From Wellies to Rainboots: The Many Names for Gumboots

Confused by what to call rainboots and gumboots, wellies and all-weather boots?

The fact is, they are all the same thing!

Depending on where you live, gumboots may go by different names, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as vary in colour and fit - but the design principles remain similar.

Here’s how to unpack common names in your corner of the world!

The Many Names for Gumboots

Gumboots: Merry People’s gumboot range is created using our signature Australian plant-derived rubber, sourced from the gum rubber tree. This is why Australians and New Zealanders often refer to them as gumboots rather than rainboots. Gum rubber trees grow prolifically in Oceana, and because it's a plant-based material, it's also vegan-friendly - which we also love!
Rainboots: In North America, gumboots in American fashion are often called ‘rainboots.’ The explanation for this is pretty simple: it's the easiest way to describe a boot created from gum rubber (or, in some cases, a synthetic alternative) that makes ‘rain rain go away’, keeping socks dry and feet toasty.
Galoshes: This term is commonly used in the Northeast and Midwest of America. The name galoshes refers to waterproof overshoes - usually rubber - worn over regular shoes to protect them from weather, including snowstorms, rain, and muddy puddles.
Slush Boots: In the Northern states of America, snow and sludge are a part of daily life. So the name Slush Boots perfectly sums up what is needed to navigate this terrain. Heavy-duty, waterproof and neoprene-lined, Slush Boots keep feet dry and protected and prove comfy for all activities, including gardening, fishing, camping and daily chores when the snow is coming down in sheets.
Chore Boots or Muck Boots: A common name in the American Midwest, farming and ranch regions, these boots are durable enough for long days in the outdoors, providing protection and support with every step. Designed for hard work, Chore Boots is a term used to refer to waterproof and self-insulating designs, often with moisture-wicking linings to keep feet fresh.
Wellies: Synonymous with the UK customer, Wellies are named after their original inventor, the Duke of Wellington. Waterproof and made from rubber or PVC, wellies are designed to keep feet dry and protected in wet, muddy, or messy conditions - making them a favourite for celebrities at music festivals.
Galoshes: In Germany and other European countries, galoshes refers to waterproof overshoes, typically made of rubber or even plastic. A term also popular when referring to kids gumboots, they are a basic design with insulation and waterproofing selling points, depending on which brand you have. Whatever you call them, these are a favourite for parents with kids in day care, nursery or kindergarten.
Waders: Waders are more than just a boot; they are an extension of overalls designed for walking in water while remaining completely dry - torso to toes! An essential for fishing and hunting, they are a super clever design that keeps the wearer dry, warm and comfortable when water submersion is non-negotiable, offering traction on slippery rocks and a no-stress approach to true wet weather wear!
Mud Boots: Another UK-centric term for waterproof boots, Mud Boots often live in the Mud Room of homes in England where residents come in and out of the house, taking them off so as not to walk mud through the house. They typically reach the knee or slightly below and can also be referred to as wellies.
Nagagutsu: Not all countries have an exact term for the humble gumboot. For example, in Japan, outdoor boots are called Nagagutsu, which translates to ‘long shoes’, typically used for wet weather.
Janghwa: The Korean word for boots, this is a general term used for any type of shoe that covers the entire foot and the lower part of the leg, including wet weather, hiking or rain boots.

So there you have it, more than ten names for the gumboot (aka what we call a rain boot in Australia!). At Merry People, whatever you call your Bobbi, Tully or Andie Boot, you can rest assured they share the same design DNA, which includes: