Solovair/NPS
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So I don't think there's a thread for this yet…
I've been eyeing an alternative to DMs for some time and idk when/where I heard about Solovair but I figured it was high time to pull the trigger. I snagged some 11-eye Derby boots (I didn't get the 8-eye mostly because I was too impatient to wait for a restock :D).
In the end, I'm super glad I went with the 11-eye as I love the look a lot. I've had MIE DMs, made in Asia DMs, and the 'For Life' DMs and all were good but not great. These are great. The profile is not at all the same nor is the feel of the sole the same. These are an entirely different boot.
I rly like the profile and the fit on the ankle is rly fitted and the sizing is such that I ordered a 14 US when I would usually wear a 14.5 US. Just right for me.
Anyone else have something from Solovair/NPS?
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Those look rad!
I love docs, and recently picked up a pair of MIE 8-holes in black — I was super psyched to find that they started making them in UK13. It was a nice addition, bc previously the MIE 12s were just too small enough to feel uncomfortable.
It's nice to hear you like em, because I've been very tempted by the cherry ones. The MIE oxblood is lighter and they sorta look like f'n clown shoes if you have big feet like me, and I thought the slightly darker vibe of the Solovairs was a nice alternative.
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Also interesting to hear you went with a UK13, because that means they fit a bit different than Docs, which seem to run a little small. I'm a 13 Brannock, 12 in stuff like Lofgren, Viberg, Wesco etc (though I could often do a 12.5 in some).
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Ha! Here's to having big ol' feet, @popvulture
I'd suggest checking these out as (from what I've gathered) the Solovairs are a tad bit better than the MIE DMs.
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Yeah buddy — Team 'Squatch
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Hey @RoxRocks86 -they're playing your song
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Thanks for the shoutout steel!
Your boots look killer @henry_david! How was the break in process for the 11 eye derby? Almost went for them but chickened out & got the 8 eyes in greasy black and monkey boots in high shine.
I really enjoy how comfortable the soles are and haven’t experienced any foot fatigue wearing them all day even while breaking them in. The only negative thing about these boots that I can think of atm is how squeaky they are ???
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I'd say practically zero break-in on these ones, @RoxRocks86. There's a slight stiffness in the upper of my right boot that's causing a bit of rub rn and that's about it.
As for the squeak, you mean the sound made by the hi-shine leather or…? I have that in spades even though the sole is perfectly silent.
I happen to love those monkey boots of yours. How long've you had each and what're your thoughts on the greasy leather? I was majorly tempted by that.
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@RoxRocks86 – I was trying to figure out where tf I'd heard about Solovair before and now I think it's because of your posts in your workwear fits from Feb
In other words, THANK YOU! I dig these boots a bunch. -
@RoxRocks86 - great boots! i'm looking to pull the trigger on monkey boots, how did you size them ?
sizing info on solovair webshop is a bit confusing.
i'm EU42/UK8 in all red wings, 43 in new balance sneakers. monkey boots are last 493, so i guess by their sizing chart i should be ok with EU42/UK8. -
Hey @prpx
I feel ya. It took me a while to actually finally order a pair bc of sizing. Unfortunately my true size is inbetween a half size and full size. For these I went with my true full size, which is the size I normally get for boots (ie. red wings). They were slightly roomy to start but sizing down wouldn’t have been an option for my situation so I just wear slightly thicker socks or slip in a thin insole for a snug fit. They do have a pretty straight forward return/exchange policy so if things don’t work out you have that option.
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hey @RoxRocks86 - thanks a lot!
i also went with the same size as red wings, should be ok. -
update on sizing for monkey boots:
i had to return them, they are a bit shorter and a lot narrower then the red wings (IR) so i had to go half size up.
The leather on these is soft, so i feel i could break into the snug fit (uk8) but inner seam was rubbing my pinky toe.
So my experience is - with monkey boots - half size up from IR
hope this helps, since their sizing info is not helping a lot and boots are really nice -
They might work. I tried on the Oliver Spencer collaboration monkey boot last time I was London and went a size up from my usual.
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@Nkwkfld:
They might work. I tried on the Oliver Spencer collaboration monkey boot last time I was London and went a size up from my usual.
monkey boots are specific in that manner, when sized down they tend to rub on the pinky toe. i had to go with my full size to have a normal fit of the toe box.
as for astronaut boots, i went half size down, no issues.
