deciding between DM's and Solovair
hi all! as the title says, currently weighing up a purchase for a gibson shoe and deciding between two Doc Martens options (both 1461s) and their Solovair counterpoint.
here's links:
https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/1461-smooth-leather-oxford-shoes-black/p/11838002 (119 after discount i think?)
https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/1461-mono-milled-nubuck-oxford-shoes-black/p/27672001 (71.4$)
img:
https://us.nps-solovair.com/products/s3-995-bg-g?variant=36508695461960 (199$)
pics attached in order!
factors i'm considering:
- The DM's are significantly cheaper, even though I know solovair lasts longer it feels crazy not to get the DM's, especially given I don't earn all that much rn
- Between the DM's, I'm wondering if the texture/material makes a real difference, because the images look a fair bit different, but I can't tell if that's something I'll care about when I'm wearing them? Especially looking for thoughts here
- I live in Colorado so any of these options will see a fair bit of snow, but not like heaping amounts, but definitely close to year round (and I'd probably wipe it off when I get indoors immediately). No/little salt, probably, but wondering if that validates the choice for the milled nubuck option cause it says its waterproof.
- On that note, I was looking up Solovair reviews and it said it doesn't last as long (the sole splits?) in colder climates - the only real reason to get the Solovair would be the longevity so if that is mitigated by the area I live in, maybe not worth it?
looking for thoughts/comments/recs and help deciding between these options, the Solovair is probably as expensive as I'll go so no recs above that if you are thinking of something outside of these 3! Mostly looking for this shoe to fill a gap in my current shoe selection of working with more 'formal'-ish outfits. ok thanks!!
Dr. Martens
1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes in Black | Dr. Martens
Shop 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes in Black at Dr. Martens. Free delivery on orders over $50
Dr. Martens
1461 Mono Milled Nubuck Leather Oxford Shoes in Black | Dr. Martens
Shop 1461 Mono Milled Nubuck Leather Oxford Shoes in Black at Dr. Martens. Free delivery on orders over $50
NPS Solovair US
Black Greasy Gibson Shoe | Solovair | Handmade in England
Black Greasy Gibson Shoe made of leather using Goodyear welted construction with a signature soft suspension sole. Handmade in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, England.
6 Replies
If you like the docs and they are more within your budget, I'd say get those.
I have the solovair Gibson in walnut and they are lovely. Still in the process of breaking them in but they are great quality
I did purchase it using the solovair outlet site, it was only £75. Maybe worth checking if there's a US equivalent that you can snag a good deal on
I also have doc marten combat boots and they are my dailies and are holding up well after 6 months so I still think they are good quality
Between the docs, I'm still kinda torn between whether I get the milled nubuck version or the more classic smooth leather - if anybody has any thoughts on if the textures look too diff. / weird lmk!
but thanks for that advice, that's where I'm leaning towards
hmm, good idea, will check it out - found the outlet site but wonder if it'll let me deliver to the US (maybe not for free but might be worth it for the discount)
Sole on the milled nubuck docs is weird
Go for the 1461 if you like the yellow contrast stitching, go for the Solovair greasy gibson if you don't
order placed for the Solovair greasy gibson - ty all! will hopefully be a nice addition to my (shoe wardrobe??? what do u call the shoes available to you 😭 ) : )
Shoe rack? 
good choice
good choice