Why American Fashion Loves the Gumboot

Gumboots Go Stateside: A New Chapter in American Fashion

A gumboot was once regarded as a solely practical item of footwear you'd see on farms, rural hiking routes, and in dog parks. Today, cultural trends have meant you're just as likely to see a pair of rust-colored rainboots paired with a trendy trenchcoat, or a vibrant, mustard yellow gumboot as part of a festival outfit!

While evolutions in style are natural, much of this comes down to how rainboots are designed, and long gone are the days when the only options were plain, black, knee-high boots that felt stiff and heavy. Merry People, as experts in rainboot style and all-weather fun, have looked at the impacts of modern production techniques and how we've reimagined the rainboot into a year-round, go-to item of footwear.

Why Classic Rainboots Became a Hip Style Trend

We all want clothes and footwear that look amazing and match our style, but that are also practical and comfy. Many people prioritize feeling great as much as looking fabulous, which is why there are, for example, shifts towards natural breathable fabrics and water-resistant jewelry.

This same transition in expectations has affected footwear, and although there are many names for gumboots, there’s no doubt that everyone needs a pair of weatherproof boots, whether they're walking their dog on the beach or gardening in the rain. We’ve also seen changes in celebrity fashion influences, where stars are snapped stepping out during their everyday routines, many of whom throw on a pair of laid-back rainboots when they’re off duty, inspiring us with their outfits and adding to the trend!

How Our Modern Gumboots Are Engineered for Everyday Wear

Merry People redesigned the conventional rainboot into a style staple, incorporating intelligent design details that make our gumboots super-comfy, supportive, and ready to tackle whatever weather comes your way! There are several key contrasts between conventional rainboots and our gumboot collection, which showcase why more and more people, from celebrities to outdoor adventurers, are choosing our rainboots as their footwear of choice:

• Color: Originally, rainboots were available only in black, and while there's a place for monochrome in most closets, it doesn't suit everyone's style. We design our boots in a wide variety of shades, from peachy Coral to bright Lemon and, of course, classics like Oxford Blue and Beetroot Red.
  
• Silhouettes: Options like the Tully Boot have a platform-style sole, elevating your feet from splashes, whereas our best-selling Bobbi Ankle Boot replicates the style of a Chelsea boot.
• Technical features: Built-in arch support, 100% waterproof rubber, and a flexi-neoprene lining make our gumboots a pleasure to wear, whether for a short walk around the block or the whole day!

The blend of vegan-friendly fabrics and a whole rainbow of colors has transformed the gumboot into a thoroughly modern item, and with an expansive selection of boots (from clogs to ankle boots and sandals) we've ensured that there’s a gumboot color and fit for everyone.

Tips on Styling Your Merry People Gumboots

It is, of course, entirely up to you how you wear your boots, but there are some ultra-cool looks you might like to experiment with. You’ll find tons of outfit inspiration on our website, but some of our favorites include:

Street-style looks, with relaxed-fit jeans, summery shorts, or denim, ensuring you stay cool while your boots keep your feet dry and happy
Fashion-forward contrasts, matching thick-sole boots with tailoring, or adding an edge to a pretty summer dress or floral print
Casual-cool styles, pulling together an easy outfit with skinny jeans or cropped pants that sit perfectly over your boots

The great thing about rainboots in varied height profiles is that you can pick the gumboots that best suit your personal style, whether you love a taller boot you can tuck your pants into, an ankle-height boot, or a slip-on-and-go clog. If you have your own take on gumboot fashion, please share your best looks with us by tagging Merry People, or check out our gumboots collection page for more style ideas!