The Best Knee-High Boots For Every Occasion
These 14 pairs will stay in your fall wardrobe forever.
Whoever said you can have too many boots had no idea what they were talking about. Fall's perfect knee-high boot can make or break your wardrobe for the season, which is exactly why we recommend having more than one pair in your cold-weather outfit rotation. Closet space is overrated anyway, right?
If you're not sure where to begin in your shopping journey for the best pair, consider what you need most. If you're constantly running around and prefer a style that's wearable for everyday, lug-sole rubber boots are still trending but timeless. For the upcoming holiday party season, you may want to consider standout high-heel boots covered entirely in crystal-cut details that are still easy to dance in. As for something in between those two extremes, a snakeskin option with a smaller heel is ideal for making an everyday statement, whereas an intentionally wrinkled leather pair gives off a subtler cool-girl edge.
As with any winter staple, there are thousands of knee-high boot options you could spend days sifting through. But we've gone ahead and made it easy for you by narrowing down the best of the best below. Our well-curated and diverse selection of knee-high boots isn't just worthy of being on your radar, they need to be added to your cart immediately. Just don't feel guilty if you're tempted to buy all 14, because remember, you can never have too many knee-high boots. Trust us.
Derby Leather Knee-High Boots, $1,298, Khaite
Every well-dressed woman will get her money's worth when investing in Khaite's signature black leather Derby Boots. The equestrian-inspired boot has a roomy rounded toe with the smallest of heels that'll make running around in them a breeze, even on the busiest of days.
Maryana Pointed Toe Boot, $365.45, Schutz
Deemed one of the most comfortable heeled boots on the market, this embossed leather Schutz pair is an easy choice for those who want a functional style they can dress up or down. The 3.5-inch heel makes them ideal for every occasion, from long days in the office to nights spent out dancing.
Elle Knee Boot, $1,290, Dear Frances
Every Dear Frances shoe description features this quote by designer Jane Frances: "I look to develop investment styles with a quiet aesthetic; pieces that can be worn and cherished forever is the heart of our slow fashion ethos." And what's more timeless than this brown espresso suede knee-high block-heel boot? Nothing, really.
Gray Finola Tall Boots, around $940, Miista
Knee-high boots look best when worn in, but this block heel boot by Miista comes pre-worn. There's gray smudging throughout the crinkled polished leather, which is perfectly on trend with the intentional wrinkling seen on the fall 2023 runways.
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The Giulietta, around $633, M.Gemi While riding boots were originally made for riding horses, these are for all the non-horse girls and horse girls out there. With on-trend lug soles, these updated riding boots are made for walking everywhere.
Zoe Boot, $947, Hanifa
Black-owned brand Hanifa recently expanded its product offering to include its first-ever knee-high boots, and they're as chic as one would expect. They're made with sheep leather wrapped straps that run across the fronts of the boots—perfect for those who prefer to make their own trends.
Nylah Nappa Knee Boot, $620, Reformation Stock up on your favorite Ref jeans and a pair of reliably chic boots in one fell swoop. Evidently, the '90s must have called up the Ref HQ and offered a couple suggestions for how to make the Nylah look like a true blast from the past. It has everything the best boots from the era have: a wearable block heel, a sexy square toe, and a sleek fit.
Silver Cracked Leather Tall Boots, around $1,547, Dries Van Noten
If more traditional Western boots aren't your style, Dries Van Noten's metallic grained leather version is a great alternative. Plus, the silhouette has been around for years, transcending seasons and trends with ease. The four-inch heel is also begging for a nonstop weekend out.
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Rosario Boots, $1,255.61, Paris Texas
However, for those who want to lean into the cowboy boot trend, this Rosario Boot is a more traditional take with fashion-forward details. It's truly the best of both worlds with a bold red hue, croc-embossed calfskin, Western-inspired stitching, and a stacked Cuban heel.
Twist Stretch Boots, around $917, Nomasei A mod look if we've ever seen one, this '60s-inspired design is practically made for doing the twist. And it's pretty easy, too, with a two-inch heel built for dancing. Pair this go-go style with everything from pleated skirts to sweater dresses to complete the retro look.
Patent-Leather Block Heel Boots, $2,450, Miu Miu
The contrasting white toe is a refreshing detail that sets this vintage-inspired style apart from every other patent-leather boot on the market. And it's a less trendy Miu Miu footwear option if you're tempted to buy the satin ballet flats that are everywhere.
Women's GG Knee-High Boot, $2,670, Gucci
Keep logomania alive with Gucci's monogrammed boot, set atop a 1.8-inch manageable heel. Best of all, this one looks like the kind of vintage boot you'd find at a vintage store after searching for hours, but thankfully, the GG requires zero time investment and just a single add-to-cart click.
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Taupe Holly Tall Boots, around $2,615, Paris Texas Your go-to holiday shoe has arrived. What's more festive than a knee-high suede boot covered in crystal-cut details? The Holly is practically a disco ball in knee-high boot form.
Women's Wally Boots, around $700, Staud
A square toe and two-inch heel lend this staple boot a modern touch. You'll be wearing this one with everything in your wardrobe, regardless of the season.
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.