Solovair /NPS. NPS shoes are know for their goodyear welt technology and use it in all their shoe production, this particular technique is needed to fix the Solovair sole onto "Soft Sole Suspension" boots and shoes. Shoe manufacturer R. Griggs Group Ltd. had the patent to produce Dr.Marten boots but not the technology so in 1960 Griggs and NPS collaborated to create a boot using a Solovair sole and a Griggs boot, the result was the now iconic Dr. Marten boot. The first pair leaving the NPS factory in 1960. NPS Shoes continued to make Dr. Marten boots and shoes under licence until the mid 90's. They patented the name Solovair in 1995 and now make their own air cushioned boot using the same lasts and leather cutters and machines used to create the first original Dr. Marten suspension soles in the UK.Solovair incluye la confortable tecnología “Air Cushion”NPS Shoes Ltd was founded in 1881, at the height of the industrial revolution, as one of the worlds original footwear manufacturers. The company was formed as a workers cooperative, Northamptonshire Productive Society, and was the oldest of its type in the UK up until 2006. Although no longer a cooperative the employees and craftsmen maintain the original skills and ethics dating back over 125 years.