NPS Shoes

Maker

About

NPS Shoes Ltd. is a British footwear manufacturer best known for producing Solovair boots and shoes using traditional Goodyear welted construction. Established in 1881 as the Northamptonshire Productive Society, NPS operates from its historic factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, where it has maintained continuous production for over 140 years.[1][2] The company gained prominence through a 35-year partnership manufacturing Dr. Martens branded footwear before launching its independent Solovair brand in 1994.[1][2]

History

Origins and Early Growth

NPS was founded in 1881 when five men in the village of Wollaston banded together to form a worker-owned co-operative called the Northamptonshire Productive Society.[2] The company secured its initial financial stability through a government contract for army boots.[2] The co-operative model proved successful, and by the turn of the 20th century, NPS had expanded to employ 80 workers.[2]

In 1899, the growing company moved to a larger purpose-built factory on South Street, which remains its manufacturing location to this day.[2] The factory underwent significant expansions in 1907 and 1951 to accommodate increased production capacity.[2]

Dr. Martens Partnership

In 1959, NPS began a relationship with R. Griggs and Company Ltd. that would define much of its modern history.[2] The company started manufacturing footwear featuring the air-cushioned sole technology developed by Dr. Klaus Maertens, producing boots marketed as "Dr Martens by Solovair" under licence.[1][2] This partnership lasted for 35 years, during which NPS became an integral part of the Dr. Martens production network.[1]

Independent Brand Development

NPS registered the Solovair trademark independently in 1994, establishing its own branded footwear line while continuing contract manufacturing for other brands.[1][2] By the early 2000s, the company faced financial difficulties and received offers for property development.[2] In 2006, Ivor Tilley purchased NPS with the support of its workers, preserving both the factory and local employment while maintaining the company's commitment to handmade production standards.[2]

Manufacturing

NPS Shoes specializes in Goodyear welted construction, a traditional shoemaking method that produces durable, resoleable footwear.[3] The company operates from its factory at 2 Holyoake Road in Wollaston, Northamptonshire.[3] Despite the introduction of modern machinery for efficiency, the fundamental manufacturing processes have remained consistent at the facility for over a century.[3]

The production process is organized into four main areas: the Clicking Room for material cutting, the Closing Room for shoe assembly, the Levelling/Making Room for shaping and construction, and the Shoe Room for final finishing.[3] This division of labor reflects traditional British shoemaking practices that combine mechanization with skilled handcraft.[3]

Product Lines and Brands

NPS manufactures footwear under multiple brand names. Its primary brands include NPS, Solovair, and Gripfast Originals.[3] The company also serves as a contract manufacturer for several other footwear brands, including Gripfast, George Cox, Vegetarian Shoes, Grinders, and Tredair.[1]

The company maintains regional e-commerce operations serving the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Japan, and other international markets.[3] NPS operates retail locations in both Wollaston and Northampton.[1]