Unisex. D-width. Rugged. Inspired by nature.
That was the brief for our newest boot: Oberon.
Years in the making, Oberon has officially stepped into the world!
To celebrate the launch, we sat down with Head of Product Cass and Senior Footwear Designer Sarah to talk about where the idea started, the design process behind the boot, and a few fun facts along the way.
Where the Oberon story begins
The Oberon story actually began years ago.
“Kick-off conversations with Dani [founder and CEO of Merry People] started a long time ago,” laughs Cass. “I was about to go on maternity leave and had a meeting with freelance designers who could support the team while I was away. That’s when I met Sarah, who is now our Senior Footwear Designer. Dani and I just knew she was the one for the task.”
Sarah brought an industrial design background to the project, complementing Cass’s fashion design training.
Pictured above: Sarah, Senior Footwear Designer
Together, the pair formed the perfect design partnership for a boot that needed to balance durability and comfort - something rugged on the outside, but soft and supportive on the inside.
At the same time, the team had been hearing feedback from the Merry People community.
“Our Bobbi Boots are always bestsellers, but we’d received requests for a wider fit,” Sarah explains. “We saw it as an opportunity to introduce a new unisex style to the range; something a little tougher in look and feel, but still grounded in natural, earthy colours.”
Cass agrees that simply recreating Bobbi with a wider fit didn’t feel quite right.
“Everyone loves Bobbi, but we felt there was room to explore something new,” she says. “We started looking at classic men’s work boots for inspiration - strong shapes, practical details - and then added our own Merry People spin.”
And the name? That came from Dani.
“She suggested Oberon, inspired by Mount Oberon in Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland - close to where she grew up,” Sarah says. “It’s a place that means a lot to her, so it felt like the perfect fit for a boot inspired by the outdoors.”
With the idea, inspiration and name in place, the design process officially began.
Dive into Oberon's design
What was the design process?
Creating a boot that was more masculine but not only for men, with Merry DNA at its heart, was a multi-stage process, explains Cass. “When Dani had the initial idea to create a wide fit boot, specifically aimed at the growing male Merry People base, our first step was to create a ‘last’ that would bring key comfort to a different shaped foot.”
A ‘last’ is a physical form that dictates the internal shape of a boot. “It defines the overall fit, including toe width, length and toe spring,” Cass explains.
Once the last was ready, the team moved into concept development, which involved extensive brainstorming, endless sketching, and countless meetings exploring the wildest ideas, free of limitation.
“Then, as the sampling process began, we soon understood how Oberon would appeal to more of our customers, unlocking adventure in daily life for city or country life,” she says. “A clear direction emerged, and it really was taking shape as we had hoped it would.”
So, what makes Oberon unique for Merry People?
While Oberon still carries the core Merry People DNA - waterproof, comfortable and versatile - it steps into new territory for the brand.
“Oberon is our first truly unisex boot,” explains Cass. “It’s built on a D-width fit, giving more room through the foot, and we designed the shape to feel a little more rugged and structured than some of our other styles.”
Inspired by classic work boots, Oberon features a squarer toe and reinforced details that give it a tougher look and feel, while still delivering the comfort Merry People is known for.
Where the team will wear their Oberons
For the team that brought it to life, Oberon is already finding a place in everyday life.
For Sarah, Golden Plains Festival will be the first outing for her pair of Oberon Boots. “Plus, I can’t imagine a better boot for the pub, dog walks, and weekends at my parents’ place in Woodend, Victoria,” she says.
For Cass, Oberon will come in handy chasing her toddler, the very same one she was pregnant with at the start of the Oberon design journey.
“It’s perfect timing,” she laughs. “The Oberon idea and my baby were born around the same time. Now my husband and I need them more than ever to keep up with him on our property, through all the puddles and muddy paddocks.”
“We’re so happy with the way it has turned out,” Cass adds. “It’s the kind of boot you can wear for everything, from weekend projects at home to days out with the kids. It’s durable, practical and still has that playful Merry People spirit.”
Where will Oberon take you?
From idea to final boot, Oberon combines rugged style, comfort, and unisex versatility - ready to take on puddles, weekends, and everyday adventures.
Step into a pair and see where they take you!
Bonus: 10 Things to Know About Oberon
Our Oberon Boots...
- Are designed with a D-width fit compared to Bobbi’s slimmer B-width fit.
- Are 100% waterproof.
- Are rated for sub-zero temperatures (yes, you can wear them in the snow!).
- Come in four nature-inspired colours: Stone, Storm Blue, Espresso and Sand.
- Are lined with neoprene (the same material used for wetsuits!), which not only keeps the water out, but adds extra comfort to each step.
- Have a squarer toe, giving them a more rugged aesthetic and more room in the toe.
- Have a dual-layer, reinforced heel and toe (plus a hidden mudguard to add more durability!).
- Scrub up really well thanks to the easy-to-clean rubber exterior - they can get you from a muddy weekend to a country wedding with a quick wipe (and love from our Care Kit).
- Have an anti-microbial spray to get rid of any funky smells.
- Are a unisex design. Wear them how you want, when you want, any weather!
