FAQs
Top Questions
What size should I order - are Merry People true to size?
Our boots run true to size, so we recommend ordering your normal shoe size. The size guide on the product page shows the innersole measurements making it easy to compare our boots to an existing pair of shoes you already own. For half sizes, we recommend sizing down.
How do I exchange or return my purchase?
Free Australia and NZ Returns | Rest of World Returns at your cost.
You can always exchange or return your order so long as:
The items are unworn, undamaged, in re-sellable condition (i.e. no creases or wear on soles), and in their original packaging.
Your return request is submitted within 30 days of receiving your original order.
To get started on an exchange or return follow this link to our portal
Do you have any stores where I can try on Merry People?
It can be tricky purchasing footwear online so we have wholesale partners around Australia where you can try on and purchase Merry People, find your closest retailer here.
The size / shade I want is sold out; how often do you restock?
Merry People have regular stock arrivals across our core colour range of Black, Beetroot, Oxford Blue, Mustard Yellow and Alpine Green. We also have seasonal colour deliveries with new and returning shades arriving across the year. However, we love to offer different shades, so not every style is restocked in each shipment.
Your colour or size out of stock? We currently offer a notification service for sold out sizes and colours on each product page. Sign up to receive and email or text message if your preference comes back in stock.
We also offer presale from time to time to ensure the best chance of securing your pair. Sign up to our email list to always find out first.
Are there any upcoming sales or discount codes?
At Merry People we never put our products on sale. We’ve created quality boots with a functional and classic design that can be worn season on season, year after year.
We strive to offer the lowest possible price all year round, to all of our customers. However, we do understand that many of us are on tight budgets, and are becoming more conscious of our purchases.
We sometimes have samples, lightly worn boots used for photoshoots or events, and some factory seconds at our office. If purchasing a pair of these boots appeals to you, please email us with the size & colour you are looking for, and we will do our best to help you.
Fit
What size should I order - are Merry People true to size?
Our Bobbi, Darcy boots and Billie Clog run true to size, so we recommend you order your normal shoe size. Our size guide shows measurements so you can compare our boots to an existing pair of shoes you already own.
What width are Merry People boots?
Our boots are currently available in a traditional B width, which fits the majority of the population. While we don’t offer a wide or narrow option contact us if you would like some advice regarding sizing up or down to accommodate width.
What is the difference between the boots?
Bobbi Ankle Boot • Our Bobbi boot is designed to be an everyday boot with arch support, durable natural rubber with 4mm neoprene lining, and an enhanced traction sole tested for below-freezing temperatures.
Tully Ankle Boot • The Tully Boot features a silhouette that gives a fashion forward take on the classic gumboot! Playful and urban; Tully nods to 90s nostalgia with a chunky heel and extended, wrap around neoprene cuff.
Darcy • The Darcy boot is a Mid-calf height boot with enhanced traction sole offering additional support. Adjustable rear gusset with metal clasp to make adjustment easy. Made with natural rubber and 4mm neoprene lining.
Fergie • With a long, lean silhouette and a chunkier heel, Fergie is a fashionable take on the traditional knee-high gumboot. It is the tallest boot we’ve ever released, so it was only fitting we named it after the Ferguson Tree, the tallest tree recorded in Victoria.
Billie Clog • The Billie Clog shares the same DNA as our classic Bobbi Boot and is designed with all of the features you know and love. Perfect for the home and garden, the Billie Clog is a comfortable slip-on alternative to our Bobbi gumboots. The sole design offers enhanced traction on slippery surfaces with neoprene lining adding comfort to every step.
Kids • Our kids boots take the same technology & functionality of the adults Bobbi boot, with added support and extra tread & grip on the sole.
Can I put orthotics inside the boots?
Yes, all Merry People boots have a removable inner sole, which makes it easy to add inserts. We recommend you check the length of your orthotic against the length of the Merry People inner sole to ensure a comfortable fit.
Can you stretch gumboots?
Both natural rubber and neoprene have flexibility and elasticity, so our boots will soften as you wear them. The boots are initially a little snug, they will stretch over time. The neoprene lining also has similar properties to memory foam so will mould to your feet over time.
Fabrication
What are Merry People boots made of?
All our boots have a quality natural rubber outer and a 4mm Neoprene lining. The Bobbi boot has cotton pull tags.
Are Merry People products waterproof?
Our boots are 100% waterproof. The neoprene lining ensures our boots are waterproof at the sides as well.
Are your boots vegan?
Yes. Our boots do not use any animal products or byproducts and are 100% cruelty free and vegan friendly.
Are Merry People boots heavy or lightweight?
Some waterproof boots can be heavy to walk in or feel quite flimsy. Our Bobbi style is a mid-weight boot, with a solid sole and durable tread. A size EU39 weighs 600g each boot.
Are your boots non-slip? Do they have steel caps?
Merry People boots are not fully non-slip rated and do not have any work safe accreditations or steel caps.
We have not designed the boots to be work boots, they are a fashionable waterproof & lifestyle boot created for everyday wear. While our soles have enhanced traction grip and undergone testing, they have not been designed as a work safety boot. The sole is not slip-resistant on surfaces with oil or the combination of water and oil.
Production
Where are Merry People boots made?
To ensure Merry People products are long-lived wardrobe staples, we work with factories that are top producers of footwear to fabricate our boots.
Our factories are in China and we have built a close relationship with them. Through their robust supplier network, we have been able to source high-quality natural rubber, neoprene, and vegan glue to craft our Merry People boots. All our materials are certified vegan friendly.
Our factories are considered the preeminent manufacturers for rubber boots, producing for many of the top brands, and we are honoured that they agreed to take us on - especially when we were a fledgling brand in 2014.
To this day, we work closely with them and our agents, communicating regularly to ensure employees are paid a living wage and have a safe and healthy work environment.
Boot care
How can I keep my boots looking great for longer?
Keep your boots stored in a dry pace and away from direct sunlight. We recommend keeping them indoors as prolonged exposure to sunlight can dry out the rubber or fade the colours.
Using silicone-based rubber boot treatments like in the Merry People Care Kit will protect your boots and keep the natural rubber moisturised, helping avoid cracks and keep your boots merrier for longer!
Cleaning your boots regularly will also help prolong their life. We recommend using a mild detergent (dishwashing liquid works well) to remove any marks from the rubber or neoprene. If you leave excess dirt on your boots, it can dry out the rubber or fade the rubber colour over time.
We've shared some of our favourite boot care tips on our blog.
What's in the Merry People care kit?
The Merry People Care Kit contains all you need to maintain, nourish, protect and prolong the life of your rubber boots.
1. Rubber Boot Treatment - 150ml silicone based spray formula that moisturises and nourishes you boots keeping them merrier for longer.
2. Buff & Shine Applicator - 3ml silicone oil sponge for extra shine and protection.
3. Microfibre Cloth - soft cloth to clean and shine your boots.
Care kit cleaning instructions
Follow these instructions to keep your Merry People boots looking merry and adventure ready!
Step 1: CLEAN
Wipe off any excess dirt or debris with a damp cloth and allow to dry. If needed, use some mild detergent and and repeat the process as required.
Step 2: TREAT
Shake the rubber boot treatment bottle well and insert the spray nozzle. Spray a few times on the microfibre cloth and apply evenly to the boot upper in a circular motion. Repeat for the other boot and allow to dry completely.
Step 3: SHINE
For extra shine and protection, gently rub the Buff & Shine sponge in a circular motion over you Merry People boots until a thin coat is evenly applied and allow to dry.
TAKE CARE
Caution: Use in a well ventilated area or outdoors and avoid breathing in spray. If solution gets into eyes or skin, rinse thoroughly with water. If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Ensure no solution from the treatment or buffer is applied on the sole as this will cause slipping. If some ends up on the sole clean with mild detergent and dry before wearing.
How long will your boots last for?
It is a little tricky to answer this, as it depends on how you wear them and how you look after your boots. As with a leather boot, there is care required for Merry People boots to ensure you have them looking good for years!
If you follow all the care instructions and still have issues with your boots within the first year, we offer a 12 month warranty, please contact us at support@merrypeople.com
Can you wear gumboots in the snow?
We get a lot of customers wearing our Bobbi gumboots to the snow! The Bobbi gumboots have been tested in sub zero temperatures and are 100% waterproof.
However, our boots are not designed to be a snow boot, so we do recommend you take care on icy surfaces. Using ice grips (available at sports or outdoor stores) can add more grip if you plan to wear in icy or snowy conditions.
How do I dry out wet boots?
While our boots are 100% waterproof, sometimes water can get inside your boots. If this happens, you can use a small hand towel to absorb as much as you can. You can also use a hair dryer to point inside the boots for a few seconds at a time. Once you have removed the excess water, stuff the inside of the boots with newspaper (use as much as you can). Then place the boots upside down, somewhere warm and indoors. After 24 hours, remove the moist newspaper and repeat the process again if required, until the neoprene lining is dry.
Help! There are white chalky marks on my boots?
This sounds like blooming, which can occur naturally in rubber products. This can be treated using silicone which can help reduce the white marks and keep your boots moisturised, restoring colour.
You will need;
Silicone Spray or Oil and a dry cloth or paper towel. You can get silicone spray at most hardware and outdoor stores, we also sell this in our Merry People Care Kit.
Directions;
Apply a small amount of silicone solution to a clean cloth or paper towel. Start from the top of the boot and work down, a section at a time, wiping the cloth over the boots in a circular motion. Take care to avoid the soles of the boots, and give extra attention to areas with more blooming.
Continue this until the silicone is absorbed by the rubber. Leave the boots to dry completely, and the blooming should have gone. If there are any remaining spots, repeat the process.
Merry People socks
What materials are they made from?
Our socks are made of 89% Merino and Cotton blend (50% Australian Merino Wool, 50% GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton), 10% Recycled Polyester, 1% Spandex. Logo Trim: 100% polyester.
It is an industry standard to include a small amount of synthetic fibre in socks to make them flexible.
Are Merry People socks machine-washable?
Absolutely. Just remember to turn your socks inside-out. Keep the water temperature cool or warm. No fabric softeners. And air-drying is recommended.
Wash and Care Instructions:
1. TURN THE SOCKS INSIDE OUT
2. MACHINE WASH IS FINE. USE THE WOOL OR GENTLE CYCLE AND KEEP THE WATER COOL OR WARM AT BEST. SHEEP DON’T LIKE HOT WATER, SO THE WOOL MAY SHRINK IF THE WATER IS STEAMING
3. IF YOU MUST USE SOAP, KEEP IT MILD. NO BLEACH. NO FABRIC SOFTENER. BOTH WILL REDUCE YOUR SOCK’S ABILITY TO MANAGE MOISTURE AND YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE.
4. YOU CAN TUMBLE DRY ON A LOW SETTING, BUT WE RECOMMEND AIR-DRYING. IT’S BETTER FOR YOUR MERRY SOCKS AND THE PLACE WE CALL HOME.
5. LASTLY, PILLING IS NATURAL WITH DELICATE FIBRES LIKE MERINO WOOL. IN FACT, IT’S THE SIGN OF AN INTRICATELY WOVEN, QUALITY PRODUCT.
Where is the merino wool sourced from?
Our wool is supplied by Techwool Trading. This is an Australian wool trading company, they purchase wool from different farms in Australia and make sure the wool is ethically provided and meets the AWTA standard requirement.
When the factory purchases the wool from Techwool Trading, they will provide a list of the farms, indicating where the wool came from and how much was provided by which farm.
As we only use a part of the Merino wool, we cannot know exactly which farm supplied our socks, but we know they are from one of the farms.
Our yarn factory only uses wool that is RWS-certified (Responsible Wool Standard), which means mulesing is prohibited. This is a critical requirement for RWS. RWS also ensure the wool meets rigorous animal welfare, land management and social requirements.
If you would like more details on the farms or sourcing get in touch with us.
Sizing
You can find our socks size chart here
Please let us know if you have any questions regarding sizing on support@merrypeople.com
Where are socks made?
The socks are designed in Melbourne, Australia, the machinery work is done in China under fair-trade conditions.
The Merino wool we supply for the socks is 100% Australian and the organic cotton is from the United States. We have made the most comfortable socks in the world, and we’d love for you to try them on.
Will my socks stretch or shrink?
Merino fibres have an internal spring-like coil that holds the fibre’s shape; that means they’re naturally resilient and stretchy fibre.
You can stretch it to 20% of its length it will bounce right back to the original. In fact, you can clean them in a washing machine without them shrinking.
Are the socks suitable for diabetics?
Unfortunately, due to our socks having compression tops they are not suitable as diabetic socks.