Merry People Tully boots review: "finally, wellies that work for the different demands of everyday life"

I already have a pair of knee-high wellies that I turn to for deep puddles and the muddiest of days (the Le Chameau Vierzonord if you must know!), but realistically I need something a little easier to chuck on with leggings for everyday dog walks now that the weather is really autumnal. A pair that's smart enough to wear for the rest of my day as well is surely too good to be true...?

Having seen a lot about Merry People on social media, and after reading the Bobbi wellington boots recommendation from my fellow Fashion Editor Julie Player, I decided to try out the Merry People Tully ankle wellies.

I was fascinated to know more about the brand's journey to making some of the best wellies. Founder Dani Pearce is quoted on the Merry People website as saying, "Growing up on an Australian farm, wellies were a part of my daily life; reliable, durable, comfortable and ripe for adventure! Some of my fondest memories are in my wellies with siblings doing simple things like bush walks, racing across the hay bales and sitting in a paddock making daisy chains together."

After moving to the city, Dani "couldn't find an all-weather boot to get me from my daily commute to the corporate world and then back to the farm on weekends.

"The more I thought about it, the more I realised there was a gap in the market. I felt that an everyday waterproof boot could possibly be the most practical type of boot. I began wondering if I could merge the function of my childhood farm boots into an on-trend fashionable silhouette for everyday, city and country living."

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Merry People Tully Ankle Wellies: Comfort & support

I'm possibly not the patient person when it comes to wearing in new shoes. I like to fully chuck footwear in at the deep end, so my first outing in the Tully boots was a long walk in the countryside, which included trekking across muddy fields, walking on gravel paths, going up and down hills and climbing over fences.

The Tully boots were comfortable from the first step. At first, I did wonder if the seam where the neoprene cuff meets the rubber at the back was going to rub, but it was absolutely fine. I would recommend a good thick sock, though, and for that reason I wish I'd sized up one from my usual UK 4.

The chunky sole copes with different terrains really well, and they feel really lightweight when walking. The neoprene cuff felt toasty warm, too, as there wasn't any gaping. They're not quite hands-free to slip on, but they're easy enough when you utilise the loop at the back, and they kept my feet completely dry.

Merry People Tully Ankle Wellies: Style

I opted for classic black in mine, but I'd be willing to bet most Merry People customers would say one of the things they love most is the amazing array of colour combinations on offer. I recently spotted someone in the eye-catching burgundy and orange Tully boots, and those would be next on my wish list!

Design-wise, these are the wellies that look much more like a regular pair of boots. The chunky sole on the Tully gives them a '90s feel, and would elevate any outfit, plus the rubber is so premium that it almost just looks like leather at first glance.

In terms of branding, there's just a little label on the side and heel, and the extended neoprene cuff takes them up to a smidge higher than ankle height.

If you prefer a slimmer sole or lower ankle height, try the Merry People Bobbi wellington boots, which are more like a classic Chelsea boot.

Merry People Tully Ankle Wellies: Cleaning & care

Wonderfully low maintenance, so far my wellies have only ever needed water and a cloth to keep them clean. The brand advises you keep them indoors, as natural rubber is a softer material that can fade and crack with too much sun exposure.

Merry People Tully Ankle Wellies: Shop more colours

Merry People Tully Ankle Wellies: verdict

The Merry People Tully ankle wellie boot is an everyday go-to that's both seriously sturdy and stylish. Whether you choose classic black or a bold colour to brighten up your day, these are going to get a lot of wear this winter. I will report back if I have any issues as the months go on, but I can see this style lasting for years when looked after properly.