The wet weather is here, and that means it’s time to find a pair of boots that can handle a downpour. Australia’s Merry People thinks it has the answer, with a broad range of traditional rubber boots that seem ideally suited to tackling the UK’s damp conditions.

Here, we’re checking out the Oberon, a unisex boot with a design that aims to meet both casual and more technical conditions. It’s also a model available in bright colourways – a Merry People signature – and brings a wider fit that could help it to cater for a wider audience. We’ve been out stomping in the Oberon to find out what it’s like.

For	Against
Very comfortable	Far too hot for warmer temperatures
Fully rubberised design means no wet feet	No adjustability
Wider construction is great if you want to layer up	Wide design won’t be for everyone

What does the Merry People Oberon have to offer?

The design of the Oberon is pretty simple, but it’s one that has stood the test of time for a reason. You’ve got a fully natural rubber construction which, because of its very nature, is completely waterproof. Then there’s a neoprene lining which is there for added warmth – a must-have in the UK during winter. Unlike Merry People’s other popular model – the Bobbi – the Oberon has a D-width fit, bringing a roomier toe box which is great for people with wider feet, or those who simply want to wear chunkier socks when it’s properly chilly outside.

At the back, there’s a dual-layer reinforced heel and the toe has been given extra protection as a high-wear area too. Underneath, a traction sole is there to provide – you guessed it – better traction and the whole boot has been designed to be wipe-clean after even the muddiest day out.

Price	£120
Construction	Flexible rubber with neoprene lining
Other features	Reinforced heel and toe section

As we’ve already mentioned, Merry People is known for its eye-catching colourways and that’s certainly the case with the Oberon. We’ve got it here in Straw, but there are also more understated Storm Blue and Espresso shades for a more classic look.

The Oberon is available in both women’s and men’s UK sizing and there’s a good range, too, going from size 3 all the way to 13. They’re all priced from £120, too.

Wearing – what is the Merry People Oberon like?

Putting the Merry People Oberon on for the first time feels oddly familiar. Of course, they’re quite a recognised design – the short rubber boot has been a hit for decades – but this familiarity is very pleasant. As marketed, they’re wider than the Bobbi, so you’ve got plenty of space for your toes and, as it has got colder, we’ve been able to layer up with socks – or simply wear thicker ones – without any trouble. This is very personal, mind you, and those with narrower feet might struggle with the Oberon.

There’s no adjustability, of course, but that’s why sizing for this boot is so important. We found it pretty much true-to-size, but it’s worth measuring for yourself and finding out. The neoprene liner of the Oberon brings a nice extra bit of cushioning and, of course, helps to make them warmer as well. This plus-point is the main drawback of the Oberon, mind you – they are simply too warm for wearing in the summertime.

But you can’t fault how waterproof these boots are. There’s a reason why rubber boots are so popular among seafarers, as there are few better ways of keeping your feet dry. The chunky lug pattern on the Oberon’s sole is great for providing lots of traction when it’s muddy underfoot and they don’t get clogged up too much either.

Once you’re done, the Oberon is easy to get off thanks to the sturdy pull tabs at the front and rear of the boot. Hose them down and start again – they’re easy to clean as well.

The design of the Oberon also means that you’re not restricted to wearing them on your local byway. In subtler colours than this Straw shade, you can wear them around town and, on wetter days, they could provide a far more comfortable alternative to a full-length pair of wellies.

To finish

The Merry People Oberon feels like a boot that could prove ideal for those properly sodden UK days. While it won’t replace your traditional hiking boot – and its lack of adjustability means that it’s not suited to technical trails – its rugged design and rubberised construction make it ideal for those jobs where you simply want to keep dry and warm.

Its design means that you can wear it around town without looking too out-there, too, and its price won’t break the bank. Those with narrower feet might find the Oberon’s roomy sizing a stumbling block but, if that doesn’t apply to you, then these boots could be ideal to get you through to spring and beyond.