but I want to be sure before I order.
You talk about the stitching. That’s one of the main features when buying them. Got to be yellow. Cherry reds where my boot of choice in the late 60s and would spend hours putting a spot shine over the big toe like a conker. Just another fad. Like cutting a circle out of your steel toe cap and shinning that. That said they were crap boots after a while the soles would split that’s when hot knives became the go to item for re-sealing. I like the idea of being able to resole them.
The camera close up of when you said “the German army in World War 2” while rubbing your hands was very telling and clear to what you were insinuating almost lol
Thanks so much for posting this vid - had never heard of Solovair but have been looking for a higher quality alternative to Doc Martens. Now there's a place to check out. 👍
Would I be better off going with solovair dealer boot vs doc martins made in england boot and why. Is the arch better in solovair? How much heavier are they compared to doc martins made in england chelsea boots
I like my DMs, I've a pair of 1460s Black Made in England. I'd like a pair of Solovairs in Ox blood or Burgundy. The only snag is do I choose the Derby boot or the Astronaut?
I used to be a Docs retailer in the uk in the late 80s early 90s and grew to dislike them. Freezing in the winter and hot in the summer. The soles are not hard wearing at all, in fact after a couple of weeks the tread shows large amount of wear. I never heard of solovair at the time. The company that made them was R Griggs I believe.
I love my brown 8 hole Ankle Doc's and have been buying/waring them since the Early 80's. I did not know about Solovair boots until seeing this so I might buy a pair being made in my own country of the UK and they do look like quality boots. What do you think guy's ang girls should I buy a pair?
I just bought the solovair astronaut boot in brown greasy. It has a slimmer profile than their classic model which is the derby. You can’t go wrong with either model.
How about Doc made in England vs. Solovair? I think that comparison is more fair to my eyes!!! But I’m leaning towards buying Solovair!!! Thank you so much!!!
Been weraing the same model of Dr. Martens for like 10-15 years, just replacing them every now and then. Spending a bit more on something better wouldn't be a problem, as I tend to grind down a pair of Docs fairly fast. I guess I have mostly stuck around because of habit, but I do like the look and I do want that steel toe :D.
I just ordered a pair of Doc Martens. I don't like that yellow stitching, but I bought the patent leather and I don't think the yellow is on there. I'll be happy no matter what
Was a Doc wearer since high school 30 years plus of Docs multiple styles, so I went to buy a new pair a couple of years back and to my horror I saw the made in china tag no more Docs for me.Am now very happy with my 2 pairs of Solovair boots.
@@lottie1163 probably on par with them I do look after them all really well it’s just the soles do eventually wear out but the leather stays supple and no splits
Since I saw so many Videos prasing the Solovair Boots I decided to buy them, they are my first Boots with laces and so far the quality is perfect, but the Boots realy hurt on top of my feet. I'm guessing it is because there is the stich that combines the tongue of the boot with the Rest, has anyone had similar experiences and did the pain Go away? Cheers
I love docs but id love to try Solovairs for sure. For docs one thing I can say. Never walk on Ice if you do not have to ... no grip at all. I know they both are not hikeing boots but I hope your heart does not pound with Solovairs when walking on anything slippery lol
I don't have any experience with solovair but I see a lot of comments complaining about the bad drmartens soles and how you can't replace them. But I have never had any problems whatsoever and I only have 'new' ones with the oldest being about 10 years and also having a few thrifted ones which I don't know the age off. Might have been luck but I feel like it's not that awfully bad.
Skinheads brought DM's into popular culture, the larger ox blood DM's had a tag Doctor Martin on them, the smaller waxed DM's had a tag saying Airware.
Are Doc and Solovair sizes equal? Like is a size 8 a size 8 in both? I know Solovair has half sizes and they use British sizing meter. But I want some and wondering if they have the same size as Docs.
the non-England Docs are built with a wider last, and Solovairs don't have a removable insole, so I'd recommend going a half-size up from Docs sizing to Solovair
I can speak for the comfort of solovairs. I got a pair of 8 eye steel toes with insoles (had to get them cause they didn't make them my size which was about a half size smaller) and I can honestly wear em all day. Even on my 20 eye boots I once walked 10 miles in a day (5 seperate 2 mile trips) with no discomfort. I can't do that with my 20 eyes any more because the sole is a bit worn.
If you want to get the most perfect, best fitting insoles for Solovair Boots: It's the Sunbed Comfort. It's a Made in Germany Brand, and it isn't just the good quality, it's the fit as if they make them specially for Solovair.
@@vonanstetten2355 the pair of soles I wear now are the memory foam ones solovair sells, but those likely are just a third party product with their name slapped on em. On the other hand, those essentially have solovairs assurance that they'll make someone fit a half-size-big solovair
As a bartender I can hands down recommend Solovair over DR. Martens. Honestly the break in wasn't bad at all and I found them super comfy from day one (that being said I do wear good quality thick socks so that may have helped). I have been wearing them 5+ days a week for 3 years and so long as you take care of them they will take care of you. Super durable and being able to replace the sole makes it an investment for my feet not a 1 time buy (I have had them resoled once after 2 1/2 years of hard use).
