Solovair Sizing Guide: How They Fit vs Dr Martens

How Solovair Boots Fit

Solovair boots are Made in England at the NPS factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire. They fit differently from Dr Martens, differently from George Cox, and differently from whatever high-street shoes you are used to. This guide tells you exactly what to expect so you order the right size the first time.

We have fitted thousands of customers in Solovair boots at our Camden Town shop. If you are buying online and unsure, this is the advice we would give you in person.

General Sizing

Solovair runs true to UK sizing. If you are a UK 9, buy a UK 9. Unlike standard Dr Martens, which run slightly large and are often recommended a half size down, Solovair does not require you to adjust.

Solovair also offers half sizes across most of its range — something Dr Martens does not do in its standard line. If you are a UK 8.5, you can actually buy a UK 8.5. This alone eliminates the most common sizing complaint about lace-up boots.

Width

Solovair boots tend to fit medium width. They are not as wide as Grinders and not as narrow as Loake. If you have a wider foot, the greasy leather range is more forgiving — the oils in the leather allow it to stretch slightly during break-in. The hi-shine range is stiffer and less accommodating of wider feet.

If you have particularly narrow feet, Solovair may feel slightly roomy in the toe box. A thicker insole can help — we stock insoles in the shop and online.

Solovair vs Dr Martens Sizing

This is the question we get asked most. Here is the direct comparison:

Dr Martens standard: Run slightly large. Whole sizes only. Size down if between sizes. Wide toe box. Stiff break-in.

Solovair: Run true to UK size. Half sizes available. Medium width. Firmer out of the box, but moulds to the foot over time.

If you wear a UK 9 in Dr Martens, try a UK 9 in Solovair. If you sized down in Dr Martens (e.g. you are a 9.5 wearing a 9), order your true size in Solovair — a 9.5.

For the full brand comparison beyond sizing, read our Solovair vs Dr Martens article.

Break-In Period

Solovair boots are firmer out of the box than standard Dr Martens. The first day or two can feel stiff — the thick leather and Goodyear welted sole do not flex immediately. This is normal and it is a sign of quality, not a sizing problem.

By the end of the first week, the leather insole begins to compress and conform to the shape of your foot. By week two or three, the boot feels different — it fits your foot specifically, not generically. This moulding process is one of the main advantages of Goodyear welted construction and something cemented boots cannot replicate.

Do not be tempted to buy a larger size to skip the break-in. A Solovair that feels snug on day one will feel perfect on day fourteen. A Solovair that feels comfortable on day one will feel loose on day fourteen.

For more on break-in, read our guide: How to Break In Leather Boots Without Destroying Them.

Specific Styles

8-Eye Derby: The most popular Solovair. True to size, medium width. The standard recommendation for most buyers.

6-Eye: Same last as the 8-eye, just shorter. Same sizing applies.

11-Eye and 14-Eye: Same last, taller shaft. Consider whether you want the shaft to fit snugly around your calf — if your calves are larger, the taller boots may feel tight at the top when fully laced.

Dealer (Chelsea): Runs true to size. The elasticated gusset does most of the fitting work. If you are between sizes, size down — a loose Chelsea boot is worse than a snug one.

Steel Toe: The steel cap takes up slightly more room in the toe box. Some customers find they need a half size up in steel-toe models. Try before committing if possible.

When in Doubt

Come to the shop. We are at 5 Kentish Town Road, Camden Town — two minutes from the tube. Nick will measure your foot, fit you in the boot, and tell you honestly whether it is right.

If you cannot visit, email us before ordering. Tell us your UK shoe size, what brand you normally wear, and whether your feet are wide or narrow. We will recommend the right Solovair size.

Browse the full Solovair range.