Gumboots

Form and function, New Zealand

The intensity and volume of rainfall in New Zealand is biblical, and calls for serious waterproof gear. That’s why the slap slap of summer jandals turns to the plod plod of gumboots as winter closes in.

In New Zealand, gumboots are not just for the farm or worksite. Kiwis are a practical mob, and ne’er an eyebrow will be raised if you wear your gumbies around town. In fact it’s hard not to feel like the odd one out when you are the only shopper in the supermarket not weary sturdy rubber boots.

I’ve seen surfers peel off their wetsuits, pull on tracksuit pants and step straight into their gumboots. Primary school kids scuffing their way home in their trusty gumbies. Netballers wearing gumboots with their uniforms. A couple of lady campers heading over to the caravan park shower block in their pyjamas and gumboots. Shorts, singlets and gumbies on the beach. Gumboots standing tall outside Kiwi front doors in the late afternoon, knowing that once again they have saved their owner’s feet from cold, wet discomfort.

Practical. Form and function.

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