Your wellies work hard for you, splashing through puddles, wading through mud, and keeping your feet cosy and dry on every adventure. A little love in return goes a long way.
The good news? Waterproof boots care couldn’t be simpler. A quick clean after muddy days, the occasional condition, and a comfy spot to rest between wears are really all it takes to keep your wellies looking fresh and feeling merry for years to come.
Here’s how to give them the TLC they deserve.
Rubber Boot Care at a Glance
| Step | Action | Purpose / Benefit | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose the Right Boots | Ensures correct fit and durability | Avoid boots that are too big or too small to prevent wear and tear |
| 2 | Use Your Boots For Their Intended Purpose | Prevent scratches and premature damage | Avoid thick brush or rough terrain beyond intended use |
| 3 | Clean Regularly | Removes dirt and mud that can degrade rubber | Use warm water, soft cloths, or gentle soap; never machine wash |
| 4 | Condition the Rubber | Keeps rubber soft, moisturised, and crack-free | Apply silicone or rubber treatment regularly (e.g., Merry People Care Kit) |
| 5 | Store Properly | Prevents fading, mould, and cracking | Keep indoors in a cool, dry, ventilated place away from direct sunlight |
Selecting Your Wellies
Believe it or not, looking after your wellies starts before they even arrive on your doorstep, with choosing the right size and style for you. Boots that are too big or too small tend to wear out faster, as your feet either stretch them or rub against the lining, so getting the fit right from the outset keeps your wellies comfortable and helps them last.
Merry People boots run true to size for most, with a standard B-width fit, so we recommend ordering your usual shoe size.
For the best fit, compare your foot length to the innersole measurement on the product size chart and choose the size where the innersole sits around 0.5 to 1cm longer than your foot. Every pair is lined with soft 4mm neoprene, the same material used in wetsuits, which moulds to your feet over time like memory foam, so a slightly snug start is perfectly normal.
It’s also worth choosing the right style for how you’ll wear them. Our best-selling Bobbi is the perfect everyday ankle wellie, while the tall Fergie gives you more coverage for wetter, muddier days. If you’d like a little more room, the Oberon is our widest boot, designed with a generous D-width fit. Whichever you choose, the removable innersoles make it easy to add your own orthotics or inserts.
Made from natural rubber with a cushioned neoprene lining and a sturdy, cleated sole, Merry People Wellington boots are built to be comfortable, perfect for everyday wear and rated right down to below-freezing temperatures. In short, they combine fashion with function, so you can pick the pair that suits your adventures and know they’re made to last.
Wearing Your Wellies Correctly
Merry People wellies are built for real, everyday adventures, whether that’s splashing through puddles, walking muddy trails, tackling the garden, or heading out on a wet, wintry commute. Made from durable natural rubber and tested to perform, they’re more than up to the conditions you’ll actually wear them in.
That said, they’re designed as a fashionable lifestyle boot rather than a heavy-duty work boot, so a little mindfulness about where you wear them will keep them looking their best for even longer. Really abrasive terrain or thick, scratchy brush can mark the rubber over time, so if you’re heading somewhere especially rough, it’s worth reaching for footwear built for that job and saving your wellies for all the merry adventures in between.
Cleaning Your Wellies
Let’s be honest, wellies are made to get mucky, and that’s just how we like them! Still, a quick clean after a muddy outing keeps them looking their best and helps them last that much longer.
After each wear, wipe down the outside, soles included, with warm water and a soft cloth to lift away any dirt or mud. The inside needs far less attention, just a quick freshen-up if they start to smell or if they’ve got a little damp.
Stick to gentle cleaning products and a soft cloth, and always wash by hand rather than in the washing machine. Your wellies will thank you for it!
Conditioning Your Wellies
Just like your skin loves a good moisturiser, your wellies love a little conditioning. Natural rubber can dry out over time, even with everyday wear, so treating it now and then keeps it soft, supple, and crack-free.
A silicone-based rubber treatment, like the one in our Merry People Care Kit, is perfect for the job. It puts moisture back into the rubber and helps your boots shrug off whatever the weather throws their way, a bit like sunscreen for your wellies.
And a little goes a long way. Apply a thin, even coat rather than a heavy one, let it dry, and you’re good to go. Do this regularly, and your wellies will stay strong, soft, and comfy, wear after wear.
Storing Your Wellies
When your wellies are off adventure duty, give them a comfy place to rest. The ideal spot is:
- Cool and dry, away from radiators and other direct heat
- Out of direct sunlight, which can fade the colour and dry out the rubber over time
- Well-ventilated, so any lingering moisture can escape
Just make sure they’re completely dry before you tuck them away. Storing damp wellies can lead to mould (and a bit of a whiff!), so let them air-dry fully first.
A little care here keeps the rubber strong and the colour bright, so your wellies are ready to go the moment your next adventure calls.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions about caring for your wellies, our team is always happy to help. Just get in touch with us at support@merrypeople.com, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
