Solovair vs. Tredair

Solovair and Tredair boots are nearly identical, but they also have a long and illustrious past. For many years, Solovair—whose name translates to “Sole Of Air”—made Dr. Martens in Northamptonshire, England. They were marketed back then as “Dr. Martens of Solovair.” On the other hand, Tredair was also marketed in the past as “Dr. Martines of Tredair.”

Although Solovair hasn’t taken off in the United States the way Dr. Martens Tredair has, many people believe that Solovair is the true Dr. Martens since Solovair continued to produce boots even after Dr. Martens terminated connections with them and transferred most of their production to Asia. They began producing and marketing boots under the brand Solovair, similar to Dr. Martens Tredair they once produced at their factory.

Is that clear? Solovair continued to produce boots for Dr. Martens Tredair after they stopped paying them to manufacture the shoes abroad. Which is better between Solovair and Tredair? Let’s compare the two brands in detail.

Solovair vs. Tredair: Outsole

Solovair

It has significant padding below the heel and less under the toes
The outsole is more rigid than that of Tredair
Resoleable
Rubber outsole
Wood shank

Solovair shoes have a less bouncy rubber outsole. In comparison to Tredair, the remainder of the boot is built with less cushioning under the toe and more cushioning under the heel.

However, it’s important to remember that Solovairs do have a shank. Because it is composed of wood rather than steel, it is more likely to shatter over time if the sole is severely bent.

It’s generally agreed that Solovairs shoes are more comfortable than Tredair when you spend the entire day with them. In addition, the boot’s form lasts longer.

On the other hand, the Solovairs’ non-yellow “welt” stitch is ornamental. The item holding everything together is the second stitch that is concealed on the inside. But the key takeaway is that the Solovairs shoes are fixable.

Solovair has a stiffer sole than its competitors. Still, its footbed foam is of higher quality, its arch support is significantly better, its stability is excellent, and it can be resoled.

Tredair

Cork midsole
Hard to resole
No shank
Polyurethane foam insole
Rubber outsole

The sole that is used to make Tredair is renowned. It’s the most favorite aspect of the boot. The outsole of Tredair is made from rubber that is soft but not overly soft. It has a shock absorption feature.

Tredair Shoes aren’t ideal for all-day usage or prolonged wear because there is no shank, and the footbed is constructed of polyurethane foam that degrades over time. Many individuals claim they are trouble-free, but the factory workers and those who stand all day often report that Tredair doesn’t effectively prevent foot discomfort like well-made, more expensive boots do.

Tredair’s outsoles cannot be genuinely replaced. Although the boots are promoted as having the Goodyear welt, that is not the case. While heat-sewing the upper to the sole is nice, the flame-heated process makes resoling exceedingly challenging.

In conclusion, the sole of Tredair shoes is lovely and soft and provides excellent shock absorption, but it isn’t ideal for people who stand all day.

Solovair vs. Tredair: Aesthetics

Eight eyelets
Bouncy rubber sole
Glossy grain leather
Solovair is snobbier and glossier
Tredair has yellow stitches
Vibrant pull tab

Both pairs of shoes are quite similar. They have eight pairs of eyelets, a springy rubber sole, triple lacing on the sides, and only one stitching at the counter and along the eyelets.

The Solovair has glossier leather, but they are both made of shiny, corrected grain leather, which has been smoothed down to remove the grainy complexion of full grain leather.

They vary aesthetically in that the Solovairs shoes have a snobbier appearance, and the stitching is considerably more subdued. Many men find the more subdued stitching of Solovairs to be more adaptable since they dislike the Tredair’s recognizable bright yellow embroidery.

However, some males believe purchasing a pair of boots like Tredair is nearly entirely for the yellow stitching. Each boot’s stitching along the sole has a distinct function.

Solovair vs. Tredair: Sizing

The lack of half sizes at Tredair is among the company’s most unexpected characteristics. It is arguably the most well-known boot brand on the planet, yet they don’t offer half sizes. The brand advises scaling down from one full size to half size to discover your fit.

Although Solovair’s brand employs British sizing, it does offer half sizes. That means that the size you see in your confirmation email will be the British size. The good news is that their website will provide you with two options.

Your genuine size in the US is often one full size smaller than your British size. In a nutshell, both Solovair and Tredair fit in the same size.

Solovair vs Tredair: Leather

Both smooth and glossy
Solovair sources leather from European tanneries and cattle
Solovair’s leather is thicker and more robust

The leather on the Solovair is “hi-shine” and “greasy.”Tredair doesn’t mention much about where their leather comes from. The fact that Solovair guarantees that their leather is created from the European tanneries and cattle will impress purists who believe that it is made in England, or at least made in Europe.

Both types of leather have rectified grain, which means they are wonderfully smooth to the touch. However, the Solovairs leather is more durable. The leather of the Solovair has greater integrity than the Tredair, which has loose fiber structures and a “floppier” feel. However, Solovair’s boot leather is stronger and less plastic. Remember, neither of these give instances of great boot leather since they are more difficult to break into, but it will be worth it in the long term.

Solovair vs Tredair: Pros and Cons

Here are the main benefit of the two shoe brands;