Anyone remember when Doc’s were still being made in England? I bought these in the mid 90’s I think. Is the quality still any good?glass_harp t1_jdgqjhq wrote
Solovair is the company that used to make Docs back in the day. They still have the same models and are hand manufactured by a small company in England. Quality is amazing and the leather looks premium. Much better than current plastic leather Docs. Got my pair of Solovair Gibsons some time ago upgrading from 1461s and they are the best shoes I had in a long time!
glass_harp t1_jdgqocb wrote
One more thing: they are actually sewn together (not welded/glued like Docs) and therefore you can resole them. They even offer the replacements and service themselves.
Muncie4 t1_jdh5o01 wrote
You can resole Dr. Martens and they are actually sewn together, Solovair are just attached more traditionally.
glass_harp t1_jdhf9gx wrote
Yeah, ask a cobbler to resole your Docs. Good luck! I asked at least five different cobblers and nobody was willing to resole Docs.
Muncie4 t1_jdhjnsc wrote
They are more challenging, but with the interwebs, all things are possible.
77tassells t1_jdhxeuu wrote
They are melted on and the welt is fake. it can be done. I’ve definitely seen videos, but from what I’ve read most cobblers won’t do it.
Muncie4 t1_jdi0w34 wrote
Please don't. It is a version of a blind welt.
GenerousStray t1_jdgzovl wrote
Just search for "Solovair" on reddit and see tons of posts with problems, even on this subred:
https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/11rnclw/dropped_a_can_of_soda_on_my_solovairs/
https://www.reddit.com/r/BIFLfails/comments/ynrf0f/solovair_boots_split_after_a_week_of_wear/
https://www.reddit.com/r/nps_solovair/comments/yxapj1/solovairbuyer_beware/
Meanwhile I have Docs which everyone loves to hate on these days and wear them since I bought like 4 years ago and don't have a single complaint
77tassells t1_jdhxkfr wrote
There’s a rose anvil video comparing the 2 boots. The construction is indeed better on the solovairs. It doesn’t mean people won’t have issues though.
glass_harp t1_jdhf1zk wrote
I have had a pair of 1461s for the last 8 years and they are perfectly fine. When I purchased a new pair 3 years ago, they only lasted me 1.5 years and literally fell apart. No hate on the brand, just suggesting an alternative. Just telling by the quality of leather and stitching I feel this is a more premium product in comparison. Time will tell whether it translates to durability.
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