Better than “real” Dr Martens - Solovair

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VIDEOS MENTIONED:
Dr Martens 1460 Smooth boot review - • Leather expert EXPOSES...
Dr Martens vs Solovair boot review - • 500,000 Steps Dr. Mart...
Solovair 8 Eye Derby boot review - • Solovair Boot Review -...
Nicks Moc Toe boot review - • Nicks Boots Just Made ...
Whites Perry Select moc toe boot review - • People’s favorite moc ...
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CREDIT:
History of Dr Martens - • Dr. Martens | A Histor...
How it’s made, Solovair & NPS shoes - • How it's made: Solovai...
How Dr Martens are made - • How Dr. Martens' Are Made
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 NEW CHANNEL
0:41 Intro
1:00 Boot History
3:25 The Real Doc Martens
3:44 Leather
5:57 Inside The Solovair
10:07 The Outsole
13:32 Cut In Half
14:18 Cut In Half Reveal
14:55 Tearing the Sole
17:32 Are Solovairs Actually Better?
18:41 Final Thoughts
#drmartens #solovair #docmartens

[@RoseAnvil]

Get a high quality wallet, belt or MORE in the Rose Anvil shop here - bit.ly/44jXLNu

[@antennastoheaven]

Quick tip if you’re about to buy Docs/Solovair: never buy Hi-Shine ones. These boots have some kind of plastic coating on top that not letting shoe creams penetrate to the leather. Always choose for Grain Leather, Greasy ones or any another that actually has real skin pattern on top.

[@phipschi4255]

your point is right, but the coated leather is the classic look most people want to have when buying a combat boot.

[@awethesound]

Yup, I have a more dress oriented solovair shoe with this high-shine finish, and it has cracked and wrinkled to shit. No slav squats allowed! My oil leather 10 eye shit kickers from them are going strong after half a decade.

[@salskars6637]

Are you referring to patent-leather high gloss or even leather that can be polished to a higher gloss (and open pore that absorbs cream and/or mink oil)?

[@srafnos2073]

I second this, I made the mistake of picking up the hi-shine version and I regret it, since the "flawless" shine becomes obsolete once the leather starts really breaking in and cracking

[@raccoonking7566]

@@awethesound Off topic, but proper slav squatting doesn't crease shoes. Source: am a Slav. You should keep your feet flat to the ground, shouldn't lift your heels up. That way you can relax your leg muscles and you are more stable. Apparently westerners have trouble doing it properly? At least, that's what I've heard. Something about calf muscle lengths, don't remember it well.

[@gregsilva8947]

I have a pair of steel toed 10 eyelet Docs that were made in 1987. I stopped wearing them in the late 90s because the steel toe was uncomfortable. I held on to them because they had a double yellow puritan stitch that I’ve never seen on other Docs. After watching your first video on Docs, I dug mine out and cut into the well worn soles. They had wooden shanks that were both broken. I found a place that resoled them with Vibram soles after removing the steel toes. They even preserved the double yellow stitch. I had them put in steel shanks. They’re finally comfortable to wear and the leather is still holding up. The quality is totally different compared to later made cheap Docs. I’d love to see what’s inside of the “Made in England” boots today. Thanks.

[@ericp377]

Where did you find a cobbler to resole them?

[@lateinbloom]

Not sure if this is helpful, but they cut the MiE Docs in half in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3e5eWhreseSiJo

[@oh_rhythm]

I wanna see those yo

[@m.f.3347]

Surprised you didn't mention the main reason I personally bought Solovairs: resoleability. I hate the idea of having to throw away perfectly good uppers because the sole has worn through and can't be replaced

[@stefcho9]

He briefly says it at 9:56 😂

[@utut0506]

Quality of materials aside, I think Solovairs and Docs have similar faux Goodyear welt construction, which means the Solovairs are not easier to be resoled than the the Docs. To remove the outsole of the Docs, you just need to pop the yellow stitching and the outsole will come off with the welt. If you have access to a good cobbler, you can easier require them to reconstruct your Doc using a true Goodyear welt construction. As for Solovairs, I am not really sure how one can resole them unless they have the heat blade with them… it is simply impossible to remove the outsole of a Solovair without damaging the upper because it is internally stitched to the welt. I guess the only way to resole a Solovair is to remove the outsole using a knife, then you heat-welted a new outsole back. But if you are able to do this, you can do the same to a pair of Docs… so I wouldn’t consider Solovairs resoleable unless you have really convenient access to NPS. Would @RoseAnvil please comment on the resoleability issue a bit more? I would love to hear more from a true professional🤔🤔🤔

[@Fede18402]

I agree with you but resoling is pretty expensive, It can easily cost like 75% of the shoes cost , so i understand why it’s not a glaring issue. Even though i do agree that keeping the upper is better as it’s a bit more eco friendly and worn leather just looks nice imo

[@billyyank1916]

Honestly, that was the number one dealbreaker for me when it came to Dr. Martens. I actually bought a pair of boots that I purchased when I was 16 1/2 years old. I was originally going to get more when I first came across Rose Anvil’s original review of the brand itself and learning about how it would be difficult to get them resoled. It wasn’t an easy choice for me to make up the time, but that’s when I decided that I wasn’t going to buy doc martens ever again. As much as I like the fact that they were cheaper (not including the fact that they upped the price by $20 during 2022), I thought that I was paying for a higher quality boot that looked exactly like doc martens.

[@nsierra2297]

In the UK Timpsons can resole Dr Martens. However, it can be costly especially if they aren’t the standard sole. I bought some DMs for £90 (down from £120) tried to get them resoled, they quoted £60!

[@Bayou987]

So glad you’re re-reviewing these. Haven’t stopped being intrigued by them since the original review

[@ThisIsMeArnold]

You've sat for 3 years in the "intrigued" state? What an eventful life.

[@Sveinbeard]

@@ThisIsMeArnold 😂

[@Bayou987]

@@ThisIsMeArnold they don’t offer wide sizes, or half sizes my man. They’re not an option for me, just intriguing.

[@ThisIsMeArnold]

@@Bayou987 Their footwear is generally wide, especially if you get the steel toe version.

[@Bayou987]

@@ThisIsMeArnold yea thanks but they don’t look like they’d be wide enough to be comfortable for me. And not that buying things defines the quality of my life but to ice my fragile ego after you so brutally roasted me 😂 I did get three pairs of Jim greens, slate iron rangers, three pairs of Thursdays and a couple Danner’s to name a few in the last three years

[@solarsatori]

I'm 10 years into my first (and only) pair of Solovairs' 8 eye derby and they are still in such great condition. This is with me going some years wearing them daily and some years wearing them only a handful of times. Just wearing them for regular daily activities (I never worked on the farm in them since I needed waterproof boots) but I did walk miles and miles around campus trying to break them in the first year lol. If you keep them cleaned and conditioned they will outlast all your other shoes. I'm glad I started "buy it for life" back then because this is one item that has saved me money in the long run.

[@craigpimlott204]

I had my original dr martens for twenty years when they were made out of proper leather and not the crap they use now ..my last pair lasted two months ..the leather split right off around the sole .and the toes cracked through on both where they bend on the toe area ..nothing would stick to them, polish ,dubbin .no wonder they crack so easy .and they were the made in England ones too ,not the foreign made ones ..wouldn’t touch them again ,

[@glorkbork776]

It's really cool that you're re-visiting old topics with your more refined video format, even at the risk of cannibalizing views. As an Aussie, I'd love to see an updated comparison between the various Australian Chelsea work boot brands; Blundstone, Redback, Mongrel, Rossi etc.

[@ryan_conover]

I have a pair of the made in England Docs and they’re superior in every way to the current regular Docs. They definitely remind me of the ones I wore in the 90’s- much tougher break in but then pretty comfortable. I’d really like to see a comparison between these Solovairs and the MIE docs. Great video.

[@LeaderOfTheRedNinjas]

there's a comparison video on this channel somewhere. I think the conclusion is that the MIE docs are much better than the china-made crap ones, but the solovairs are still better that the MIE doc's. Not that the solvair's are without their compromises. But it looks like they're some of the best boots *for their low price point*. Sure i could get redwings for like £100 more, but that's like a 50% cost increase

[@irakli.asatiani]

does it actually fit in? if you wear chinese uk 8 size will the same MIE 8 fit or you need larger?

[@legatelaurie]

@@irakli.asatianiI think they're made to the same size

[@AudreysKitchen]

I bought these due to your old review. I wanted something cool and functional as a bartender, and I love them. I get TONS of compliments on them too. Thanks for the cool videos man!

[@markopolo9936]

The rose anvil channel has come full circle! Your initial video is what made me get my solovair boots, a great purchase

[@ScaryMeadow]

Dude I've gotten addicted to your videos because they're so informing and help me make better decisions reg. shoes that have good value and are comfortable to wear. I had a bad fall a few years ago which completely destroyed my right foot. While my ankle was (somehow) completely unharmed, I now live with several screws in my bones and have very limited mobility (can't stand on my toes, for instance) and a very sensitive underside that needs custom soles with plenty of arch support. As you can imagine, knowing what to look for in shoes is incredibly important for my health, and being partially disabled also means I don't have stacks of cash to throw around on shoes that need replacing every season. Thanks for the info you're putting out there.

[@ivanheffner2587]

I was asking for this. Glad to see it. Your original Solovair video is why I currently own a pair of Solovair 11-eye derby boots.

[@jaimesantiagolonga]

Had my Derby cherry red solovairs for about a year with extremely regular use. They are absolutely amazing and still doing fantastic. Highest recommendation for those who want quality combat style boots

[@decade10hl]

Is that a High-shine leather boot?

[@jaimesantiagolonga]

@@decade10hl Mine are a high shine but the same boot also comes in other leather finishes

[@t1nkerium]

Bought them ca two years ago after watching your original review. Thanks! Very pleased with them, still looking and going great! Didn't experience any major need for breaking them in and the outsole pattern has almost no losses.

[@Stefana_una_na]

Legit rewatched the older review today because I’m considering buying. Great timing as always haha

[@RoberttSmithh]

I have so much respect for what you’re doing. Love it. I hope you’ll get a million subs by the end of this year. You deserve it

[@TheVargr]

I have two pairs of Solovairs thanks to this channel, and I love them. Great boots and none of the issues that I had with my previous DMs. Only issues I've ever had is with the laces eventually snapping, but its easy to get replacements of their website (and in various other colours). When I've the spare cash i will be buying a third pair of Solovairs

[@stephenlamley541]

Yeah I fancied a pair of dms but since watching this realised how shitty they are. This could be the answer.

[@lymphy12]

@@stephenlamley541 I own both monkey version boots and used docs for work they hold up fine. Solovairs are harder to break

[@ThisIsMeArnold]

The laces are snapping because they use low quality eyelets. The portions of the eyelets that bend around the letter to fasten them break off, leaving exposed, sharp metal that cuts through your laces. Are any of your eyelets damaged?

[@koolchem6653]

I wonder if filing the eyelets down a bit will help with this.

[@ThisIsMeArnold]

@@koolchem6653 There's not really a way to do that, if you saw at where the break occurs. The break also causes the eyelet to lose its structural integrity - the pull of the lace makes it stretch out and lose its circular shape. In any case, it's a significant downside to a fairly expensive boot.

[@coryernewein]

My dad had so many old cobbling machines, leather belts for a bunch of 'em...can't wait to see the treasures you guys found🤩

[@koyzumie]

Happy these got an updated review, so much growth from your testing methodology, it’s cool to see

[@manupasta]

Been watching for years and this video was honestly fantastic, great work

[@DJDUNLOP1]

Great video, the graphics and info have come along way since those first few boot reviews!

[@theTurtleChiropractor]

bro i remember just a year ago you were doing just videos and now you got colabs with names like nicks and cobblin your own boots. respect!

[@kdogvods964]

I bought the solovair hi shine 8eye derby boot a few months ago I have loved them so far. They have become pretty comfortable I would say like a 7/10 They are very durable, I work on movie sets, so I’m standing and moving stuff all day and haven’t had any fatal flaws. The only con I have noticed is some scuffs and scratches on the sides and toe area in the leather I would say if you are debating buying solovairs, go for it, I have no regrets and have loved the style and performance of mine.

[@gabe2968]

What a great a video. I love listening to anyone really knowledgeable in something and you presented it perfectly. I left with no questions. Subscribed

[@fastbreak0822]

Swiftly became addicted to your channel bro....... I wore a few pairs of docs in the mid 80s to 90s .... Today the docs feel completely different ... Excellent breakdown and content.... Gonna go buy some solovairs after watching your clip.... Appreciate it bro....

[@blah596]

Phat shouts out to the editors, the vfx are wicked- the highlights on the air-lattice structures were absolute mint

[@morfufo]

Whoever does the editing for these videos does an amazing job!

[@SkepticalRaptor]

I’d like to make a suggestion to you all. To be more scientific, repeat each test (like the drop test or the puncture test) at least 5 or 6 times and get an average. Small differences can be statistically significant if you do it that way. Just measuring once is subject to randomness, so it’s hard to tell if the difference between boots is significant or not.

[@galvanizedgnome]

No. Bad idea

[@jorgeo1492]

@@galvanizedgnome No. You were a bad idea. Thats how real experiments are done. Also a control variable like a shitty walmart boot.

[@Collin_J]

They usually show the ball drop is a sample of 5. Not sure about the bar drop

[@stauker.1960]

Or three, five is overkill

[@welshrarebit9238]

Haven’t you got better things to do like ….Donating blood ,helping the needy

[@handybunny]

Thanks for this review. Your boot reviews are awesome (I’m less frequently interested in sneakers fwiw). This helped me pull the trigger… I’ve been very curious about Solovairs.

[@shanehosto4999]

I had watched that video a couple years ago when I was looking into docs. And I'm glad I did. Very happy with the quality of my solovair boots

[@robertthompson176]

I love that you talk about the history of this as somebody who grew up in Weliingborough Northamptonshire. I am proud to buy and wear shoes still made in our county.

[@TWC_official]

I've been wearing the same pair of 11 eye steel toe Solovair derby boots 40-60 hrs a week at work and can attest: they have significantly more mileage than I had expected. So far, the only issue I have encountered with them is the counter cover has just about worn out.

[@jerm1027]

I definitely picked up a pair of NPS Gripfast boots with a steel toe and greasy leather, and I primarily use them for concerts, particularly death metal shows with mosh pits, and these have been absolute champs. The very first day I wore them, they got a beer bath from a mosh pit, and they have not had an easy life ever since. But my feet stay relatively comfortable. If I ever destroy my current pair, I'm absolutely buying again.

[@fixedgearjerk]

Appreciate the video which led me to buying a pair. Just received my 11 eyelet steel toes, very quality items.

[@lordexcellent5610]

If you notice your welt separating on your solovairs/Dr Martens, you can fix it yourself quite easily. You heat up a thin piece of metal (ideally an old butter knife) to red hot over a flame, then you slide it between the separating layers and hold the edges together with pliers. Basically reattaching the outsole the same way they do in the factory. I’ve done this before on my solovairs and it holds up like new. I would recommend doing this when you manage to catch the split early, because I can hardly imagine fixing more than three inch long tear using this method.

[@elenaborie2605]

I’ve been seeing a lot of Reddit posts lately about Solovair’s splitting quickly. This is my only apprehension to getting a pair. How long did yours take to split?

[@lordexcellent5610]

@@elenaborie2605 It must have been a factory defect, because it happened right around the time I broke them in. I have two other pairs that I’ve been wearing for years now and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon.

[@furrdogg6973]

New channel sounds so rad!

[@adventurizinwithsamandzac9526]

I got a pair of burgundy gaucho derby boots from Solovair. I watched so many videos before I pulled the trigger, and yours sealed the deal for me. The gauchos are so supple. A pleasure to wear from day one. I'm thinkin' I might need some green ones in that leather.

[@tuftywhite9628]

I always used to buy DMs. Since your early videos showing the difference, I now only buy Solovairs. Having had so many DMs in the past, I can clearly see and feel the difference in quality of the Solovairs. Grateful to you pointing it out.

[@nezumikhilo5898]

Thank you for this video! Happy to see you can still gets docs like they used to be :p

[@BroonParker]

Best summary that I've seen and a history of the company that's not just read straight off wikipedia. Rose Anvil shows them how it's done, once again.

[@jeremycorvialis4085]

I'm glad you mentioned the MIEs at the end, I couldn't decide whether the comparison was fair or not. I love my Solovairs, but after a lot of work breaking them in and wearing them, I think the lasts they use just don't agree with my feet. Both the shoe and the boot I've had problems with fit. I will say their leather and foam insoles are amazing for their price point. Would overall recommend, just a bit hard to sort out sizing from the US.

[@Simon-uu1hi]

Your channel totally changed my perspective on footware. I would really enjoy an episode on boat/deck shoes.

[@koolchem6653]

After watching your vids I bought a pair of hi-shine 8 hole Solovairs. They definitely do seem higher quality. They are definitely less comfortable during the break-in period. I ended up with a couple of blisters; never had that issue with Docs. Docs are significantly more comfortable, at least for now. I like the style of the Solovairs and I'm just in the beginning stages of the break-in process. If they end up being more comfortable I will definitely continue purchasing them.

[@waldohpepper5884]

Great breakdown, comprehensive review. Tah

[@codydaniel3097]

Holy crap. Im so glad i found this video! I had no idea about the history of these things. I almost bought me and my gf some doc martens but now I'm thinking twice! I'm absolutely going to go with the Solovairs! Thank you for msking such an insightful video!

[@haleyvaughn6719]

im so glad youre reviewing solovairs again! i bought a pair of chelseas after seeing your previous video, and they are probably one of the most comfortable shoes ive ever owned! for years i was a dm fanatic, but i cant see myself ever buying another pair again after having my solovairs. i can wear them all day at work and barely have sore feet, whereas im ready to rip my docs off after a couple hours. thank you wes! hope to see more of these!

[@zhgnv]

Thanks, looking forward to the Paraboot review 😊

[@ukaszfrymark8427]

I have a pair of Greasy Leather Solovair's for almost 15 years. Mostly wearing them for winter now and for metal concerts. Very sturdy.

[@user-qk5ft8eo8t]

finally an updated Solovair vid!

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

We were issued with solovair shoes in the UK fire brigade 20 or so years ago. Fantastic hard wearing shoes. I've still got an original pair that I use for the gardening to this day. One thing I would point out the metal rings that line the eyelet holes....make sure they're the ones with the ring outside AND inside the shoe. Some of them have a ring on the outside, but RAZOR sharp tangs inside that held the eyelet ring in place. IN one pair of the later shoes I was issued one of the tangs somehow came out of the leather and I BADLY sliced my finger as I was doing up a lace.

[@waxedearth5425]

Hey! That new channel sounds dope! I’m actually getting into cobbling!

[@b.e.e.l.i]

i love their dealer boots, have two pairs of the greasy black ones: one solovair, the other the steel toe "gripfast". Sized down half a size and they fit perfectly

[@jpsother1183]

I've resoled my old, mid-early '90s English Doc's Oxfords, but they were more to this construction(more leather lined though), than the (not much later but iirc China made and pre-'04) Doc's workboots I was going to resole but decided were not worth it (needed more interior work than I was willing to do at the time, not just fiber midsole replacement but counter etc). Though both had the wood shanks, the workboot had a thinner fiberboard and the foam instead of felt in the recess but felt filling of the welt. I work mostly standing on concrete. Keen has been my boot of choice lately.

[@IcarusSuite]

Bro, your edits are hilarious. Low key, one of the funniest channels.

[@davidpalmer9014]

Love my Solovair Dealer and Astronaut boots. The burgundy rub off color is so cool, too.

[@mattriney6072]

Came out with this video right before I ordered my Solovairs! Great timing. Would love to see you review their greasy leather

[@mytoiletsfull]

The video where both boots were cut in half is what helped me choose the Solvair. My brother got some docs and he beat them up pretty quick. Where as my Solvairs still feel like I havnt broken into them. Even after a putting countless hours of work in them. I can’t wait to see how they look once’s I start weathering the leather more.

[@rusticredsleather]

Can’t wait to see the new channel Weston! Hopefully you’ll build some of your own limited drop footwear in-house!🙌🏻

[@fuzzyechoes]

I love this channel so much.

[@CSmithyPx]

Love my solovairs I have a pair of 8 eye greasy leather boots. Worn everyday for a year and a half and they're amazing! Need to be resolved but the most comfortable boots I've owned. Zero break in, not uncomfortable great from the beginning

[@hewpewdenbigh]

You reminded me - I saw an iron Snail video on Russell Moccasin boots. They would be a great boot for you to explore. I would love some too - they look amazing ! Thanks for your great content ! Huw - North Wales, UK

[@michaellk2254]

Broke a pair of docs within a month. The leather and sole both ripped. Loved the style and have been wanting solovairs since you first made a comparison video. I'm here since the 10k mark lol

[@craigpimlott204]

Me too .mine split around the heels and both went across the toes ,in two months of use .couldn’t get dubbin or polish to stick to them like my old 80’s ones did .they lasted me into the early 2000’s so around twenty years ,they hadn’t split .the sole were still ok ,a bit shiney in the middle 😂😂 but still solid .then I give em a mate who was hard up ,,I thought I’d get some new ones a few months back after years of ex army boots .they were utter crap ,supposedly made in England .won’t touch Dr martens again as they weren’t cheap either ..

[@fishbiscuit2000]

Be interesting to see some of Solovairs other boots go under the band saw. They do a goodyear welted work boot in gaucho crazy horse with a commando sole that seems to be a little nearer to a PNW boot than their others. As a UK boot enthusiast PNW boots are prohibitively expensive to import, so it would be nice to see you look at more UK boots.

[@bootedcameraman6393]

Awesome video!! I have a pair of docs myself and they're not bad at all! After watching this video, I would love to own a pair of Solovairs!!

[@MyPeriwinkleSkies]

i got the solovair monkey boots after watching your reviews! so far i really like them. the online shopping experience was amazing-- i'm living in Japan, and they shipped directly from england to my apartment with free international shipping!! not many other companies do that, so i was instantly a huge fan maybe there's no point because there aren't enough differences, but i'm curious to see different styles from the same brand cut in half and compared!! i'm itching to see the monkey boot style cut in half haha

[@martinsmith1525]

Great clip, enjoyed that. I have several pairs of Solovair boots and love them, for me personally, far better then docs. Thank you for making that clip and would love to see the comparison with made in England docs. 🙂👍

[@ek-nz]

I have Solovairs from Vegetarian Shoes in Brighton. Worn them for years on end. No trade work, but lots of walking. I wore through the counter cover, the lining and the midsole (you can see light through the bottom of the boot through the translucent soles) but can still wear the boots just fine. The uppers are nearly perfect still, the soles are slick but not worn through to the cavities. I replace the insoles as I wear holes in them, and the boots are probably the best I’ve ever had. They’re not leather, but they breathe well and are extremely durable.

[@successivedestinies7215]

Thank you for your effort. Will you please think about breaking down the Russell Moccasin boot please?

[@zombis89fisto]

I’m glad your videos helped me choose the right footwear. Plus I got solovairs since the quality is definitely superior than docs and plus they look cool in a classy way.

[@SPARTANTROOPER]

Bought a pair of these because I wanted a sturdy boot that was still made in the UK, they're super comfortable and durable.

[@FozziesRandomReviews]

I visited the factory and bought some boots. Started talking to the guy sitting next to me and it turned out to be Ivor. Most genuine and down to earth business owner I’ve met. Worth visiting if you’re nearby as the factory seconds are great value too 😊

[@gregsprouse6552]

Thanks for always doing the best reviews! Also, what is better with Solovair is that they have half sizes for a better fit.

[@szymonelantkowski3237]

Awesome content!

[@saramiller9529]

I have just sold a few doc martens that I can’t fit into, and my worn out used ones sell for $30 or more. However, I got a pair of Solovairs last year to replace a pair of Docs, it took a couple of months, but I love them. The leather even after just a couple of months is still impeccable where Docs already show slight issues. They get more comfortable with wearing. One other issue with Solovair is, because they are not mass produced, is you may have to wait for the next batch in your size.

[@adhunt1]

I got some Solovairs because of your initial review. Great boots! The sole of one did come apart early on, however. To their credit they covered what it cost to have it reglued locally, but that was a bit of a pain

[@Cauldronofbats666]

I had the same thing happen with mine but they only offered 15% off a new pair. I had them re glued and they’ve been amazing ever sense.

[@borjasaz6611]

I had to return many pairs because they come bad welt, and with cracks in the union of upper and low sole, very visible in a lantern light.

[@sergiotlx]

Ludwig Wittgenstein.

[@Molach101]

I bought my Dad (now in his 60s) a pair of their full grain chukka boots for Christmas and I don't think he has taken them off. Very easy to maintain too. I use Solovair's own brand of dubbin. The full grain leather on those chukkas is a kind of oiled leather it seems, but different to the greasy & crazy horse leathers

[@Sveinbeard]

I am a 62 year old long time Dr Marten wearer...since I was 18. The quality has obviously suffered, but I have persevered with the brand. Until now.......my first pair of Solovair Gibson/1461 shoes has arrived (thanks to this channel). Gaucho Crazy Horse finish. I took the advice from Solovair by ordering a half size down, sadly they are too small and I am returning them to exchange for my true size. Really looking forward to wearing them.

[@96111thomas]

Forgot to buy from the link but this video helped me decide on buying a pair, if I like them I’ll be sure to send them a DM, thanks for the excellent content!

[@them9539]

I love my solovairs! I got them a size up and use gel insoles they're perfect

[@WS102]

I'm wearing Solovair Oxblood Red Chukka boots right now and they're fantastic. Just one pair of many shoes that I have from Solovair and they're fantastic. I couldn't believe how quickly they shipped when I ordered them. I got them within a week to California.

[@indianajones5660]

Keep up the good work man!

[@artemvi]

Wow. Never heard about solovair. Thanks for another great video.

[@cinges]

Just bought Solovair few months ago and the feeling during unboxing was amazing.. Like I'm back in 90's.. Truly love them and I threw my old Martens to trash... I love the feeling that I can have same old boots for more than 5 years.. I only miss motorcycle boots from them :)

[@actontreadway1168]

yeah I have a pair of solovairs in gaucho leather and they're great. I think I'd rather have a purple pair or something more interesting now, but they're well built and have been great for almost two years. Not really hard or constant wear, but there aren't any issues with them falling apart and they do feel like real boots... but softer in the sole.

[@archamian]

33 years ago My first pair of Docs were from England and were fantastic and lasted 10 years with a couple resoles. I bought an asian made pair and they lasted 13 months before the sole cracked. I got them re-soled once and the stitching crumbled after another year. Found Solovair and it was like having that first pair of Docs all over again. On my 2nd resole with the same pair and after almost 10 years the leather is starting to fail in the heel. Great boots.

[@raymcd4543]

Excellent and informative video!!!! I’d give Solovair the edge because of their quality, but Dr Martens when feeling a bit of 1980’s nostalgia!!!! I’ve got quite a few pairs of Solovair and Gripfast boots, also quite a few 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s Dr Martens with some being Dr Martens made by Solovair which I think are top quality!!!! I would love to see the recent Made In England Dm vs Solovair to see which you think is better!!!!

[@RideBonesSwiss]

great video like always

[@Ramikin]

I would love to see a further comparison of the NPS gripfasts. The soles are entirely different and on mine at least there is no internal counter cover - instead there is another layer of leather on the outside heel of the boot, and the steel toe is treated the same. It would really round off the doc martens like series!

[@timothyvoorhees4176]

Definitely interested in seeing how they compare to the Made in England Docs! I would also love to see a English boot company shoot, similar to what you have done with Pacific Northwest boots. Boots like Trickers and others.

[@Count_Smackula]

Great video! I'd like to see you bisect one of their full grain leather boots, like the dealer, the hiker, or one of their gripfast.

[@randomcommenter7343]

I bought some Solovair 8-eye shearling lined boots to wear for winter, and while I do have the complaint that there isn't a removable, replaceable shearling insole, otherwise they've been very good boots so far. What I find interesting and definitely wasn't expecting is how well their crazy horse leather retains a shine. When I got them I used a bit of mink oil to condition them and just a little bit of brown polish to make the shade of brown more warm and reddish, and ever since then all I've had to do is give them a little brush-off with a horsehair brush and they're back to having a shine. Even after getting cobered in snow, scuffed, or dirty in salt residue and mud, all I have to do is brush them off and they look almost as good as new with a decent patina. Not glossy, but very smooth with a nice shine. I own multiple pairs of docs and while they're not difficult to maintain, they do seem to require a bit more care and attention if you want to keep them looking "nice" (unless you prefer the wear-and-tear look of very well-used boots, which some people do).

[@avgeek-and-fashion]

Just like many other commenters, I bought a pair of Solovairs after your first videos on this subject. Great boots! I have the 8 hole ones for summer. The left boot creaked a lot when I broke them, and still does occasionally. Do any of you know why this is? I'd really like it to stop completely. Other than that, they are awesome, just like the old DrM's used to be!

[@dorijansokol5267]

I see you really like making videos about Dr. Martens and potential equivalents, there is a company from EU, Slovenia I think, called Steel Shoes and Boots that has been making the same style of boot but on a smaller scale so maybe you could look into that. Love your vids man, keep up the good work!

[@bsythdd4754]

i bought my first pair of solovair because of you!

[@chrisbolton5461]

Great video. Solovair are fantastic boots and the company are brilliant to deal with too. Got numerous pairs which I rotate to allow them to dry out. Last for years if treated well. Can put a leather insole in too for even better wearability. Great info on their site re lasts used etc. Also do Astronaut and Gripfast boots amongst others. Give them a try, you will not regret it. UK made too.

[@gabriel09132]

I wish I had heard of these when I went through my Goth period. I had found a really durable basic GP boot called WoodWorld and had a folded stitched in tongue. the shank broke before anything else. became a bit uncomfortable to wear once the shank went but ultimately were destroyed by a 6mnth old pup. Don’t leave your boots at the back door guys.

[@richardjenkins9552]

First solovair experience today, excellent customer experience and amazingly comfortable shoes that seem very well made.

[@IanBuell]

I had docs made in the mid 90s, when I was a teenager. I’ve bought them since and they’ve never seemed to mold to my feet like they used to. Why is that? Will Solovair boots do that now and “bring back that loving feeling” I’ve been missing for so long???? Love your videos and the explanations!

[@jungi001]

I originally wanted to get myself some Dr Martens but because of your prior videos I decided to get some Solovairs about 2 years ago. They have been quite painful to break in for about a week but later on they got really comfortable. I have used them a loooot the last 2 years since it pretty much is the only boot/shoe that I use in spring and fall and even the last winter and they hold up very well. Yes they already look pretty used and covering of the leather now starts to have some cracks and also the soles already are pretty run down but overall I think that's a pretty good result until now. I guess I can use them another year for sure but maybe after that I would need a replacement.

[@JamesRakestraw]

I watched your video on these years back and I got a pair of the Dealer or Chelsea style boots and I love them. A good alternative to docs and keeps that timeless style. 50 extra is fine and you don’t look like a sucker with those yellow stitches lol.