Are Solovair comfy?

[SecretVictoria]

Hi, I’ve had 2 pairs of DM brougues. I knew they’d be a bit of work to break in, but one pair I’ve had for 7 years and they still rub and take most of the skin off my heels. I’m going to sell both soon.

I was looking at Solovair, I’m starting a new job soon and we have to dress smart for the induction (no jeans/trainers). I live in trainers normally when not at work, I wear safety shoes there and will do in my new role.

I was looking at the loafers and 8-eye boots both for this induction and as an alternative to trainers now and again. I don’t have big feet (size 3.5/4 depending on shoe) but they are wide (F/G fitting) and shoes are generally a nightmare for me. Anyone any experience who can advise?

I bought the 8 eye last year and wore it almost daily in autumn and winter. Same this year. I wore it for a trip to New York where I spent the whole week walking around. Regular shoes I’m a size 4 and I followed their sizing instructions. It was a little too big but actually preferred that as I wear thick socks. Definitely buy a couple sizes to see which will fit better but Solovairs are waaay more comfortable than DM’s - for me anyway.

I've got their Gibson shoes and some 6-eye boots that they made for Toast and they were both instantly comfortable. Their monkey boots, on the other hand took about 18 months to feel right although they're fine now. I bought my usual size every time

Yes, 8-eyes were instantly comfortable and required no breaking in. Same as @SwearyBetty, tiny bit too big but that left space for thick socks.

I think the 8 eye derby boots are wide fitting, but I found some of their other boots (astronaut and monkey) long and narrow fitting, which is the opposite of my short wide feet - so not comfy.

I haven't tried on any of their shoes so can't comment on those.

My Solovair monkey boots still hurt at least two years on - not the heels, though, under the tongue - to the point I am considering selling them, though I love how they look. My docs shredded my heels for a short while but are now super comfy. I think it depends on your feet as much as the brand.

Yes that's what I had! It felt like there was a lump under the tongue. I'd bought them in their factory 'seconds' shop at a big discount so I'd assumed they were faulty and it was just the luck of the draw but maybe it's a feature? They're absolutely fine now though and I've had them 5 or 6 years.

My 8 eye derby boots were comfortable straight from the box, the are slightly too big but I bought the leather solovair insoles and they fit perfect now and the insoles make extremely comfortable underfoot.

Thank you all! I think I’ll go for the 8-eye and a pair of loafers ☺️

They have different lasts that they use to shape different shoes they make. Read their FAQs about sizing - you can see which is the wide last (if that's what you need) and then check the ones you want are made using that template. I sympathise - I bought Docs dolly shoes years ago and they shredded my ankles.

@Floisme Oh that's encouraging! Did you do anything in particular to fix the tongue issue (other than stoic perseverance?)