The woman behind a range of stylish gumboots both city and country dwellers swear by has this month launched a new “Andie” style that’s perfect for wet and muddy adventures.
Dani Holloway came up with the idea for Merry People when she was working a corporate job in Melbourne.
With rain one minute and beaming sun the next, Dani knew she wanted to come up with a gumboot that could comfortably be worn for long periods of time, that still looked work appropriate but that was waterproof and would keep her feet dry.
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The resulting Merry People brand, which launched in 2014, has only gone from strength to strength in the past decade.
The new $169.95 “Andie” boot — which launched in mid July — is a sleek, contemporary interpretation of a classic slip-on gumboot.
Putting a focus on function above all else, it’s designed for those who need a durable and hard-working welly boot in the garden, countryside or farm.
Available in Black, Ginger and Peach with two bright and bold colourways to follow later in the year, the “Andie” boot has a number of new and different functions.
Along with enhanced rubber coverage, the boot has been made with an even wider opening than the traditional “Bobbi” and “Tully” styles.
This means it’s even easier to slip on and off over socks when you’re coming in from the garden.
The “Andie” boot also has a chunky tread design like the popular Merry People “Tully” style.
But it also has a lower heel and lighter compound, meaning it’s perfect for all-day wear and comfort, whether you’re out and about walking or tackling muddy adventures.
The boot sits between the ankle and mid-calf, meaning you can wade deep into water if you need to.
Like all other Merry People boots, the “Andie” is 100 per cent waterproof, neoprene-lined for maximum warmth and comfort and made with a durable and slip-resistant outsole.
“The Andie Boot is a sleek, modern take on the classic slip-on gumboot,” product information reads.
“Perfect for the messiest of tasks and adventures, ‘Andie’ features a 360 degree rubber outer, offering more coverage with 30mm extra height compared to our Bobbi Boot.
“Its wider opening makes it easy to slip on and off, and the chunky tread sole and arch support provides all-day comfort. Andie is ready for your merry and messy adventures!”
Those who have spotted news of the “Andie” boot on Instagram have been quick to say they can’t wait to get their hands on a pair.
“These are so exciting. I have a pair of your original black ankle gumboots and they died this year. They were the best boots and I have been so sad trying to find a replacement. Bring on many more years of farm work happiness,” one shopper wrote.
“Love it — these are so cool,” another added.
The launch of the “Andie” boots follows a bumper recent time for Merry People, who last year launched the knee-high “Fergie” style, as well as the slip-on “Billie” clog.
The $119.95 clogs come in a range of colours, and they feature everything you love about gumboots but with a more versatile slip-on sandal look.
They’re great for those who want the same arch support, enhanced traction, and weather protection of Merry People’s classic “Bobbi” boot, but with low-profile clogs that sit perfectly below your ankles.
“At first I thought my heel was going to sit too large on the edge but after a day of slipping them on and off and properly shoving my foot in THEY ARE MY FAVOURITE around the house shoe, take the bins out shoe, pick some lettuce from the garden shoe,” one woman remarked of the clogs.
“I have the ‘Billie’ clog in lavender and navy and it has been a game changer. I wear these to work in theatre and they are very comfy and easy to clean,” said another.
“Having already purchased the Merry Boot, I was delighted to see a clog version launched. I immediately thought, ‘Oh great, fab for the garden!’ but once they arrived, I was smitten!” a third person said.
For more information and to shop the full Merry People range including the “Andie” boots, head here now.