Ankle Wellies: The Two Merry People Styles We Stock
Ankle wellies are the boots we reach for from October onwards, and this autumn the Merry People Tully has joined the Bobbi in the shop.
They are short, pull-on waterproof boots that stop just above the ankle. You get dry feet for the dog walk or the school run without wrestling a full-length welly on and off.
We chose Merry People for what they are made of. Every pair is natural rubber, 100% waterproof, with a warm neoprene lining and arch support in the footbed, and they are vegan.
There are two styles: the Bobbi at £90 and the Tully at £120. Both come in UK sizes 4 to 9.
At a glance
- The Bobbi is shaped like a Chelsea boot, with elastic sides
- The Tully has a neoprene cuff and a chunky cleated sole
- Natural rubber, fully waterproof, neoprene lined and vegan
- Bobbi comes in five colours and Tully in three
- Rinse off mud with cold water and dry away from direct heat
- The Bobbi: a Chelsea-style ankle welly
- The Tully: short wellies with a cuff
- How to wear ankle wellies
- Looking after your wellies
- Frequently asked questions
The Bobbi: a Chelsea-style ankle welly
The Bobbi is shaped like a Chelsea boot, with elastic side panels and a pull tab at the front and back. You can step into it with your coat already on and the dog waiting at the door.
It sits on a low heel with a grippy rubber sole. That makes it as easy to wear around town as it is on a wet footpath.
We have it in forest green, dark cherry, midnight blue, seafoam blue and mocha brown. The forest green is new this autumn, a muted countryside shade that sits well with navy, cream and denim.
The Tully: short wellies with a cuff
The Tully is built for proper mud. A neoprene cuff wraps right round the top, so rain and wet grass stay outside the boot.
Underneath is a chunky, deeply cleated sole that grips on wet slopes and adds a little height. A metal shank and arch support keep it comfortable on a long walk.
Black hides the mud between washes. Chilli red sits on a tan gum sole, and the midnight navy has bright magenta pull tabs at the back.
How to wear ankle wellies
The cut of your trousers decides most of it. These are the combinations we would reach for first.
- Straight or wide-leg jeans turned up once, so the top of the boot shows
- Slim jeans or leggings tucked in, with a long coat on a properly wet day
- A midi skirt with thick tights, where the Bobbi's Chelsea shape looks neat
- Cream knitwear and indigo denim with the navy Tully, so the magenta tabs add the colour
Our women's jeans are the obvious place to start, and you can see everything together in women's boots.
Looking after your wellies
Natural rubber is easy to look after, but it does not like heat. Rinse the mud off with cold water and a soft brush when you get home.
Let them dry at room temperature, away from radiators and open fires. Direct heat can dry out and crack the rubber over time.
After a while you may see a pale, chalky film on the surface. This is called blooming, and it is natural to rubber boots. A damp cloth wipes it away.
Store them upright and out of direct sun, so they keep their shape for next winter.
Frequently asked questions
Are ankle wellies worth it?
For everyday wet weather, we think so. Ankle wellies keep your feet dry on a muddy footpath, a wet pavement or a soggy school field, and they are far quicker to get on and off than full-length boots. They are also easier to wear with jeans and skirts, so they get used on ordinary days, not only for country walks. For deep mud or standing water, a taller welly still does the better job.
Should you size up in wellies?
Not with these. Merry People cut the Bobbi and the Tully true to size, in a standard width, and the warm neoprene lining means you do not need thick socks to stay comfortable. If you are between sizes, or you like a chunky sock on cold days, the larger size may suit you better. The easiest way to be sure is to try both in the shop, or ring us on 01747 852444.
Are Merry People wellies waterproof?
Yes. Both styles are made from natural rubber and are 100% waterproof. The Tully adds a neoprene cuff that wraps right round the top of the boot, which helps keep rain and wet grass out. They are short boots, though, so the waterproofing stops at the ankle. Puddles and wet grass are fine. Wading through a flooded field is still a job for a taller welly.
Can you put wellies in the washing machine?
No. A washing machine and the heat of a dryer can damage the rubber and loosen the lining. Rinse the mud off with cold water and a soft brush instead, then leave the boots to dry at room temperature, away from radiators and fires. If a pale, chalky film appears on the rubber over time, that is called blooming. It is natural, and it wipes away with a damp cloth.
Can I try Merry People boots on in the shop?
Please do. We are at 30 High Street in Shaftesbury, open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm, and you do not need to book. Trying a pair on is the quickest way to settle the size, and you can see the colours in daylight. If you cannot get to us, every style is online, and you are welcome to ring 01747 852444 with a question first.
Written by Shirley Allum
Shirley has run her Shaftesbury boutique since 1997 and still does all the buying herself, across fashion, footwear and lingerie. She and her team have been dressing the women of Dorset for nearly thirty years.
