Viral Aussie Gumboots Are Worth the Hype: Merry People Tully Ankle Rain Boot Review

I booked a 2-week trip to Iceland in September, knowing the weather might be rainy and unpredictable. Still, I hadn’t anticipated the amount of cold and muck that such conditions create in that part of the world. Thankfully, I’d packed my Merry People Tully Ankle Rain Boots.

Whether I was traipsing through puddles at a campsite, enduring a brief sunshower in the capital city of Reykjavik, or hiking through the mist at some of Europe’s largest waterfalls, these boots kept my feet dry and warm. 

Plus, the platform sole on the bottom of these gumboots gave me the confidence to traverse Iceland’s varied terrain, including steep gravel paths and slick ocean rocks, without fear of slipping.

In short: The Merry People Tully Boots ($160) are perfect for adventuring in wet, cold conditions. The comfortable neoprene interior and cuff, fully waterproof outsole, and decent arch support help make these a comfortable and versatile pair of boots. They come in both men’s and women’s sizes with a wide range of color options. The price is somewhat steep, but it’s worth it for a well-made boot that can be worn all year round.

Compare the Merry People Tully Rain Boots to those on GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Rain Boots.

Merry People Tully Ankle Rain Boot Review

Testing Conditions: Merry People Tully Ankle Rain Boot

As someone with Raynaud’s syndrome in my feet — a condition that restricts blood flow to extremities in cold temperatures and causes numbness — warm boots that also keep my feet dry are an absolute necessity for all my outdoor adventures. The Tully Ankle Rain Boots deliver on both of these requirements, with additional perks like style, dependable traction, and arch support.

During my 2-week road trip around the perimeter of Iceland, these boots quickly became my go-to. I explored misty waterfalls, jagged lava fields, and glacial valleys in them. 

When the rain started pouring (and didn’t stop for days), remote campsites turned from grassy fields into mud pits pockmarked with deep puddles. My Tully Boots made it easy to get where I was going. I didn’t have to worry about numb, uncomfortable, soaking wet feet. 

The rain finally stopped just in time for our last few days in the city of Reykjavik. By that time, my Tully boots had begun looking a little rough. They were covered in mud, but with a quick rinse at the camp spigot, they were back to looking like new.

Fully Waterproof 

Merry People claims that these boots are 100% waterproof. After spending 14 days in a country with above-average precipitation, I’m happy to report that my feet stayed completely dry. 

I tested this theory not only by wearing the Tully boots in rainy weather, but also by stepping directly into glacial streams at multiple points (though I was careful not to let the water rise above the neoprene cuff at my ankle).

Unexpectedly Warm

While not an intentional selling point, I couldn’t help but notice how warm my feet stayed with a solid wool sock. Because they effectively kept my feet dry, they also helped keep them warm and symptom-free. However, the warmth and quality of the sock itself certainly played a role.

Solid Traction and Arch Support

The average rainboot looks great for wet city walks. However, it doesn’t always have the arch support you’d find in a hiking boot. In contrast, a traditional hiking boot has solid tread, but isn’t always waterproof.

The Tully Ankle Boot essentially marries a rain boot with a hiking boot. However, I’d recommend it for easier, shorter hikes, such as those you take when visiting an overlook or point of interest. For hikes of two to three miles or more, you need something specifically designed for hiking.

Smart Details

Once we folded the bed down in the back of our campervan, it took up the majority of the space available in the vehicle. Which meant we always had to take our shoes off as soon as we came in, leaving the mud by the sliding door instead of tracking it into our bed. 

When I had to go to the bathroom in the dark or step outside to check for the Northern Lights, I appreciated the pull tab on the back of the Tully boot. This seems like a small detail. However, the sturdy loop made the boots much easier to pull back on than boots without it. It was a relief not to have laces to worry about when I was cold and in a hurry. That also made them great for airport travel, as I could slip them off and on easily.

Comfortable

Many rain boots boast a waterproof rubber outsole. However, the Tully stands out because it is fully lined with neoprene. This soft, flexible fabric, typically reserved for wetsuits, also wraps around the ankle. It prevents the friction and blistering I’ve gotten in boots with a hard rubber ankle.

Stylish

These boots worked not just for outdoor adventures but also for urban ones. The slight heel adds an elevated look that makes me feel comfortable wearing them with jeans at a nice restaurant. That’s something I probably wouldn’t do with most hiking or rain-specific boots focused only on function. 

For this reason, they made a great addition to my luggage on a trip that was mostly outdoors and adventure-focused, but also included a bit of city life and its comforts. I also tried them out when walking to yoga class on a rainy day in Denver. I had no trouble using them on the sidewalk (they also earned me a few compliments).

Sizing

One of the biggest downsides to the Merry People boot is that it doesn’t come in half sizes. If you’re a half size and you’re deciding whether to size up or down, you can measure your foot size to determine the best fit. You can also size up if you want to wear thick socks with the boots to stay extra warm, or size down for a better fit with thin socks in warmer weather conditions.

Room for Improvement

I was happy to have these boots on my trip to Iceland, but they do have limitations. For instance, they wouldn’t be a great pick for someone trying to pack ultra-light. At more than 3 pounds, they’re somewhat heavy and take up a decent amount of space.

Another downside to these boots is that the comfortable neoprene ankle wrap is so flexible, it comes at the expense of ankle stability. If you’re prone to ankle injury, the wrong step in this boot could be a problem. This boot is better for easy, light hikes where you aren’t stepping over lots of rocks and uneven terrain.

Lastly, these boots are best worn with high socks that go above the ankle. Otherwise, the neoprene lining might rub against your calf, causing discomfort. For that reason, they’re better for cooler conditions when you want to wear socks and stay warm. Wearing them in hot conditions, without socks, will be too hot and uncomfortable.

Merry People Tully Ankle Rain Boots: Conclusions

The extra space the Merry People Tully Rain Boots take up in a carry-on is negligible when you consider that they essentially replace three pairs of footwear. It’s a rain boot, a hiking boot for short/easy treks, and a city boot all in one. Plus, since they’re great travel shoes, you can wear them to the airport (or in the car) and free up that space in your suitcase.

If you’re seeking a versatile boot that takes care of you on both urban and outdoor adventures, look no further. These boots are versatile and functional. They’re also ideal for anyone seeking footwear with a reduced environmental impact. They’re 100% vegan and made with a partially recycled rubber outsole and an 85% recycled innersole.

Getting rained on in a stunning, magical place like Iceland only dampens your experience if you don’t have the right gear. With the Tully Boot on my feet, I never felt unprepared, whether I was on a trail miles from civilization or walking the city streets.