Soul and Soles
Both brits, both famous for their soles and both sharing a part of their history with one each other: the shoe brands Solovair and Dr. Martens stands on common ground, yet, the perception of the brands are often diverse. Dr. Martens are worldwide known, even among non-wearers, while Solovair have kept their secret a bit more of a riddle. This is a story about two footwear brands hailing from a factory on the English countryside in Northamptonshire.
British, historical and qualitative leather are attributes you could apply to them both, but thereafter the perceptions part ways: despite their more sophisticated models, Dr. Martens has since long been seen as the rebels of the industry – the British working class hero using every crayon in the box. Solovair on the other hand brings the thoughts to leather manufacturing, British gentlemen and a traditional England. Comparing the two names as brands gives Dr. Martens a huge advantage in amount of time: over 50 years compared to Solovair’s barely 20. Though, if we take a step back and glance at the history we can understand where the touch of England comes from. In 1881, Northamptonshire Productive Society, more known as NPS, was founded as a co-operative in the little village of Wollaston and has ever since produced shoes. It is also here, in the late 1950’s, that the two brands originally met. The first pair of Dr. Martens boots was manufactured by NPS and for the 35 upcoming years the air-cushioned soles and British boot was going to be hand-made under the license “Dr. Martens by Solovair”.
When the two brands parted ways in 1995, Solovair stayed within the walls of NPS and formed a brand on its own while Dr. Martens conquered the world, and the world media. With famous brand ambassadors and collaborations, such as the name and face of Agyness Deyn, Dr. Martens has kept up the name as the loveable rebel, whereas Solovair have worked on the fellows. For example, one of their latest collaboration with brands happened with the menswear brand President’s, not yet released to the public, featuring British and Italian heritage and style, always coherent with the signature “sole of air”.
Whether you prefer asphalted streets or cobblestoned alleys, these two brands brings you more than a sole to walk on, but a soul and a history. Boot up!
