I’m currently looking for new (or 2nd hand) boots to get and was wondering whether anyone here had experience with Solovair in particular or could recommend other ones available in the EU.
Bit late to the party, but something to be aware of if you’re buying Solovair. I have a pair of astronaut boots, had them for about 20 months, worn them almost daily and I need to get them resoled now. I went to my local cobblers and they said they don’t do Solovair, they just do glue jobs. I went to Solovair (I’m local to their factory) and they said that they’re currently doing so much business that they’re not able to offer resoling. They provided details of two webshops (keycobbler.co.uk and bootrepaircompany.co.uk) who do offer this service, but that involves sending them off for weeks and weeks. So I’m going to need to buy a second pair of boots to wear while my first pair are out for repair. And the resole is a significant chunk of the original boot cost: I spent under £170 on the boots, and they’re going to cost £70 to resole plus shipping.
I’m still going to do it, I love them and I’d have spent a similar amount on trainers in the same period just through wear and tear, but it’s not particularly a money saver or a convenience.
I guess that when I do have two pairs I’ll be able to rotate them daily so this will be something that comes up every four years rather than every two.
Redwings, had a pair last 5+ years of 16 hr days. Re-soled and wore them another 5 years before throwing them out
uuu thx for the suggestion, might buy some of these for more fem outfits
They don’t seem to be fem imo, but whatever. Don’t forget to go with steel toe. Also they quadrupled on price over 20 years.
I would recommend avoiding steel toe unless you specifically need that protection. Steel toe boots are generally less comfortable than non-steel toe, especially for things like hiking.
Boots, like tires and lightbulbs, are consumables.
agree, but some parts last longer than others and I’d prefer to be able to replace the soles for example or for them to hold as long as possible
I’d you have a local cobbler/shoemaker you might want to ask them. I would expect them to be able to tell you what to get if you want them to repair it.
No footwear is truly buy it for life, but if you get something resoleable with a goodyear welt you can get more life out of the footwear.
Redwing, Solovair, and Danner are examples of companies that offer some of their boots made in this way, but there are a number of other companies out there.
I love my redwings.
I’ve had a few pairs of Solovair boots. Good quality and durable. My only complaint is it takes a while to work them in. I absolutely love their leather insoles. I’d buy another pair without much consideration, when I need my next pair.
thx for the insight, I was thinking about getting a proper lineup of shoes for day to day life and Solovair is pretty high up the list for me
I’ve easily walked a couple 100 miles in the Seattle weather with the 8 holes. They have stood up really well. I wear the 3 holes mostly these days. I don’t bus commute and walk as much.
