Pinterest

Today
Watch
Shop
Explore

SOLOVAIR | Factory Images & Videos

27 Pins
 · Last updated 6d
Curated by
SolovairUK
One of the last processes in the 'Levelling and Finishing' room sees Steve perfectly trim the sole and heel edges using a machine with a blade that revolves at 2,000 cycles per minute. Discover all the highly skilled processes involved in the construction of our Goodyear welted footwear online.
Edge Trimming Machine
One of the last processes in the 'Levelling and Finishing' room sees Steve perfectly trim the sole and heel edges using a machine with a blade that revolves at 2,000 cycles per minute. Discover all the highly skilled processes involved in the construction of our Goodyear welted footwear online.
A favoured leather finish across the Solovair collections, Rub-off is a technique applied to Hi-Shine leather. To achieve this Duncan applies cutting wax to the mop of the polishing machine and rubs off the topcoat to reveal the initial colour below (Burgundy pictured) to complete the rub-off finish. Several Solovair Classics are available in Burgundy and Navy as well as our iconic 8 Eye Derby Boot in Green and Flame Rub-Off. Monkey Boots, Steel Toe Shoes, Brogue Boots, Steel Toe Boots, Vegan Boots, Leather Finish, Loafer Sneakers, Brogue Shoes, Biker Boots
Monkey Boots
Steel Toe Shoes
Brogue Boots
Steel Toe Boots
Vegan Boots
Leather Finish
Loafer Sneakers
Brogue Shoes
Biker Boots
Burgundy Rub-Off 8 Eye Derby Boot
A favoured leather finish across the Solovair collections, Rub-off is a technique applied to Hi-Shine leather. To achieve this Duncan applies cutting wax to the mop of the polishing machine and rubs off the topcoat to reveal the initial colour below (Burgundy pictured) to complete the rub-off finish. Several Solovair Classics are available in Burgundy and Navy as well as our iconic 8 Eye Derby Boot in Green and Flame Rub-Off.
The NPS Factory Tour offers an exciting insight into all areas of shoe production at our Wollaston factory. Walking through our Wollaston-based factory our expert guide will explain the Goodyear welted construction and while machines have made production more efficient, the fundamental processes have remained the same at our factory for over a century! Next Factory Tour: Saturday 14th September 2024. Shoe Room, Factory Tours
Shoe Room
Factory Tours
NPS Factory Tour
The NPS Factory Tour offers an exciting insight into all areas of shoe production at our Wollaston factory. Walking through our Wollaston-based factory our expert guide will explain the Goodyear welted construction and while machines have made production more efficient, the fundamental processes have remained the same at our factory for over a century! Next Factory Tour: Saturday 14th September 2024.
Explore the NPS, Solovair and Gripfast Originals Collections and discover the signature features within each range of footwear. Vegan Shoes
Vegan Shoes
Discover Our Collections
Explore the NPS, Solovair and Gripfast Originals Collections and discover the signature features within each range of footwear.
0:10
The 8 Eye Derby Boot, a key piece in the Solovair Classic Collection, is available in a variety of leathers and colours. It showcases classic grey welt stitching, goodyear welted construction, and classic soft suspension soles.
Derby
England
Cross Stitching
Classic Grey
Goodyear Welt
Classic Collection
The 8
Shoe Boots
Stitching
Black Greasy 8 Eye Derby Boot
The 8 Eye Derby Boot, a key piece in the Solovair Classic Collection, is available in a variety of leathers and colours. It showcases classic grey welt stitching, goodyear welted construction, and classic soft suspension soles.
0:09
We take pride in the fact that we have successfully addressed plastic pollution in all aspects of our business operations. This includes our unique shoe boxes, which are crafted using recycled card and paper, as well as our mailing bags made from recycled materials that are completely recyclable. Moreover, our tissue paper is devoid of any toxic substances.
Unique Shoe
Shoe Boxes
Business Operations
Plastic Pollution
SUSTAINABILITY
We take pride in the fact that we have successfully addressed plastic pollution in all aspects of our business operations. This includes our unique shoe boxes, which are crafted using recycled card and paper, as well as our mailing bags made from recycled materials that are completely recyclable. Moreover, our tissue paper is devoid of any toxic substances.
0:07
The Solovair Classic Collection features all your Goodyear welted favourites including the 8 Eye Derby Boot, Dealer Boot and 3 Eye Gibson Shoe. Made in Wollaston, Northamptonshire
Boots
3rd Eye
Gibson
Classic Collection
The Solovair Classic Collection features all your Goodyear welted favourites including the 8 Eye Derby Boot, Dealer Boot and 3 Eye Gibson Shoe. Made in Wollaston, Northamptonshire
0:07
Using a heat sealing machine, the flattened welt and the outsole are joined together. The two components are connected by a rotating hot blade, which is done manually and requires a skilled hand. Once the boot structure is finished, any extra material from the sole is cut off and the last is taken out. Read More - https://nps-solovair.com/pages/deconstruction-of-an-8-eye-derby-boot
The Two
Cut Off
Two By Two
Heat
Using a heat sealing machine, the flattened welt and the outsole are joined together. The two components are connected by a rotating hot blade, which is done manually and requires a skilled hand. Once the boot structure is finished, any extra material from the sole is cut off and the last is taken out. Read More - https://nps-solovair.com/pages/deconstruction-of-an-8-eye-derby-boot
The Solovair Classic collection features iconic Goodyear welted unisex styles made in the NPS factory. Made in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, England. Derby Boots
Derby Boots
SOLOVAIR CLASSIC COLLECTION
The Solovair Classic collection features iconic Goodyear welted unisex styles made in the NPS factory. Made in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, England.
0:07
The inclusion of a wooden shank in every Solovair Goodyear welted shoe or boot is an essential feature. Crafted from eco-friendly beechwood, the shank's ingeniously curved design provides optimal support for the arch of the foot whilst walking.
Design
Walking
Curved Design
Arch
Eco Friendly
Online Store
NPS Solovair | Official Online Store | British Made Since 1881
The inclusion of a wooden shank in every Solovair Goodyear welted shoe or boot is an essential feature. Crafted from eco-friendly beechwood, the shank's ingeniously curved design provides optimal support for the arch of the foot whilst walking.
Behind the scenes of the most recent NPS factory tour by photographer Corina Bryce-Arnold. Interested in walking through the NPS Wollaston factory while our expert guide offers an exciting insight into all areas of our shoe production? The NPS factory tour is Saturday 14th September 2024.
FACTORY TOUR 2024
Behind the scenes of the most recent NPS factory tour by photographer Corina Bryce-Arnold. Interested in walking through the NPS Wollaston factory while our expert guide offers an exciting insight into all areas of our shoe production? The NPS factory tour is Saturday 14th September 2024.
0:07
Meet the team and discover their favourite footwear. Ian - Lasting Room Supervisor A true local legend, Ian was born in Wollaston in the late 70's and started working for NPS Shoes shortly after leaving school. After a short career change to become a Publican, he returned in 2020 to resume his career in the factory. He enjoys the short commute to work and the friendly atmosphere on the factory floor.
Leaving School
Commute To Work
FACTORY FLOOR FAVOURITES
Meet the team and discover their favourite footwear. Ian - Lasting Room Supervisor A true local legend, Ian was born in Wollaston in the late 70's and started working for NPS Shoes shortly after leaving school. After a short career change to become a Publican, he returned in 2020 to resume his career in the factory. He enjoys the short commute to work and the friendly atmosphere on the factory floor.
0:07
The technique of moulding the back part of a boot upper, known as back part moulding, aims to attain a range of essential comfort and quality aspects. The primary objective is to merge the external upper material with the counter (a supportive and locally reinforced material for the boot), while ensuring a three-dimensional shape that matches the last.
Three Dimensional Shapes
Three Dimensional
Range
8 EYE DERBY BOOT
The technique of moulding the back part of a boot upper, known as back part moulding, aims to attain a range of essential comfort and quality aspects. The primary objective is to merge the external upper material with the counter (a supportive and locally reinforced material for the boot), while ensuring a three-dimensional shape that matches the last.
0:07
Interested in getting a glimpse behind the scenes of our factory? You can now secure a spot for our upcoming tour on June 15, 2024. Join our knowledgeable guide as they delve into various aspects of shoe production at our Northamptonshire factory. To book our tours, simply visit Eventbrite. Please be aware that the £20 fee can be used towards in-store purchases on the same day (excluding outlet purchases).
Factory Tour | NPS Solovair
Interested in getting a glimpse behind the scenes of our factory? You can now secure a spot for our upcoming tour on June 15, 2024. Join our knowledgeable guide as they delve into various aspects of shoe production at our Northamptonshire factory. To book our tours, simply visit Eventbrite. Please be aware that the £20 fee can be used towards in-store purchases on the same day (excluding outlet purchases).
The majority of footwear manufactured by NPS Shoes utilises one of the oldest shoe construction methods used today, the Goodyear welted method.  Goodyear welting consists of a long strip of leather, rubber or synthetic material (the welt) being sewn to the upper and insole of the shoe or boot using a chain stitch. For Solovair and Gripfast footwear the outsole is fused to the welt with a heat sealing machine. Chain Stitch, Charles Goodyear, Old Shoes, Thermal Insulation, Sewing Machine, Old Things, Repair
Chain Stitch
Charles Goodyear
Old Shoes
Thermal Insulation
Sewing Machine
Old Things
Repair
MADE TO LAST
The majority of footwear manufactured by NPS Shoes utilises one of the oldest shoe construction methods used today, the Goodyear welted method. Goodyear welting consists of a long strip of leather, rubber or synthetic material (the welt) being sewn to the upper and insole of the shoe or boot using a chain stitch. For Solovair and Gripfast footwear the outsole is fused to the welt with a heat sealing machine.