Yellow wellies rock! Fi reviews her Merry People Boots

You’re looking for a pair of stylish waterproof boots that will take you from allotment muck to high street shopping? Could that be the Merry People rubber boots? Fi takes a pair through its paces.

Wellies but not as we know them. These Bobbi Ankle Wellies from Merry People have everything you might expect from a pair of short wellington boots but their super practicality comes packaged in bright and exciting colour ways.

Although I am an outdoor influencer, I wasn’t sent these by the manufacturer, they were a very welcome birthday present from my husband.

Footwear that makes me smile at the same time as keeping me warm and dry.

‘Yes they’re definitely yellow.’ Was my first thought as I opened this most wonderful of birthday presents. I love bright colours almost as much as I love practical outdoor gear and at first glance, it looked like these boots were going to be exactly the right combination of the two.

Clearly well made and more sturdy than their slightly glamorous social media pictures had suggested, the Merry People boots were slightly heavier than I had expected. I was eager to try them and headed to the allotment.

4/5

PROS

Gorgeous colourways

Definitely waterproof

Cosy neoprene warmed toes

Vegan natural rubber

CONS

Slightly narrow in the foot (for me)

Not super easy to get into

No ankle boot will keep water out when the puddles are knee deep but I reckon the Bobbi Boot would give it a good try. I’ve spent many rainy hours in mine at the allotment and come home each time with dry socks. They’re also great when I’m dodging waves at the beach.

The fitted neoprene ankle cuff helps stop any drips entering the boot and also adds to the warmth. If you can remember red toes from childhood welly-wearing winters, you don’t need to worry. These are amongst the warmest boots I’ve ever bought.

The supportive arch is a big plus for me but, if I was ordering this boot again, I would order a half size bigger. I have wide feet and they are a little tight with welly-style socks. That said, the snugger fit means no movement inside the boot and no rubbing at all. Not bad for boots without laces. The neoprene lining is super soft and feels quite bouncy but I do find the ankle cuff feels a bit unusual when I first put them on, especially if I then walk uphill.

I wouldn’t choose them for a long hill walk but these are now my go-to boot for allotment work and dog walks. But also (when I’ve cleaned them) for when I need a combo of sensible and good-looking around town.

Their colour (sunflower yellow). They are just magnificent and I now love looking down at my feet (especially when I’m also wearing my bright pink boiler suit). I’m a sensible shoe kind of girl and having something to put on my feet that looks great as well as covering all the practical bases makes me very happy.

At £89 these aren’t the cheapest wellies you’ll find but their price is similar to the Hunter Downpour Boot (lots of colours but not quite as pretty). The Barbour Halton Ankle Wellington comes in a bit cheaper but again I don’t think these are anywhere near as stylish. Neither the Hunter or the Barbour boots have such a cosy neoprene lining. If I was buying again, I wouldn’t be tempted away from Merry People.

Merry People are committed to minimising waste and don’t manufacture boots beyond their expected sales forecasts (if you love a colour, get it quick!) Their Bobbi boots are made from FSC-sourced natural rubber for the outer, neoprene for the lining, and use vegan glue to bind. Merry People are working towards 100% FSC-certified rubber and are looking into using plant-based neoprene in the future.

These boots were manufactured overseas but Merry People no longer ship by air to the UK.