One of the highlights of cooler climate is the potential to layer your favourite items, resurface your finest coatsand mud off your boots. As a style editor, I’m at all times aware about the heavy-hitting kinds of the second, however translating that to on a regular basis life isn’t at all times seamless. A evaluate of my closet at the prime of the season rapidly revealed that I used to be due for a significant knee-high boot improve.
After making tremendous selective picks and trotting round the city in them, I’ve some necessary takeaways. But first, I tapped Shopbop’s Fashion Director, Caroline Maguireto talk to what we’re seeing this season. “There is a lot of playing with prints, which adds a fun novelty element to the traditional boot silhouette! Flat styles are also everywhere, but there’s still a lot of love for a kitten heel. I’m loving the range of styles we’re seeing—everything from tight-fitting calves to retro and riding-inspired silhouettes,” she shares.
I couldn’t agree extra. Diving into the seemingly infinite assortment of shoes could be exhilarating and overwhelming. So I broke down what we’re seeing, and shared some deets on the boots that I can completely affirm are deserving of house in your closet. Read on for the MVPs of knee-high boots this season.
The lug sole boot is undoubtedly ultimate for all-day put on and can immediately add a streetwear factor to any outfit. Whether you’re trying to infuse a little bit of grit into an ultra-feminine look or diving absolutely into a classy, easy strategy, these will do the trick. We love that this can be a cute Amazon discover that’s simple on the pockets however nonetheless packs a punch when it comes to fashion.
Every season is dominated by a coloration, and this time round, a deep wine is one in every of the most raved about hues. Not solely does this tone pair effectively with so many colorways, however these Sam Edelman beauties characteristic such a basic silhouette and normal excessive heel that they gained’t exit of favor. When it involves styling, I’m pondering something from military inexperienced to tan to denim will make these pop.
Glove boots (particularly ones with a block heel) are having their second, and it simply is smart. Designed with a glossy silhouette and a sturdy, walkable heel, I discovered that these provided all-day consolation with out sacrificing sophistication. Whether you pair them with tailor-made trousers, a flowing midi skirt, or your favourite denim, these boots deliver a contemporary, easy edge to each outfit. Ideal for each weekday polish and weekend wanderings, they’re the form of closet staple you’ll attain for season after season.
Ah, the kitten heel. First, we liked her, then we vehemently denied her, and now she’s again with a vengeance. One factor that the kitten heel undoubtedly has is the potential to offer you a classy second with out costing you consolation. As extra and extra girls go for kinds that launch them from the shackles of excessive heels, these feline-inspired counterparts have discovered a straightforward technique to grow to be related once more. Steve Madden’s distressed leather-based kitten heel boots have accompanied me to NYC dinners with associates, one homecoming social gathering at an precise membership, and many days in the workplace. I can report that the fashion is glossy sufficient to make a press release however cozy sufficient for all-day put on. I styled them with lengthy Bermuda shorts, a midi gown, and even a catsuit, and they proved to be a super pairing for all of them.
We’re nonetheless knee-deep in the Western development, and I see no indicators of a departure from a cowboy-inspired strategy to footwear. The choices vary from delicate nods to all-out homages, and I’m not mad about both one. Going with tried-and-true Western manufacturers that aren’t new to delivering on genuine Western fashion is a superb transfer, however for those who’re on the lookout for one thing extra stylish, there’s a lot to select from. This pair from Matisse have been an absolute dream. The leather-based is buttery, the heel is tremendous manageble and the inside soles present sufficient cushion for all-day actions.
I’d enterprise to say that each wardrobe can profit from a superb driving boot. While different extra adventurous kinds can keep or go, this fashion is simply so basic, polished, and versatile. I really like Franco Suarto’s iteration as a result of not solely are they capable of double as the good boot for chilly and unpredictable climate, however they’ve offered an off-the-cuff, glossy basis as I foray again into shorter skirts. Not to say, they’re comfy on first put on and sturdy with out being too cumbersome. The zipper is on the again of the boot, which provides to the glossy issue and makes them tremendous simple to get on and off.
Can one actually have a well-rounded wardrobe with no good pair of suede boots? It’s questionable. What I can say is that this fashion will take you past the tendencies and into timeless territory, which is at all times the foundation of a stable footwear assortment. Staud’s Wally boot has fairly the status and for good motive. They are available in 15 completely different iterations and characteristic a heel that is made for strolling.
So, you wish to give edgy? Copy. Nothing says “I’m leaning into my grunge era” than a pair of moto boots. Usually provided in basic black or browns, these are a no-fuss method so as to add a little bit of grit to your shoe assortment. You can go for an “on the nose” look and pair them with a leather-based jacket, or give “art teacher who lives a double life” and pair them with a flowing skirt and slouchy sweater.
Getting round animal print this season is sort of inconceivable. It’s grow to be a impartial that actually by no means fails to ship a shocking look. Still, this isn’t your grandma’s animal print (respectfully, in fact) as a result of they’re daring however not overdone. If you’re all about making a press release, these pony-haired beauties will likely be a beautiful addition to your wardrobe.
Slouching is sort of by no means a superb look, besides in the case of boots. Another 2025 fashion development that is laborious to get round is the slouchy boot. For a sporty stylish look that pairs effectively with the whole lot from slim reduce denims to flowy bohemian clothes, you’ll wish to put money into a pair of your individual. This strategy by Zara is refreshing as a result of you’ll be able to put on them as knee-high or a bit decrease as mid-length boots. The deep chocolate end, suede materials, and walkable heel make these essential.
What to Look for When Buying Knee-High Boots
Material: When investing in a knee-high boot, it is best to search for leathers that supply a stability of construction and give. If you’re on the lookout for that “second-skin” match, search for stretch-nappa or suede with a microfiber backing—these supplies hug the calf with out requiring a break-in interval. For a extra inflexible look, field leather-based is good, however guarantee it is high-quality—you need it to melt with age reasonably than crack.
Heel Height: The finest knee-high boots are the ones you really put on, a lot like the idea of “cost per wear,” think about your day by day “mileage.” A block heel or lug sole gives the stability wanted for metropolis trekking, whereas a stiletto or kitten heel is best fitted to dinner-to-drinks situations. If you’re going for a flat boot, guarantee the sole has sufficient grip; there are few issues worse than slipping in a pair of smooth-soled driving boots.
Shaft Height: Another main consideration is the place the boot will really sit in your leg. Because all of us differ so drastically in top, it is one other element that is price double-checking in your seek for the good pair of knee-highs. “You should always consider the height of the shaft to ensure the boots will fit comfortably! Look to styles that sit right under the knee,” Maguire advises.
Width: While a typical boot is normally round 14 to fifteen inches round the opening, the market has lastly caught as much as actuality, providing wide-calf (16+ inches) and extra-wide-calf (18+ inches) choices that do not skimp on fashion. If you fall someplace in between, search for boots with “V-goring”—these delicate triangular elastic inserts—or stretch-back panels that supply a custom-feeling hug with out chopping off your circulation.
How We Tested Knee High Boots
Byrdie
To discover the finest knee-high boots, I did in depth analysis to search out the tendencies worthy of consideration and the basic kinds that might be a real asset to any wardrobe. Then, I spent six weeks placing them to the check. I wore them in a number of completely different situations, together with full days at work, errands round city, and particular occasions that diverse in diploma of exercise and time. I thought of the total match, materials, degree of consolation, the building of the boot, and how they held up after lengthy intervals of strolling.
Meet Our Expert
To get a extra in-depth concept of the finest knee-high boots on provide, we tapped the experience of the following professional.
- Caroline Maguire is the senior style director at Shopbop the place her 20 years of expertise assist her form the style route of the retailer.
Why Trust Byrdie
Dominique Hobdy is a senior style editor with over 10 years of expertise writing and modifying for main media manufacturers. She holds a B.A. in Print/Online Journalism from Howard University. She’s an professional at curating the finest style items on the web for all tastes and preferences. When it involves knee-high boots, she thought of value factors, wearability, supplies, and total fashion to determine which picks will improve your wardrobe this season.