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The 10 Best Knee-High Boots Destined to Become Your New Personality This Season
It’s time to get knee-deep in a boot upgrade.
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Byrdie
One of the highlights of cooler weather is the ability to layer your favorite pieces, resurface your best coats, and dust off your boots. As a fashion editor, I’m always privy to the heavy-hitting styles of the moment, but translating that to everyday life isn’t always seamless. A review of my closet at the top of the season quickly revealed that I was due for a major knee-high boot upgrade.
After making super selective picks and trotting around the town in them, I have some important takeaways. But first, I tapped Shopbop’s Fashion Director, Caroline Maguire, to speak 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 more. Diving into the seemingly endless assortment of boots can be exhilarating and overwhelming. So I broke down what we’re seeing, and shared some deets on the boots that I can absolutely confirm are deserving of space in your closet. Read on for the MVPs of knee-high boots this season.
Top Picks
TEAIEUI Knee High Platform Lug Sole Boots at Amazon$47
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Sam Edelman Sylvia Knee High Boot at Amazon$200$120
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Dolce Vita Alivia Boots Black Leather at Dolcevita.com$225$158
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Steve Madden Lander Brown Distressed at Stevemadden.com$190
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Matisse Bellamy Boot at Nordstrom$288
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Franco Sarto Women’s Meyer Knee High Flat Boot at Amazon$72
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Staud Wally Boot Storm Suede at Staud.clothing$495
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Intentionally Blank Josephine Boots at Anthropologie$324
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Schutz Maryana Calf Hair Boots at Nordstrom$338
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Zara Suede Kitten Heel Boot at Zara.com$179
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Best on Amazon
TEAIEUI Knee High Platform Lug Sole Boots
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The lug sole boot is undoubtedly ideal for all-day wear and can instantly add a streetwear element to any outfit. Whether you’re looking to infuse a bit of grit into an ultra-feminine look or diving fully into a chic, effortless approach, these will do the trick. We love that this is a cute Amazon find that’s easy on the pockets but still packs a punch in terms of style.
Best Burgundy
Sam Edelman Sylvia Knee High Boot
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Every season is dominated by a color, and this time around, a deep wine is one of the most raved about hues. Not only does this tone pair well with so many colorways, but these Sam Edelman beauties feature such a classic silhouette and standard high heel that they won’t go out of style. When it comes to styling, I’m thinking anything from army green to tan to denim will make these pop.
Best Glove Boot
Dolce Vita Alivia Boots Black Leather
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Glove boots (especially ones with a block heel) are having their moment, and it just makes sense. Designed with a sleek silhouette and a sturdy, walkable heel, I found that these offered all-day comfort without sacrificing sophistication. Whether you pair them with tailored trousers, a flowing midi skirt, or your favorite denim, these boots bring a modern, effortless edge to every outfit. Ideal for both weekday polish and weekend wanderings, they’re the kind of closet staple you’ll reach for season after season.
Best Kitten Heel
Steve Madden Lander Brown Distressed
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Ah, the kitten heel. First, we loved her, then we vehemently denied her, and now she’s back with a vengeance. One thing that the kitten heel undoubtedly has is the ability to give you a chic moment without costing you comfort. As more and more women opt for styles that release them from the shackles of high heels, these feline-inspired counterparts have found an easy way to become relevant again. Steve Madden’s distressed leather kitten heel boots have accompanied me to NYC dinners with friends, one homecoming party at an actual club, and many days in the office. I can report that the style is sleek enough to make a statement but comfy enough for all-day wear. I styled them with long Bermuda shorts, a midi dress, and even a catsuit, and they proved to be an ideal pairing for them all.
Best Western
Matisse Bellamy Boot
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We’re still knee-deep in the Western trend, and I see no signs of a departure from a cowboy-inspired approach to footwear. The offerings range from subtle nods to all-out homages, and I’m not mad about either one. Going with tried-and-true Western brands that aren’t new to delivering on authentic Western style is a great move, but if you’re looking for something more trendy, there’s so much to choose from. This pair from Matisse were an absolute dream. The leather is buttery, the heel is super manageble and the inside soles provide enough cushion for all-day activities.
Best Riding Boot
Franco Sarto Women’s Meyer Knee High Flat Boot
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I’d venture to say that every wardrobe can benefit from a good riding boot. While other more adventurous styles can stay or go, this style is just so classic, polished, and versatile. I love Franco Suarto’s iteration because not only are they able to double as the perfect boot for cold and unpredictable weather, but they’ve provided a casual, sleek foundation as I foray back into shorter skirts. Not to mention, they’re comfortable on first wear and sturdy without being too bulky. The zipper is on the back of the boot, which adds to the sleek factor and makes them super easy to get on and off.
Best Suede
Staud Wally Boot Storm Suede
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Can one truly have a well-rounded wardrobe without a good pair of suede boots? It’s questionable. What I can say is that this style will take you beyond the trends and into timeless territory, which is always the basis of a solid footwear collection. Staud’s Wally boot has quite the reputation and for good reason. They come in 15 different iterations and feature a heel that’s made for walking.
Best Biker
Intentionally Blank Josephine Boots
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So, you want to give edgy? Copy. Nothing says “I’m leaning into my grunge era” than a pair of moto boots. Usually offered in classic black or browns, these are a no-fuss way to add a bit of grit to your shoe collection. You can opt for an “on the nose” look and pair them with a leather jacket, or give “art teacher who lives a double life” and pair them with a flowing skirt and slouchy sweater.
Best Animal Print
Schutz Maryana Calf Hair Boots
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Getting around animal print this season is nearly impossible. It’s become a neutral that honestly never fails to deliver a stunning look. Still, this is not your grandma’s animal print (respectfully, of course) because they’re bold but not overdone. If you’re all about making a statement, these pony-haired beauties will be a gorgeous addition to your wardrobe.
Best Slouchy
Zara Suede Kitten Heel Boot
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Slouching is almost never a good look, except when it comes to boots. Another 2025 style trend that’s hard to get around is the slouchy boot. For a sporty chic look that pairs well with everything from slim cut jeans to flowy bohemian dresses, you’ll want to invest in a pair of your own. This approach by Zara is refreshing because you can wear them as knee-high or a bit lower as mid-length boots. The deep chocolate finish, suede material, and walkable heel make these a must-have.
What to Look for When Buying Knee-High Boots
Material: When investing in a knee-high boot, it’s best to look for leathers that offer a balance of structure and give. If you’re looking for that “second-skin” fit, look for stretch-nappa or suede with a microfiber backing—these materials hug the calf without requiring a break-in period. For a more rigid look, box leather is ideal, but ensure it’s high-quality—you want it to soften with age rather than crack.
Heel Height: The best knee-high boots are the ones you actually wear, so much like the concept of “cost per wear,” consider your daily “mileage.” A block heel or lug sole provides the stability needed for city trekking, while a stiletto or kitten heel is better suited for dinner-to-drinks scenarios. If you’re going for a flat boot, ensure the sole has enough grip; there are few things worse than slipping in a pair of smooth-soled riding boots.
Shaft Height: Another major consideration is where the boot will actually sit on your leg. Because we all vary so greatly in height, it’s another detail that’s worth double-checking in your search for the perfect 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 standard boot is usually around 14 to 15 inches around the opening, the market has finally caught up to reality, offering wide-calf (16+ inches) and extra-wide-calf (18+ inches) options that don’t skimp on style. If you fall somewhere in between, look for boots with “V-goring”—those subtle triangular elastic inserts—or stretch-back panels that offer a custom-feeling hug without cutting off your circulation.
How We Tested Knee High Boots
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Byrdie
To find the best knee-high boots, I did extensive research to find the trends worthy of consideration and the classic styles that would be a true asset to any wardrobe. Then, I spent six weeks putting them to the test. I wore them in several different scenarios, including full days at work, errands around town, and special events that varied in degree of activity and time. I considered the overall fit, material, level of comfort, the construction of the boot, and how they held up after long periods of walking.
Meet Our Expert
To get a more in-depth idea of the best knee-high boots on offer, we tapped the expertise of the following expert.
- Caroline Maguire is the senior fashion director at Shopbop where her 20 years of experience help her shape the fashion direction of the retailer.
Why Trust Byrdie
Dominique Hobdy is a senior fashion editor with over 10 years of experience writing and editing for major media brands. She holds a B.A. in Print/Online Journalism from Howard University. She’s an expert at curating the best fashion pieces on the internet for all tastes and preferences. When it comes to knee-high boots, she considered price points, wearability, materials, and overall style to decide which picks will enhance your wardrobe this season.
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-knee-high-boots-11858592
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