The 26 Best Knee-High Boots That Will Take Your Outfits to New Heights

Best Overall

Dolce Vita Gyra Boots

View On Dolcevita.com

For our best overall pick, we chose something sleek, classic, and easy to style on any occasion. The 2.9-inch heel makes it relatively walking-friendly as well. If you have thicker calves, fear not as the seemingly slim-fitted boot is actually quite wide, according to the reviews. Thanks to the long zip going down the inner calf, they’re easy to slip in and out of as well. The shaft is 16.8-inches long, however, which may be a little too tall for petite women. One reviewer found the boot going over her knees with her shorter height.

Size: 5–13 | Material: Leather, recycled materials | Heel Height: 2.9 inches | Colors: 4

Best Budget

Modatope Knee High Boots

View On Amazon $59

These Amazon best-sellers did not disappoint its shoppers. Despite a very affordable price, people were pleased with the quality of the faux leather that landed at their doorsteps. The sleek shoe features a square toe, 3.5-inch block heel, and full-length zipper. While there is some stretch to the boot, those with larger calves might find them a little tight around the leg — a detail that some people successfully combated with sizing up. Choose between seven colors and textures, including one trendy metallic silver and one croc pink option.

Size: 6–11 | Material: Polyethylene leather | Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Colors: 7

Best Splurge

Staud Cami Leather Knee Boots

View On Net-a-Porter $550 View On Staud.clothing

Splurgy shoes should either have a stand-out feature that’s unique to them or be something classic that will stand the test of time. The Staud Cami boots fall into the ladder category. The polished boot has a slim heel that’s slightly curved. The pointed toe subtly elongates the leg, although we could imagine those with wide feet might find that slightly uncomfortable. Without any embellishments, buckles, or prints, the shoe becomes easy to style, instantly adding a sophisticated touch to your look.

Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 3.3 inches | Colors: 4

Best Designer

Prada Napa Stiletto Knee Boots

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Prada.com

These boots are gorgeous: The pointed toe, sleek silhouette, and tapered stiletto heel complete with a subtle triangle logo plaque. And while they may not look like the most comfortable pair among the bunch, the side-zip goes from the arch of the foot to the tip of the shaft, and the leather insole is cushiony enough for a night out. Just don’t press your luck — the narrow ankle isn’t ideal for wider feet, and the nearly 4-inch heel probably isn’t made for a marathon day. Still, we dare you to put these on and *not* feel like the chicest person in any room.

Size: 36–41 | Material: Nappa leather | Heel Height: 3.7 inches | Colors: 1

Best Block Heel

Madewell Monterey Tall Boot

View On Madewell.com View On Zappos $298

With a subtle squ-oval toe, these boots from Madewell offer a comfortable block heel and the brand’s signature cushiony, memory foam insoles — a selling point for stylist Gabrielle Porcaro.

Plus, “the heel is on the shorter side at 2 inches,” notes NYC-based stylist Daniela Santos, who loves this pair for fall. “And the full-length zipper on the inside is essential for putting them on and taking them off, which can be a struggle with tall boots,” she says. It also doesn’t hurt that they’re made from 100 percent leather, giving the finish a natural sheen. Plus, they require almost zero breaking in — just a few laps around the apartment should do.

Size: 5–10.5  | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 2 inches | Colors: 2

Best for Wide Calves

Vince Camuto Sangeti Wide-Calf Boot

View On Amazon $229 View On Vincecamuto.com View On Zappos $229

Vince Camuto is known for its boots that are designed to accommodate wider calves, and this pair has recently gone viral on TikTok among the wide calf community, according to Toronto-based stylist Heensie. “They are gorgeous! I love the square toe and the rich mahogany shade,” she adds, noting that the flared block heel and seam detailing make them look expensive. Plus, as you go up in foot size, the circumference of the boot goes up by a quarter-inch.

While the upper is made from leather (or patent leather, if you so choose), the inner lining is synthetic, so it may feel sticky or clammy if you don’t wear high socks. Some petite reviewers noted that the 15.3-inch shaft was too high, hitting them at an awkward spot, so if you are on the shorter side, you may want to try a boot with a shorter shaft like Dear Frances Porto Boots.

Size:  5–12 | Material: Leather | Heel Height:  3 inches | Colors: 3

Best for Short Legs

Duo Boots Haltham Petite Knee High Boots

View On Duoboots.com

Yes, you absolutely can wear knee-high boots as a petite girl. Made possible by Duo Boots, these shoes have a shaft height of 14.2 inches, compared to 14.9, which is their standard height, or 16.5, which is for their tall ladies. Beyond just a shorter boot, however, they even offer eight different calf width options — it should be noted that it’s very rare to see brands offering this many options. Finally, a knee-high boot that fits shorter ladies and wider legs. Handmade in Portugal using calf leather, you don’t have to sacrifice quality either. With something this unique, we do wish there were more color options available.

Size: 5–10 | Material: Calf leather | Heel Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: 3

Best for Long Legs

Staud Nancy Boot

View On Amazon $495 View On Staud.clothing View On Saks Fifth Avenue $495

A ‘60s-inspired boot can feel costume-y, but this pair from Staud is about as timeless as it gets. With a slightly rounded toe, exposed stitching at the ankle, and a shaft height measuring about 17 inches tall, they’re perfect for anyone with longer legs who’s sick of knee-high boots barely reaching their calves.

While the upper is made from 100 percent leather, the sole is designed with a mix of leather and ABS, a type of plastic that has good impact resistance, making it a durable material for anyone who commutes on pavement or cobblestone. We do wish there was a zipper to make them easier to put on and take off.

Size: 35-42 | Material: Leather, ABS Sole | Heel Height: 1.97 inches | Colors: 2

Best Leather

Sarah Flint Perfect Riding Boot

View On Sarahflint.com $995

When it comes to shopping for shoes of any kind, but especially leather boots, there are three words that make our fashion-loving hearts sing: “handmade in Italy.” Yours too? Then let us introduce you to these luscious leather boots from Sarah Flint.

They’re made (in Italy, of course) from Vachetta leather (untreated Italian leather), a vegetable-tanned cowhide leather known for its high-fat content, which creates an unmatched soft-to-the-touch finish. They’re polished and practical, with anatomical arch support and bonus footbed padding that ensure you’ll be able to wear these boots morning, noon, and night. The craftsmanship of these boots justifies their cost.

Size: 34 - 43 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 1 inch | Colors: 3

Best Suede

Schutz Allie Up Suede Boot

View On Schutz-shoes.com

Made from cow leather suede, these boots are exactly what you need to stay warm and stylish through the winter. The kitten heel also adds a touch of elevation without causing any strains to the balls of your feet. In other words, you can wear it night and day without any pain. What it doesn’t have, however, are zippers or any type of closures. You’re going to have to shimmy your way through the boot and hope it fits like a glove.

Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 2.2 inches | Colors: 2

Best Cowboy

Thursday Boots Western Rodeo Boots

View On Thursdayboots.com

Cowboy boots made their way into mainstream fashion again and we predict they’ll stay in style for a while. Trend or not, they’re still a great style to own, especially if you have plans on visiting out west anytime soon. These options from Thursday Boots embody the classic style to a T. You’ve got the block heel, the hand-stitched western pattern, and the pointed toe. Appropriately named the “Rodeo” shoe, the cowboy boot is fun to style and sure to invite some adventures into your life. This option is also a slip-on, however, so it’s important you find the right size.

Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 2.75 inches | Colors: 4

Best Traction

Coach Julietta Boot

View On Coach.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue $175

If traction is what you’re looking for, then a lug sole is the way to go. As much as we love the traditionally rugged look, however, we understand it’s not for everyone. The rigid sole is a little more subtle in the case of this Coach Julietta Boot, making it more appealing to the masses (and easier to style). Perhaps the smooth luxe leather upper, which elegantly curves around the calves, makes it feel more feminine. Once you slip your foot in, you’ll realize there’s a padded footbed as well for all-day comfort. We must pose this question, therefore, why did Coach only offer this in one color?

Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather, rubber | Heel Height: Not listed | Colors: 1

Best Stiletto Heel

Larroudé The Kate Suede Boot

View On Larroude.com View On Shopbop.com $485 View On Bloomingdales $485

InStyle writer Bianca Kratky is a big fan of the Kate leather boots, which the team at Larroudé kindly sent her. Despite the 3.8-inch stiletto heel, she says she can spend an entire day out without sore feet. That’s because the insole is lined with memory foam, which cushions the landing of each step — she says she has worn boots with shorter heels that hurt the ball of her feet much more. The durable leather looks as good as new even after four months of consistently wearing them. The opening is quite large, which makes them ideal for wider legs or layering pants underneath as well. We only wish that the different color options all came in the same leather finish. Instead, you’ll notice that some are in suede, and others have a glossy look to them.

Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 3.8 inches | Colors: 6

Most Comfortable

Naturalizer Gen N Knee High Boots

View On Amazon View On Naturalizer.com View On Zappos $153

Writer Lauren Caruso bought these round-toe boots two years ago and has clocked at least 100,000 steps in them since — including nearly 20K in one day alone. That’s how comfortable they are, even for someone who’s on their feet all day long. Not only does the chunky platform heel make them easier to walk in, but it's a nod to '90s fashion.

Besides requiring exactly no breaking in, the soft insole subtly grips your feet while you walk while the non-slip platform outsole provides enough traction for rainy days. Even more, the luxe quality of the leather makes them feel like a full-on splurge. We do wish they were offered in wide width or shaft for better inclusivity though.

Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 3.25 inches | Colors: 4

Best Waterproof

Overland Women's Hudson Shearling-Lined Waterproof Leather Boots

View On Overland.com

Not only are these boots waterproof, but resistant to many of nature’s other temperaments as well. For example, the shearling-lined interior makes them warm enough to wear in extremely cold temperatures. The lug sole gives it enough traction to wear over slippery terrains. So snow, rain, or sleet, you’ll find plenty of safety in these Overland boots. It’s rare to find a suede boot that’s waterproof, so anyone looking for an alternative to the traditional rubber rain boots, these are it. We could imagine however that they’ll be a little more difficult to clean — a price worth paying for the many benefits, in our opinion.

Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather, shearling | Heel Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: 4

Best for Riding

Frye Melissa Double Sole Button Lug Tall

View On Nordstrom $358 View On Thefryecompany.com View On Lyst.com

Don’t worry, you don’t need to actually have a horse and learn how to ride in order to enjoy the aesthetic of the riding boot. Riding boots tend to have a taller shaft in order to protect the calves from any friction against the saddle. You’ll find that in these 14.5-inch boots, which feature a pull loop on either side of the opening. This will help you slip into the shoe — something you’ll find even more beneficial once you realize there are no zips to open and ease your foot in. The leather also has a unique lived-in appeal that looks slightly distressed. This will help mask any scratches you get on it should you ever bump into any rough surfaces.

Size: 5.5–12 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 1.3 inches | Colors: 5

Best for Support

Vionic Phillip Water Repellent Riding Boot

View On Amazon $100 View On Nordstrom $125 View On Vionicshoes.com

Vionic specifically caters their shoes to those who need a little extra support. Athletes, medical professionals, and arched feet need a little extra tender love and care, and these shoes provide just that. You would never guess that these cute riding boots are discreetly providing structure, however, unlike many medical shoes. The stability is discreet, so the shoe looks like any other stylish boot, with a buckle accent on the side and a longer shaft on the outer edge of the shoe. The wide circumference makes them easy to walk in and suitable for larger calves as well. The brand recommends giving the pairs some time to break in: The real leather will require you to wear it just a few hours of the first day.

Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: 2

Best Embellished

Téjahn Burnett Naomi Convertible Boots

View On Tejahnburnett.com

Sure, these heeled boots might be considered a splurge, but technically, you get two boots in one: the top half zips off to turn the shoes from knee highs to ankle boots. The ornamentation also makes for an eye-catching detail, turning a simple outfit into an outstanding one, while the high, 4-inch heel turns them into nighttime-ready shoes. We would be careful while wearing these, though, as one wrong movement against something rough may cause the details to take some damage, or worse, fall completely off.

Size: 35–43 | Material: Lycra, lambskin leather | Heel Height: 3.9 inches | Colors: 9

Best Combat

Frye Veronica Tall Combat Boots

View On Amazon $279 View On Neiman Marcus $398 View On Thefryecompany.com

Frye is far more than a fashion-forward shoe company. Since their founding in 1863, they were the pioneers in crafting shoes for World War II generals, making these combat boots, quite literally, boots intended for combat.

But now you can enjoy the combat boot style in everyday life. These classic boots have a pigskin lining, leather outsole, and 1-inch rubber heel. We love the lace-up front that all classic combat boots have, but don’t worry about how long it will take to lace them up — Frye smartly inserted a side zip for you to easily get them on and off. The only time you’ll have to fuss with the laces is if you for some reason want to adjust them, in which case, we wish you luck.

Size: 5.5–11 | Material: Rubber, leather, pigskin | Heel Height: 1 inch | Color: 2

Best for Rain

Hunter Original Tall Gloss Rain Boot

View On Amazon $111 View On Nordstrom $175 View On Hunterboots.com

Hunter is practically synonymous with a rainy day — and for good reason. The brand introduced its Original Tall Gloss Boot in 1956, and everyone from Taylor Swift to Gwyneth Paltrow are fans. Each pair is hand-made from natural rubber and a 100 percent recycled polyester lining that is later vulcanized — hardened to increase strength and durability without sacrificing elasticity — before making it to the store’s shelves.

The only drawback, says stylist Michele Andrews, is that “while the rubber soles are fantastic for rainy or snowy days, they aren't the best at keeping your feet warm, so cozy wool socks are an absolute necessity.” This pair of traditional Welly boots are 100 percent waterproof and 100 percent chic. Pair yours with a midi dress and black tights.

Size: 5–11 | Material: Natural rubber, recycled polyester lining | Heel Height: 1 inch | Colors: 24

Best for Snow

UGG Adirondack III Tall Boot

View On Amazon $325 View On Nordstrom $325 View On Ugg.com $325

Now I know you’re tired of having snow fall into your shoes in the wintertime. Being able to feel your toes is also a nice perk. You know Ugg slippers but you can have the same cozy experience in these Ugg Adirondack Tall Boot. The waterproof shoe can be worn in temperatures down to negative 25 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to its plush interior and leather exterior. The rubbery sole keeps a good grip on slippery surfaces as well. The lace-up makes it easier to adjust for snugness, although we do wish there was a zip on the side for easier slip-ins.

Size: 5–9.5 | Material: Leather, wool, faux fur, rubber | Heel Height: 0.75 | Colors: 1

Best Lace Up

Dr. Martens Black 1B60 Bec Tall Boot

View On Nordstrom $240 View On Ssense.com View On Zappos $200

Loyal to your combat boots? There’s a more winter-friendly version, which is this long knee-high lace-up boot by Dr. Martens. Don’t worry, though, as the lace-up is just part of the visual design. There’s a discreet zip up the side of the boot that makes slipping in and out of the shoe much easier. In other words, you’re not going to spend half an hour trying to tie yourself into the shoe. A rugged sole also makes walking over frozen surfaces much easier, although we can already sense little pebbles may get stuck in the crevices (shivers in distraught). What you don’t have to worry about is the calf size, as the lace will allow you to make it as snug or as loose as you desire. That being said the size range offered is very limited, spanning from five to nine with no half sizes.

Size: 5–9 | Material: Nappa leather | Heel Height: 1 inch | Colors: 1

Best Round Toe

Kenneth Cole Levon Leather & Rib Knit Knee Boot Wide Calf

View On Kennethcole.com View On Macy's $132

Round-toe shoes are not just a fashion statement, but a comfortable feature for anyone with wide feet. Especially when long walks are on the day’s agenda, endearing boots that look chic but feel like leather sneakers are a must. And it’s not just the rounded toe that’s appealing, but the rib knit back. Calves are supported through the stretchy fabric, making it easier for a wider range of calf sizes to feel supported in the shoe. These boots however are more of an everyday casual shoe, rather than a sleek elevated style. There are only so many ways you can style it, so you may still need another knee-high boot for those elegant nights out.

Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather, knit | Heel Height: 1.77 inches | Colors: 2

Best Square Toe

Vagabond Eyra Tall Boots

View On Vagabond.com

Taking immaculate care of design, craftsmanship, and quality, the Swedish brand Vagabond offers some serious footwear for the style-obsessed. This square-toe boot has perfected maximum impact with a simplistic design. You won’t find much other than a boxy toe, short block heel, and a height that stops mid-calf. It’s the kind of shoe you can wear on a rainy day with knee-high socks and look absolutely endearing.

Size: 36–41 | Material: Cow leather, goat leather | Heel Height: 1.8 inches | Colors: 1

Best Flat

Banana Republic Cheval Leather Riding Boots

View On Gap.com

Not every flat boot is a riding boot, but this utilitarian style has an undoubtedly equestrian look and feel to them. It’s likely thanks to the 1-inch heel, stitching at the ankle, and the crossover accent belt at the top of the shaft — but that doesn’t mean they’re not versatile, too. Great for anyone that’s not interested in adding height to their outfit, these sturdy Italian leather boots might take a little breaking in. They run true to size, but the slip-on style may make it more difficult to get in the boot.

Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 1 inch | Colors: 2