Tips to Pick Correct Gumboot Size and Fit

Tips to Pick Correct Gumboot Size and Fit

Looking for the perfect pair of gumboots but not sure what size to get? Here are tips for picking the correct size and fit of gumboots.

Traditional Gumboots are notorious for being among the least comfy footwear possible. Happily, those days are long gone!

Merry People reimagines reliable, trusty Gumboots and creates contemporary styles and the best Gumboots for dog walking, through the use of superior materials and an actual eye for detail.

Wondering what size Gumboots you should buy?  Each of our super-cool boots comes with a measurement guide and size guide. A correct fit allows your feet to breathe and freedom to move.

Size Guide For Choosing the Right Pair of Great Gumboots

Maybe you've never thought about finding boots with a decent fit. Perhaps you assume they're all rigid, rugged shoes that are unbearable without a sock. Well, think again! You can find the proper Gumboots for any occasion by understanding how to size your boot. 

High-profile gumboots should provide enough room to fit on your calf and your foot.

It's no good having a generic size pair of Gumboots that squeeze into your feet and legs as if there’s no tomorrow.

We solve the problem with the simplest solution—an adjustable gusset on the back of our mid-calf Gumboots so you can buy your standard shoe size and tighten or loosen the leg as required. Sorted!

If you're trying on outdoor boots for the first time, we'd suggest:

 

  • Trying them on with socks—whichever style you usually wear when outdoors. You may think you should get a size larger if you wear thick socks. But thick socks can bulk up your shoe size, so, you are best to get your regular size as the natural rubber will soften with wear. 
  • Making sure to adjust the calf straps (not a problem on classic Bobbi style ankle boots!). You want your Gumboots to be snug on your calves but never too tight or restrictive at the boot opening.
  • Choosing your boot ankle height and instep height with care. Many people find full-length Gumboots uncomfortable, so a shorter style allows for much freer movement; Merry People, of course, stocks both!
  • Ensuring that the sole width and sole length provide enough space for your toe box. You want a little breathing room while not being too loose or too tight.

Most womens and mens Gumboots aren't much of a style statement, but it's still advisable to wear them around the house. The rubber will start moulding to your feet, and you'll get used to them before you set out on a trek.

Luckily, a slick pair of Merry People Gumboots are incredible boots that look amazing in any setting, so you won't need to dodge visitors while you wear your Gumboots in for the day!

How To Choose The Best Gumboots

Much depends on how you use your Gumboots. Working boots for heavy outdoor usage should generally be mid-calf or full-length if you expect to be in deep water or enduring heavy splashes.

An ankle boot transitions from walk to work seamlessly for dog walks, gardening, and commutes, and you won't need to lug around spare shoes to look the professional part!

Warmth is also a key consideration.

It's great having a fully waterproof pair of boots, but in the winter, chill can quickly set in and do severe damage to your delicate toes.

We incorporate technologically advanced neoprene linings with soles tested to sub-zero temperatures, so we know your feet are protected even in an arctic blast.

Printed Vs. Block colour gum boots

Bright colours and decadent prints are a fantastic way to add a dash of energy to your walking outfits!

Plain colours, such as foresty greens and earthy brown tones, remain a favourite, but we're proud to have a vast range of designs to please even the most outgoing boot wearer.

If you spend lots of time in the rain, a bold jacket and a cheery pair of boots can do wonders for your mood—and we bet you'll get a ton of compliments!

A Guide On How To Clean Gumboots To Retain Their Shape

There's little worse than buying a quality item of clothing or footwear and finding they never look quite the same after the first wash (we've all been there!).

Merry People mens and womens Gumboots are for real people in real-life scenarios, so we've created Gumboots that are as easy to care for as possible.

Cleaning isn't the most exciting part of an outdoor lifestyle, but it's well worth putting a bit of time into keeping your Gumboots in excellent condition to get the best possible value for money.

While you don't have to hose your Gumboots after every wear, they'll look fresher if you spray or hose down any excess mud.

A quick wash with warm water or everyday dish soap will get rid of grime or oil residues, and you can apply a little olive oil or a protective silicone spray to enhance the look of the natural rubber.

Once clean, pop some newspaper inside your Gumboots, and leave them upside down until they're thoroughly dry. Then just pop them back on, and you're good to go!

Final Thoughts

We’re sure we can help you find the right boot with the right fit, no matter if you are looking for a comfortable but tough boot or a fun pop of colour to wear into the garden. Check out our sizing guide and collection to find a boot that will have you stepping out in style!

Reading next

How to Clean Kids Gumboots
How Should Kids Wear Rainboots?