Wet and wintery weather means it’s time to pull out the Wellington boots! I recently invested in not just one, but TWO pairs of Merry People sustainable wellies because I love them so much.
I wear them even when it’s not raining!
Merry People is an Australian rainwear label designed by ex-corporate girl Danielle Holloway. Holloway wanted more fashion-forward ladies’ wellingtons to keep her feet dry (and stop her shoes from getting damaged) on her way to work in winter – and when she couldn’t find them she decided to design her own! They aren’t just for winter either. In the UK, her ankle rain boots are the perfect stylish solution to that year-long drizzle.
These fashionable wellies are made from sustainable materials, support renewable resources leading to fewer fossil fuels, and are great for the rugged terrains of the rolling hills of the UK.
I’ve bought many different women’s wellingtons over the years, from cheap Argos-style rain boots to expensive Hunter wellies. For Wellington boots for women, Merry People boots are not cheap from €91,95 EUR including shipping (and a Merry People discount code or sale almost never happens) – but they are my hands-down favourite rain boots for ladies and kids!
I justify the price because they’re ankle Wellington boots that I can wear year in and year out and in all seasons. I’ve bought designer rain boots that are double or triple the price before, so the cost-per-wear of Merry People rain boots makes it a no-brainer investment.
MERRY PEOPLE UK – BOBBI WELLINGTON BOOT REVIEW
Here are the main reasons why I love my Merry People Bobbi boots:
- The Bobbi rubber boots are 100% waterproof with a cotton lining;
- With all natural materials, including natural cork, the exterior of these waterproof boots provides insulation as well as protection;
- They are warm and cosy inside thanks to organic cotton and eco-friendly materials;
- They come with a removable neoprene insole so that you can (slightly) adjust your sizing;
- The sustainable footwear also comes with a cushy 4mm neoprenene (wetsuit material) lining;
- A sustainable natural rubber is used to reduce carbon emissions;
- The sustainable rain boots are 100% vegan – made of vegan leather or natural rubber and with vegan glue;
- The gum boots offer more arch support than your standard variety. I have worn them all day out and about for long comfortable walks, and I’ve even heard of people wearing them to work in hospital wards while standing on their feet all day!
The short Wellington boots are easy to pull on and pull off, with a cotton ring pull at the back of each boot. No more wrestling with getting boots off your feet!
On the other hand, they fit well so that they don’t slip off your feet in the mud. Perfect for muddy walks and as festival boots!
They are light, so your feet aren’t weighed down by chunky clunky boots.
They are colourful wellies as they come in a range of colours to cheer up your day and to match any outfit.
I have been told that you can wear the Merry People Bobbi boots in the snow as they are 100% waterproof and warm. No wet feet! I’ve not tried it myself as I more often wear waterproof hiking boots or snow boots in the snow. Just note the grip is not made for snow though.
Merry People has also started extending their rainwear to Kids Wellington Boots, raincoats and umbrellas in collaboration with the brand Blunt Umbrellas.
WHAT DO OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF MERRY PEOPLE WELLIES?
I obviously rate Merry People Bobbi boots highly, but I also asked the #TOTSquad (on Facebook) for their opinions on Bobbi Wellington boots (AKA ‘gumboots’ in Australia). Here are their Merry People boots reviews of honest and best experiences::
I have the yellow gumboots too! They’re amazing for all my family’s outdoor activities! I’ve worn them every day – Tennille
I was tossing between Hunters and Merry People till I saw a pair of supposedly gumboots by Country Road on sale. Bought and regret the purchase. Not comfortable and the water puddles get into my shoes should have stick to Merry People – Dorothy
Yes, I have the black and these ones and love them both! The perfect weekend boot! – Stefanie
I have green short gumboot and love them. I can’t get over how warm they are either! – Narelle
I love them, just can’t justify the price tag – Brianna
They are just the best for rainy weather, and the low environmental impact is great too – Amy
Cost per wear is how I justify it! Every time it rains, when I’m gardening… They’re just the best gumboots – TOT: Hot or Not
I am waiting for them to come out in blue. – Georgina
Want a pair, just can’t decide on the colour! – Nicole
Love my mustards!! – Carly
Still have questions? Here are my answers to some commonly asked FAQs:
Are there any stores where I can try on Merry People rain boots?
If you’re looking for Merry People Wellington boots in the UK, they don’t have many physical retail stockists (find your closest retailer here) so you’re most likely going to have to buy the boots online. Fortunately, they ship to the UK, though you will need to pay customs duty and taxes.
What size should I order? Bobbi Wellington boots size guide
It can be difficult to know what size Merry People boots to buy when you can only purchase them online and can’t try them on in person. Sizing for the Bobbi Boots ranges from EU 36 (UK 3) to EU 45 (UK 12).
Merry People recommends going for a size that’s true to your standard shoe size, rather than sizing up or down. In general, I agree that the Bobbi Boots are true to size, with some conditions based on my own experience.
In most shoes, I’m usually an EU 38 (UK 5), narrow to a standard fit. Merry People’s size chart shows measurements so you can compare their boots to an existing pair of shoes you already own.
Because I *still* wasn’t sure whether I should go with EU 38 (UK 5) or EU 39 (UK 6) I bought one of each size and ended up deciding to keep them both.
In the EU 38 (UK 5) pair, I had to remove the insole to make it fit more comfortably on my slightly larger left foot. My right foot was perfect in length. I wear these boots with opaque or woollen tights or normal-thickness socks. The boots are snug without being too tight and they are wider than other shoes I own such as ballet flats or fashion boots.
In the EU 39 (UK 6) pair, I feel roomier in length and width. They’re not so big that they will fall off but I wouldn’t be walking long distances in them. However, they’re great for slipping on quickly when I’m in the garden or heading down the street or to school pickup quickly. If I wear them with very thick merino wool socks or ski socks, then they are a snug and warm fit.
I guess ideally I’d be going for an EU 38.5 (UK 5.5) but given the Bobbi Wellington boots are not for everyday wear or generally on my feet for long periods of time, I don’t feel the need to have an absolutely perfect fit.
Note that natural rubber does stretch slightly and the neoprene lining will mould to the shape and size of your foot, so the boots will adjust slightly to your feet over time.
Can I get an exchange or refund?
Don’t worry if you get the sizing wrong. Merry People offers returns and exchanges within 30 days.
You can exchange or return your order so long as the items are unworn, undamaged, in resellable condition (ie no creases or wear on soles) and in their original packaging.
So try them on at home, on carpet, before you commit.
What colours do the Bobbi Wellington Boots come in?
Merry People makes women’s rain boots in a variety of colours and classic designs – some are made to blend in and others to stand out.
Currently, the Bobbi Boots come in black, golden olive, beetroot, koala grey, mustard yellow, alpine green, orange, dusty pink and oxford blue.
I have the Bobbi yellow Wellington boots and red boots because I want colourful wellies to cheer up my grey days!
Where can you wear your Merry People boots?
I wear my Bobbi rain boots in all sorts of places!
Obviously, this durable footwear is ideal for anywhere you need to go on a rainy day (especially great for school dropoff and pickup) but also for family walks, farm visits, the zoo, camping, kids sport, the dog park and playgrounds.
They’re also the perfect festival boots.
Because they’re so easy to get on and off and so comfortable, I often wear them as winter boots even when it’s *not* raining! Their sunny colours and all organic materials make me feel happy.
At home, I use them for gardening, or simply just to hang the washing!
Are Merry People boots sustainable?
Merry People says that they use ethical practices with sustainable certifications to produce their natural rubber wellies. The vegan Wellington boots use high-quality natural rubber. The company monitors the manufacturing process to ensure that overseas workers are treated well and with fair wages.
Merry People wellies are manufactured in limited production runs to ensure that excess stock is limited. They also aim to continually improve the brand’s sustainability.
Do Merry People make kids’ Wellington boots?
Merry People kids’ rubber boots are super-cute matchy-matchy Wellington boots in heaps of colours. They are made with the same technology and functionality as the adult rain boots, with additional grip and tread on the sole.
So just like the adult boots, the kids’ Wellington boots are also a supportive and versatile product that can be worn as everyday funky wellies and can be worn in sub-zero temperatures. They are 100% vegan & ethically manufactured.
The kids’ boots sizes start from UK 4 babies (generally 1.5 years old) and go up to UK 3 kids (age 12-13 years).
Merry People Kids Wellington boots are an online exclusive only – so you won’t find them in retail and rain boots stores.
Do Merry People make other rain gear?
Merry People are rainwear specialists, so they’ve partnered with New Zealand brand BLUNT Umbrellas to create the Merry People umbrella.
The Merry People x BLUNT Metro 2.0 umbrella is compact, collapsible, and won’t break or flip inside out.
Their limited edition designs are always fun, vibrant, and come in the Merry People colours so that you can match your brolly with your wellies.
The Merry People team have also come out with a line of clogs, giving you a stylish slip-on alternative to their boots.
Basically, Merry People boots for ladies are designed to look good and keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable. They are practical and fashionable, which is why I’m happy to own two pairs!
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