r/nps_solovair

This is my first pair of boots and I want them to life a long life. Am I doing something wrong? Idk if it matters but the brand is NPS.

I wanted to start a discussion and see if I’m the only one noticing this, but it feels like the newer batches of Solovair’s Greasy Leather are noticeably different compared to older pairs.

7 months ago I bought solovair greasy leather monkey boots it had a rubbery feel almost felt like some type of coating noticed it was actually peeling before I put them on I done research I talked to solovair I got a bad batch of leathers thats a known problem i got a refund.

Many months later i noticed that the new solovair comando boots in greasy leather looked different less matte more glossy i messaged solovair the greasy leather problem was fixed i ordered the boots I was so confused when i got my order the greasy leather batches aren't just fixed there different more glossy matte no rubbery feel anymore maybe I got another bad batch anyway here's a picture between the old greasy leather with the monkey boots and the new greasy leather the new greasy leather you can see imperfections on the lether i never used dubbin yet.

Got my first pair of solovairs (and leather boots in general) :D

I bought a UK 4 based on their sizing guide and it fits EXACTLY with some thin socks. My right pinky may be freakishly longer than the left, cause she felt some pain after 3 minutes in trying them on. Leftie was fine lol.

I’m wondering if I should exchange for a 4.5 or 5, or if this will sort itself out after the leather relaxes.

I live in Japan so I feel like it might be a bit of a hassle exchanging. Does anyone have any input on sizing? 🤔

Been working on learning to Resole boots and had a pair of platform 1940s that I got cheap because the sole was splitting. I decided to completely rebuild them with a triple stitched veg tan storm welt (Double stitched inside and single outside), then I removed all foam and felt material and replaced it with thick veg tan and added a steel shank. Then I contact cemented (Barge Superstik) a veg tan midsole and stitched that as well (that’s what the second line of yellow stitch is doing). Last I bonded a Solovair commando sole (didn’t like the softness of the brown gumlight). I’m working on a workaround for the groove trimmer as I don’t have a finishing station or the attachment (any tips for a diy workaround would be sick) but in the meantime I just belt sanded it smooth and added edge finish by Fieblings. I’m contemplating removing the upper’s coating and changing the color to burgundy but I still need to finish the second boot. Still a work in progress. Think I did okay.

Hi Guys,

So I just received a pair of solovair greasy 11 eye derbys from the factory seconds outlet. Obviously I knew there was going to be a fault somewhere. I was secretly hoping it wasn't going to be the dreaded toe dents, but it is. My question is do you guys think that these will get worse with time and more prominent or stay the same? I can sort of deal with how they are at the moment, but I've seen pictures on here of people's year or two year old greasy derbys with a proper moose knuckle in the toe and that is not something that I want.

I received a pair of NPS Heritage Gibsons today. Great shoes, but the sizing is incredibly confusing.

I'm usually about a UK 9.5 in sneakers. It can be half a size higher or lower, depending on the brand.

I got the Gibsons in size 9, as the website recommended going a half size down

I can fit a finger in the back of the shoes, but it's quite firm. When walking around, my heel moves a reasonable amount, but it does not come out of the shoe, and the shoes do not come off my feet. I can kick without the shoes, feeling even remotely like they're going to come off

The next available size is 8, which I feel like should be okay, and I am tempted to try, but not sure whether getting an insole/heel liner would be better.

But then, looking at the sizing guide, apparently my feet would be too small for even a UK 6. I'd say both my feet are about 26.5cm with socks, so add on about 5mm as per the website for 27cm. A UK 6 is apparently for a 27.2cm foot... On the Clarks sizing guide a UK 9 is 27.2cm, which fits my usual shoe experience correctly. I'm aware Solovair uses unisex sizing, so they run larger, but I cannot believe 3 sizes lower than usual would be correct