Sometimes a spark of inspiration can come from the most mundane of situations. For Merry People founder Danielle Pearce, it was on her daily office commute in Melbourne’s irregular weather. It was then and there she decided it was time those in the corporate world deserved a pair of comfortable, quality everyday boots that were both 100 per cent waterproof and stylish. “Growing up in South Gippsland, Victoria, I was familiar with just how useful gumboots can be, but I couldn’t find a pair that bridged the gap between city and country life,” she said.

Starting Merry People in 2014 and building the brand from the ground up gave Danielle a fabulous insight to pair her vision with what the consumer wants. “I started selling very grassroots, at weekend farmers markets… but the experience taught me so much and gave me the opportunity to meet our customers,” added Danielle.

Nature has provided a much better product than your standard PVC gumboots and they are 100 per cent vegan and biodegradable. The elasticity comes from the latex of rubber trees and once worn, the boots will hold their shape in extreme conditions. Their superior design and build even make them suitable for the beach and snow – not something you get out of an average ‘gumboot’.

When you first try on a pair of Merry People boots, you’ll notice and feel the unique outer material. They are super-durable yet soft. Water slides smoothly off the natural rubber outer, and the neoprene inner makes them comfy and cozy while keeping your socks completely dry. These certainly aren’t your usual ‘cloppers’ and, in fact, socks are optional with these boots, as they’re that snug. A bonus with their boot range is the great arch support – something your cheap and nasty gumboots simply can’t offer. Depending on the variables, these are good enough to hike in or wear in and around the campsite. The comfortable lining, along with a stylish look, means you may even forget to take them off when back home.

Bobbi Ankle Boot
The Bobbi Ankle Boot is Merry People’s best-selling boot – and for good reason. It’s true there’s such a thing as an everyday rainboot, and this is them. Offering 100 per cent waterproofing and 110 per cent style, these boots come in a range of colours and are so fashionable they are often worn in dry weather.

We opted for the versatile Black & Black but the boots come in over a dozen different colours. The allrounder for all year, you’ll find it difficult to stop with just one pair! Fun colours include Grasshopper Green, Sky Blue and Grape, while toned-down offerings include Sand, Rust and Slate Grey. There’s everything in between too, including boots that feature two colours from the range. RRP $159.95.

Darcy Boot
I personally chose the Darcy Boot (Moss colour) because I had grown tired of wearing boots and gumboots that let my pants and socks get wet. The Darcy Boot offers high protection so I can tuck my pants in, with a nifty device at the back that keeps everything strapped in tight while catering for different pants or calf sizes.

They are a step up from other models in the fact they provide increased height coverage and enhanced traction on the soles. My Darcy Boots have become the go-to for everything from beach fishing to winter gardening and farm visits. The boots feel great and keep me dry and warm at all times. Rain is like ‘water off a duck’s back’ and a quick wipe of the natural rubber has them good as new. They also come in a Beetroot & Red offering, along with traditional Black. RRP $169.95.

Be Merry
Merry People further mix it up to provide boots for any time you want moisture protection. They are ideal if you want to take the dog out for a quick walk in wet weather or just need to slide something on your feet to hit up the veggie patch or quickly take the bins out when raining. Other options include the Billie Clog, ideal for that quick slip on, the Fergie, their tallest boots and Tully Boots, which offer another level of style, along with Bobbi Kids, perfect for happy little ones.

Ordering boots or other wearable gear online can generally be risky business, but we ordered our regular shoe sizes and they fit perfectly, so you should feel comfortable simply ordering your true size. If wary about buying a pair of boots online, Merry People have wholesale partners across Australia. If you can’t make it to a store and are still hesitant, the company has an online link to scan your foot and assure you order the right size.

Merry People have a customer-friendly, free return and size swap within 30 days of receiving your original order and all boots come with a 12-month warranty. They also offer Care Kits for your boots and other useful products like umbrellas.

The more the merrier
Merry People give back to the community that has given so much to them. This has included The Mother’s Day Classic, Bridge-It, Heide Museum and Thread Together. Merry People have also partnered with two inspiring women doing amazing things in the great outdoors, including world champion snowboarder Belle Brockhoff and Her Trails co-founder Samantha Gosh. “Like my journey, Merry People represents finding what makes you feel happy and alive. Putting your gumboots on, finding your own unique adventure, embracing the unknown and enjoying the journey,” said Danielle. They also proudly throw their support behind local schools, kindergartens, sporting clubs, charities and more.   

Check out merrypeople.com to see their full range and numerous fashion and lifestyle tips.