NPS Shoes

In 1881, five men from Wollaston formed a cooperative called the Northamptonshire Productive Society (NPS) to produce footwear. By the early 20th century, NPS had grown to 80 employees and moved to a purpose-built factory on South Street in 1899. This factory continues to operate as the company's base.

From 1959 until the mid-1990s, NPS produced Dr. Martens boots under license, using Solovair sole technology. In 1995, NPS trademarked the Solovair name and began manufacturing its own line of air-cushioned footwear.

In the early 2000s, NPS faced potential closure but was acquired in 2006 by Ivor Tilley, a local resident who purchased the company.

NPS Shoes utilizes traditional shoemaking methods, including Goodyear welt construction for all footwear produced at its Wollaston factory. The manufacturing process covers tasks such as cutting leather, stitching uppers, lasting, and attaching soles.

The company manufactures footwear using European bovine leather and air-cushioned soles. NPS Shoes has also developed plant-based vegan leather options and adopted water-based adhesives in select products.

NPS Shoes produces Goodyear-welted boots and shoes for men and women under the Solovair and NPS brands. The factory has also produced footwear for other companies, including Jack Wills, ASOS, John Lewis, and Vegetarian Shoes.