Two rain boot brands dominate the conversation: Merry People, the Australian upstart with a cult following, and Hunter, the 160-year-old British heritage icon. Both make 100% waterproof boots, but they take very different approaches.
Here’s how they compare across every category that matters.
At a Glance
| Factor | Merry People | Hunter |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 (Melbourne, Australia) | 1856 (Edinburgh, Scotland) |
| Hero Product | Bobbi Ankle Boot ($159.95) | Original Tall Boot ($175) |
| Material | FSC-certified natural rubber | Natural rubber |
| Lining | 3mm neoprene (cushioned) | Cotton/polyester (thin) |
| Arch Support | Built-in + removable insole | None |
| Vegan | Yes (100%) | No (some use animal glues) |
| Warranty | 12 months | 6 months |
| Made In | Ethically manufactured (China) | China / Europe |
Comfort — Merry People Wins Clearly
This is the biggest differentiator. Merry People boots come with built-in arch support and a cushioned neoprene lining — features that make them wearable for hours of walking. The removable insole lets you customize the fit.
Hunter boots have minimal internal cushioning. The classic tall boot has a thin cotton lining and a flat footbed. For short trips (20-30 minutes), they’re fine. For all-day wear, Merry People is significantly more comfortable.
Winner: Merry People — it’s not close.
Waterproofing — Both Excellent
Both brands use natural rubber construction with sealed seams. Both keep your feet dry in rain, puddles, and mud. No significant difference in waterproofing performance.
Winner: Tie.
Style and Color Range
Merry People offers 15+ vibrant colors (Fuchsia, Mustard Yellow, Dusty Lilac, Rust, Seafoam, and more) with seasonal rotations and limited editions. Their ankle-height Chelsea silhouette is modern and versatile.
Hunter sticks primarily to heritage colors (Black, Green, Navy, Red) with occasional seasonal releases. The tall boot silhouette is classic but less versatile for everyday wear.
If you want to express personality through your rain boots, Merry People is the clear choice.
Winner: Merry People.
Durability and Longevity
Hunter’s 160-year reputation is built on durability — their boots can last 5-10 years with proper care. The natural rubber compound is thick and rugged.
Merry People is newer, and customer reviews show mixed long-term results. Some users report cracks or sole separation after 12-24 months. Others report 2+ years with no issues. The 12-month warranty exceeds Hunter’s 6 months.
For long-term investment, Hunter has the edge. For the first 1-2 years, they’re comparable.
Winner: Hunter (slight edge for longevity).
Sustainability
| Factor | Merry People | Hunter |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber | FSC-certified natural | Natural rubber |
| Carbon Footprint | 11.6 kg CO₂-e (measured) | Not disclosed |
| Vegan | Yes (certified) | No |
| Transparency | High (published LCA) | Moderate |
Merry People has invested significantly in sustainability — FSC certification, carbon footprint measurement, vegan materials, and biodegradable natural rubber. Hunter has sustainability initiatives but lags in transparency.
Winner: Merry People.
Price Comparison
| Boot | Price | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Merry People Bobbi Ankle | $159.95 | High — arch support + neoprene |
| Merry People Fergie Tall | $169.95 | High — adjustable fit |
| Hunter Original Tall | $175 | Moderate — no arch support |
| Hunter Original Short | $155 | Moderate — thin lining |
Merry People offers better features (arch support, cushioned lining) at the same or lower price point.
Winner: Merry People.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose Merry People if:
- You want all-day comfort with arch support
- You prefer modern, colorful styles
- Vegan and sustainable materials matter to you
- You want a better warranty (12 vs 6 months)
- You’re looking for ankle-height or platform boot styles
Choose Hunter if:
- You want the heritage brand with a 160-year reputation
- You need maximum long-term durability (5-10 years)
- The classic tall welly silhouette is what you’re after
- Style is secondary to ruggedness
Bottom Line
For most people, Merry People offers the better rain boot — more comfortable, more stylish, more sustainable, and better value. The built-in arch support alone makes them worth choosing over Hunter for daily wear.
That said, Hunter remains the durable classic. If you want a single pair of boots that might last a decade, Hunter is still a solid choice — just be prepared to add your own insoles.
Read our full Merry People Bobbi Boot review for a deeper dive, or check the Merry People buying guide to find your perfect pair.