DSW / STAUD / Amazon
Nine months out of the year, knee-high boots are your best friend. They keep you warm and protected from the elements in the coldest months, and when spring and fall roll around, they help you transition between seasons as you pair them with lighter pieces. No matter what you wear, the structure of a knee-high boot gives your outfit an instant edge.
“My favorite way to style knee-high boots is either with a skirt or with a dress," says Madison Kahn, associate buyer at The Westside. “I think that tall boots balance out short skirts nicely. As it gets colder, you can start to layer these looks with heavy sweaters, layering shirts, stockings, and jackets.”
And yet, with all the different styles and trends at play today—including wide-ranging options for toe shapes, heel heights, and materials—finding the perfect pair can seem overwhelming. Thats why we researched the best knee-high boots for you.
With tips from our experts to help guide our search, we evaluated dozens of pairs based onstyle, material, color, heel, shaft height, toe shape, tread, sizing, and price. Next, we narrowed it down to the best knee-high boots worth investing in.
Best Overall
Stuart Weitzman Yuliana 60 Knee-High Boot
Stuart Weitzman
Buy On Amazon Buy On Stuartweitzman.com
If there’s a name in fashion that’s synonymous with knee-high boots, it’s Stuart Weitzman. The brand shot to fame with its tall, form-fitting boots, with celebrities like Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid flocking to their styles. Boasting an array of simple colors and shapes, it’s no surprise the brand has become part of models’ off-duty uniforms. Case in point: the Yuliana knee-high boot. The black or brown leathergoes with everything, and the block heel that’s just above two inches gives you a little lift without seeming extreme. You can choose between smooth or suede leather, and the brand also makes them inwide and narrow sizes. Plus, theres a side zipperto make putting them on and off easier. With so many ways to wear them (from jeans to dresses and miniskirts), youll treasure them for years to come.
- Material: Leather or suede
- Heel Height: 2.4 inches
- Colors: Black, Brown
- Size Range:3.5–12, wide available
Best Budget
Dream Pairs Womens Knee High Pull On Fall Weather Winter Boots
Amazon
When shopping for boots, comfort and quality are of utmost importance. And yet, they can be hard to come by in budget-friendly styles. The Dream Pairs Knee-High Pull On Boots defies the odds, having received top marks from nearly 10,000 Amazon customers for theirgreat fit, comfort, and design(namely, their interior pockets, which can hold cards and cash). A soft lining swaddles your legs in warmthand comfort while thetextured outsole prevents sliding around. Channel Serena van der Woodsen and wear them tucked into jeans or with a miniskirt.
- Material: Faux suede
- Heel Height: 0.5 inches
- Colors: 8
- Size Range:5–12
Best Designer
Totême The Riding Boot
TOTEME
Buy On Toteme-studio.com Buy On Saks Fifth Avenue Buy On Net-a-Porter
Given their quality and wearability, Totêmes slim riding boots are so investment-worthy. Theyremade in Italy from calfskin leather and shaped with a pointed square toe and a low stacked heel. The style is finished with a decorative strap and a silver-tone metal monogram. It could look great with your bare legs as you rock a short dress or with straight denim pants to show off the shape of your legs.
- Material: Calfskin leather
- Heel Height: Less than 1 inch
- Colors: Black
- Size Range: EU 35–41
Runner-Up, Best Designer
Givenchy Shark Lock Boots
Givenchy
Wear these wedge boots on your next night out, and youll surely stun in them, but without the same pain and agony of matchstick-slim stiletto boots. The style has astructured, flared neck thats decorated with lock hardwareand looks like its been folded over. Not to mention, its a classic, having come back on the scene as a re-edition from the early 2010s. While the leather shaft is voluminous, thealmond toe balances it out. For modern styling inspiration, you can look to the likes of Doja Cat, Leonie Hanne, and Chriselle Lim, among others celebrities who have been rocking the style.
- Material: Leather
- Heel Height: 3.5 inches
- Colors: Black
- Size Range:EU 35–44
Best Low-Heel
Frye Melissa Button 2 Boots
Amazon
Buy On Amazon Buy On Thefryecompany.com Buy On Zappos
Frye boots are so well-made that they could last you years upon years, perhaps even a decade depending on how often you wear them and how well you maintain them. Crafted fromsupple leather, they are meant to fade and stretch out, only looking better with age. They also boast asensible 1-inch heelto help you withstand a day on your feet. Though, you should be warned that the style does not have a zipper, so you’ll have to pull them on and off.
- Material:Leather
- Heel Height: 1 inch
- Colors: 6
- Size Range:5.5–11
Best Motorcycle
Tony Bianco Biker Boot
Revolve
In case you havent noticed, motorcycle boots are all the runways, New York City, and TikTok. More grungy than your average pair of knee-highs, theyimpart a nice edge to any outfit. We love this pair for itssimple design, square toe, and comfortable low heel. Reviewers cant stop raving about theirquality and versatility.
- Material: Leather
- Heel Height: 1.25 inches
- Colors:Black, Cognac
- Size Range: 5–10
Best Block Heel
Vince Camuto Sangeti Wide-Calf Boot
Vince Camuto
Buy On Amazon Buy On Vincecamuto.com Buy On Macy's
Block heels are known to be very comfortable, especially when compared to sharp stiletto shapes. (It all has to do with weight distribution and how much strain is being put on your feet as a result.) This pair from Vince Camuto hasgone viral on TikToknot just for the comfortable heel, but also because of theirextensive wide-calf sizes. Finally, a brand understands the power of fit and comfort. We also love thefun color optionslike white leather, patent leather, and rich mahogany.
- Material: Leather
- Heel Height: 3 inches
- Colors: 4
- Size Range:5-12
Best Rain Boots
HUNTER Women’s Original Tall Rain Boot
Amazon
Buy On Amazon Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Zappos
Say "rain gear" and Hunter’s Original Tall Rainboot will come to the minds of many. The classic silhouettecomes in both glossy and matte finishesand all shades of the rainbow. Whether you like to add a pop of color on a dreary day or stick to black, you can find your ideal pair. The brand’s signature tread willprevent you from slipping on slick streets, so you can power through your commute. The brand offers a two-year warranty, but some reviewers say the boot has lasted them as long as 10 years. You’ll want to wear these boots even when it’s not raining.
- Material: Vulcanized rubber
- Heel Height: 1 inch
- Colors: 7
- Size Range: 5–11
These 15 Rain Boots Are Cute Enough to Wear Even When It’s Not Raining
Best for Winter
Sorel Joan of Arctic Boot
Amazon
Buy On Amazon Buy On Sorel.com Buy On Shoemall.com
For those times when you need something heavy-duty to navigate the snow, turn to a classic snow boot like this one from Sorel.Waterproof suede and seam-sealed waterproof construction keeps moisture out while vulcanized rubber with herringbone outsole will help you keep your footing on the icy ground. Plus, the faux fur cuff adds extra warmthand a cute factor. As one reviewer writes, “I wish I lived in the Arctic, so I could wear these every day.”
- Material: Waterproof suede, faux fur
- Heel Height: 1.5 inches
- Colors: 7
- Size Range:5–12
The 15 Best Snow Boots for Women Are So Cozy and Cute
Best High-Heel
Hanifa Zoe Boot
Hanifa
The Zoe Boot from Hanifa is like art for your soles. Although they might look too pretty to wear, their flared heels will help tokeep you steady and discreet zippersat the back of the calves will allow you to take them on and off with ease. They’re theperfect boot for a night on the town, but they’d also look chic in the daytime with a flowing midi dress.
Material: Leather
Heel Height: 4 inches
Colors: Black, Blue, Bone
Size Range:36–42
Best Snakeskin
Schutz Maryana Block Boot
Schutz
Buy On Amazon Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Schutz-shoes.com
From nails to accessories, we love incorporating snakeskin into our look since theprint acts as a neutral but is way more fierce. An easy way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is with a pair of snakeskin boots. The stacked heeladds a bit of height, yet a padded footbed keeps your comfortable, not to mention the overall leather boot is soft and supple. The almond toe is a nice middle-ground between soft and pointy.
- Material: Embossed leather
- Heel Height: 3.25 inches
- Colors: 5
- Size Range:5–11
Best Wide-Calf
Franco Sarto Meyer Wide Calf Boot
DSW
Buy On Amazon Buy On Francosarto.com Buy On Boscovs.com
If you’re on the hunt for a boot with a wider shaft, the Franco Sarto Meyer Wide Calf Boot is worth a look. It’smade from glossy leather, and it features a zipper that’s virtually as long as the length of the boot so that you can wear and remove them with ease. It’savailable in several finishes and even comes in a wide shaft and medium width foot to suit a variety of wearers.
- Material: Leather
- Heel Height: 1 inch
- Colors:Dark Brown, Dark Brown and Light Brown
- Size Range: 5–11
Best Chelsea
STAUD Palamino Tall Chelsea Boot
STAUD
Buy On Staud.clothing Buy On Shopbop.com
You’re probably used to seeing elastic gussets on a pair of ankle boots, but kudos to STAUD for taking things to the next level with this knee-high iteration. STAUD’s Palamino Tall Chelsea Boot ismade from soft leather and grounded by a thick rubber sole that reads simple but edgy. Wear them with everything from jeans to dresses.
- Material: Leather
- Heel Height: 1.6 inches
- Colors:Black
- Size Range: EU 35–42
The 15 Best Snow Boots for Women Are So Cozy and Cute
Best Suede
Larroudé The Kate Suede Boot
Larroude
Buy On Larroude.com Buy On Shopbop.com Buy On Bloomingdales
Theres just something cozy about a suede knee high boot, especially when inearthy toneslike this one from Larroude. Though the3.8-inch heel is a bit high, the flared base provides extra stability and theres a cloud memory foam insole
for comfort. Even the pointed toe is designed not to squish your toes. The shaft has just enough slouch for a groovy look.
- Material: Leather, kid suede
- Heel Height: 3.8 inches
- Colors: Black
- Size Range:5–11
These 15 Chelsea Boots Are The Best For The Cold Weather Months Ahead
Best Cowboy
Steve Madden Lasso Bone Leather
Steve Madden
Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Stevemadden.com Buy On Zappos
Kahn says cowboy boots are one trend she has seen galloping from summer into the fall. If you want to embrace the trend without looking like Jessie from Toy Story, try this style from Steve Madden. Thepointed toe, slanted heel, and contrast-stitchingoffer a healthy dose of western style. Plus, they come insix fun hues including denim. Fashion content creator Alexis Lopez suggests pairing them with straight jeans, a dress or skirt, and a blazer. You can find additional outfit suggestions in her YouTube video about knee-high boots.
- Material: Leather
- Heel Height: 3/75 inches
- Colors: 6
- Size Range:5–12
From Metallic to Wide-Fit to Vegan, Were Obsessed With These 17 Cowboy Boots for Women
Best Narrow Calf
Marc Fisher Georgiey Pointed Toe Knee High Boot
Nordstrom
Just like some need wide-calf boots, those with narrow calfs may prefer a boot that better fits their legs. This boot from Marc Fisher has anarrow calf along with an elegant pointed toe and 3-inch stiletto toe. The smooth leather is buttery soft while a half zipper makes going in and out of it easier.
- Material: Leather
- Heel Height: 3 inches
- Colors: Black, Light Natural
- Size Range: 5–11
Best Lug-Soled
Alohas Katiuska Leather Boots
Alohas
View On Alohas.io Buy On Urban Outfitters Buy On Zappos
Embrace the lug sole trend with this pick from Alohas. Theirstreamline, slip-on silhouette stops right below the knee and wears loose around the legs, so you can easily fit in your favorite fluffy socks. On top of that, the thick sole with lugged tread will give you plenty of grip to minimize slipping on snow or ice in the winter.
For fashion blogger Josiane Konaté, lug-soled boots are a must for surviving Montreal’s freezing weather. “My go-to style is to pair lug-soled knee-high boots with thermal leggings, a classic white shirt, and a vest on top,” she says. “I feel like it never fails. Youreprotected from the cold and you look chic.”
- Material: Leather
- Heel Height: 2 inches
- Colors: 5
- Size Range:35-42
Best Platform
Vagabond Brooke Tall Boots
Bloomingdales
Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Vagabond.com Buy On Urban Outfitters
Forget Barbie, were all about the Bratz doll aesthetic and theseplatform bootslet you achieve it without being too extreme. Like the dolls signature boot, theshaft hugs your leg and is juxtaposed by the chunky heel.Yes, theheel is nearly 4 inches, but the platform base helps off set it and keep you comfortable.Weve owned several pairs of Vagabond boots, and they are alwaysexceptionally well-made and last forever.
- Material: Leather
- Heel Height: 3.75 inches
- Colors: Black
- Size Range: 35-42
Best Riding
Blondo Starling Waterproof Knee High Boot
Amazon
Buy On Amazon Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Zappos
Aesthetically, these fitted bootsare a perfect finishing touch to a jeans and sweater outfit in the winter. But perhaps whats better is that theyre practical, too. You neednt worry that they’ll be marred by rain, snow, and salt, as theirweatherproof coating will keep them well intact, and the sole has traction for grip. Memory foam cushioning keeps them light as air. And they are currently 29 percent off at Nordstrom.
- Material: Leather
- Heel Height: 1.5inches
- Colors: Black, Brown
- Size Range: 5.5–11
Best Over-the-Knee
Brother Vellies Ronstadt Boot
Brother Vellies
Tired of a simple knee-high boot? You can quite literally level up your game in this over-the-knee style from Brooklyn-based shoe label Brother Vellies. Theyremade from suede and feature a manageable kitten heel, so you can wear them from day to night with ease. Paired with tights or with jeans, these boots will be the center of attention.
- Material: Suede
- Heel Height: 2 inches
- Colors: Cognac
- Size Range: 5–12
Best Sustainable
Ganni Country Boot
Ganni
Buy On Ganni.com Buy On Revolve
These chunky, lug-sole bootsaren’t waterproof, but they still make for a utilitarian look. Pair them with a femme skirt or dress for a high-contrast look, and feel good about wearing them given their eco-conscious composition that includes a50-percent makeup of recycled rubber.
- Material: New and recycled rubber
- Heel Height: 1.5 inches
- Colors: Black, White, Green
- Size Range:5–14
Where We Stand
Stuart Weitzman makes our favorite knee-high boots. The brands striking yet versatileYuliana 60 Knee High Bootis made of smooth leather and features a walkable block heel. But if youre on a budget and just want a pair to get you through the season,Dream Pairs Knee High Pull On Boots are a solid choice.
How We Researched
To find the best knee-high boots, we consulted with different style experts for their product recommendations and styling tips. We also researched materials, silhouettes, and popular products. When evaluating products, we read through customer reviewsand paid special attention to these attributes:
- Material
- Size Range
- Comfort Fit
- Durability
- Versatility
- Ease of care
- Price and value
What to Look For in Knee-High Boots
- Material:
These days, boots can be made from a variety of materials, ranging from leather to vegan leather to rubber. Choosing the right material depends on your personal preference as well as your functional needs. As with the Stuart Weitzman Yuliana 60 Knee High Boot, smooth leather is a go-to choice for its versatile look and durability. But you can also find vegan leather options that look and feel similar and that better align with your ethos. As with the Larroudé Kate Suede Boot, suede offers a softer look, but it can be harder to keep clean, especially when in lighter colors. For a fiercer look, opt for croc or snakeskin-embossed(vegan) leather. If you’re looking for a boot that can withstand rain or snow, consider rubber options or leather that’s been treated to be waterproof, like Sorel Joan of Arc Winter Boot. - Heel Height:
Deciding on a heel height should come down to when and where you’ll wear the boot.Stiletto styles—like Hanifa Zoe Boot—are great for dressy occasions where you won’t have to be standing and walking a ton. On the other hand, alower, thicker heel makes for a better everyday boot that won’t give you blisters as you stroll the town. “I gravitate towards a short and chunky heel. I can’t walk in high heels, so shorter is always better for me,” says Kahn. “I also tend to look for chunky platforms, since this gives you additional height without making it harder to walk." We love how Vagabonds Brooke Platform Boots gives us much height without pain. - Toe Shape:
Square, round, almond, pointed—oh my! Today’s toe shape options are endless.Almond and roundare the most common and versatile toe shapes. Square-toe offers a vintage look and is quite trendy this fall.Pointed-toe bootslike the Totême Riding Boot create a sexy look and are great for going out. For petite individuals, petite style expert Chi Li recommends the pointed toe. “They are the best to elongate [the] legs. The second best is arounded toe. These can be more comfortable for those of us who are not used to a pointy toe,” she says. - Tread:
In theory, boots are made for colder months, but not all of them can handle the elements equally. Besides checking forwaterproof materials and insulation, you should look at the bottom of the shoe for the tread. Most dressy or stiletto styles have slick bottoms that don’t provide any grip when walking in the rain or snow. While this might be fine for a fancy dinner, even commuting to work on a wintery day may become dangerous. Thankfully, its trendy to wear boots withchunky, textured rubber soles that are naturally anti-slip. If you are truly venturing out in a storm choose a pair with waterproof rubber soles like Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots because widely spaced lugs shed mud more easily.
FAQ
How do I style knee-high boots for different seasons?
Knee-high boots aren’t just reserved for the winter. Living in New York City, Kahn likes to pair tall boots with shorts or mini skirts on warmer fall days. However, when the temperatures dip, knee-high boots can provide extra warmth while still staying chic. Throw on some thermal leggings and thick, knee-high socks to keep your legs toasty. Tall boots also are a lifesaver when it comes to wearing dresses or skirts in the winter. Simply layer your thickest socks over thermal tights and hide it all inside the boot. Oversized sweaters and sweater dresses look great with tall boots and simple bottoms tucked inside. Top it all off with a cute puffer jacket, wool coat, or parka, and you are good to go.
Can I wear knee-high boots if I’m petite?
Just because you are short and the boot is tall doesn’t mean you can’t wear the shoe. When styled correctly, a pair of knee-high boots can make you look taller. Like Li says, it’s best to go with a pointed-toe style to elongate the legs, and don’t shy away from a higher heel. While slouchy and wide-leg boots are currently in, they can overwhelm the petite frame, so a sleek, tight shaft might be a better fit. Also, remember to check the shaft height and aim for a style with one under 15.5 inches. With its sleek shape and pointed toe, Marc Fisher Boot is a great option for petites.
When choosing what to pair them with, go with similar colors to create one long line. For instance, wearing black boots with black leggings or jeans doesn’t break up your leg, so it looks like they are stretching for days. Leaving a space between the top of the boots and the bottom hem of a dress or skirt similarly creates an illusion of height.
How do I keep knee-high boots up?
Depending on the boot and your outfit, you might find the shaft slipping down as you wear it throughout the day. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to keep your boots up.
“To prevent my knee-high boots from falling or slouching, I usually will wear them with thick socks underneath or ankle warmers. I find this to be the best method to keep my boots in place if I find that they are a bit wide around my legs,” says Lopez. “If you are wearing a pair of suede boots, you can glue a piece of Velcro to the inside of the boot and then tie an elastic band around your leg where the Velcro will attach to it to ensure it doesnt fall throughout the day.”
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