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The 23 Best Knee-High Boots from $60 to $850

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Knee-high boots will never really be out of style, but if current shopping trends are any indication, they’re primed and ready to be one of the top boot styles of 2023. According to global shopping platform Lyst, searches for knee-high boots have gone up more than 100 percent since the beginning of the year. Black and tan appear to be the most popular color options (no surprise here—we love a good universal neutral), and heeled boots are outranking flat riding styles and cowboy boots.

How to Shop for Knee-High Boots

“Knee height” is obviously a different measurement for every person, so even though all the boots we’ve chosen are listed as “knee-high” boots, it’s still important to double check the shaft height before you buy. (The shaft height is measured from the top of the boot down to the sole.) For boots with a heel, this means that number stops at soon as the tape measure hits the arch of your foot, not all the way to the ground. To see how that number compares to your legs, sit in a chair with your bare feet flat on the ground and your knee positioned at a 90-degree angle. Then, run a tape measure from the back of your knee to the ground. Remember, when shopping for knee-high boots you likely don’t want something that is the exact same length as your calf as the top will rub on the back of your knee as you walk or while sitting. Instead, opt for something at least two to three inches shorter to ensure maximum comfort at your joints.

The Best Knee-High Boots at a Glance

Everything You Need to Build a Winter Capsule Wardrobe That’s Both Chic and Warm


Most Classic

1. Seychelles Itinerary Leather Boots

Seychelles

  • Why We Love It: 16-inch shaft height, timeless design, very comfortable 3-inch block heel

On the hunt for a knee-high boot that will stand the test of time? This Seychelles pair is just the ticket. It comes in the rich caramel brown above, as well as classic black and a beautiful off-white hue, all of which feature a toe that hits that Goldilocks point—not too pointy, not too round, not too square—that will never go out of style. Plus, the side zipper makes it easy to slip in and out of these boots, even if you’re tucking in a pair of jeans.

Best Riding Boots

2. Lauren Ralph Lauren Everly Riding Boots

Lauren Ralph Lauren

  • Why We Love It: 14.5-inch shaft height, rubber lug sole offers great traction, comes in black, brown and two-tone

For those who prefer the look of a flat riding boot, we highly recommend this chic leather style by Ralph Lauren. Reviews suggest they’re incredibly comfortable, though some recommend that you go a half-size up if you have wider calves or plan to wear these with thick socks.

black platform boots on a white background
DSW

Best Platform Boots

3. Madden Girl Gabby Platform Boots

Madden Girl

  • Why We Love It: 14-inch shaft height, very trendy for 2023, no break-in period required

Whether you’ve always been into the grunge or punk rock scenes or simply want to embrace your inner Wednesday Addams, these platform boots are a fabulous and trendy pick to add to your rotation. The sole adds four inches overall, but the 1.5-inch platform makes the heel feel closer to 2.5-inches, making it much more comfortable for walking. We highly recommend snapping these up now while they’re on sale.

Best Cowboy Boots

4. Steve Madden Lasso Western Boots

Steve Madden

  • Why We Love It: 14-inch shaft height, supple faux-leather upper

The cowboy boot trend definitely surpassed expectation and could now even be considered a wardrobe staple, at least for the foreseeable future. A knee-high version with a higher heel looks far more fashion-forward than a traditional mid-calf silhouette, and the monochrome embroidery on this Steve Madden boot only adds to that high-fashion vibe. With a 3.5-inch heel, they aren’t the most comfortable boots to wear for very long periods of time, however reviewers do say they’ve lasted longer than one might expect. “I ended up ordering a half-size larger so I could put in an insole and, honestly, they might be my new favorite boots,” writes one Los Angeles-based shopper. (P.S. There are even more color options to shop on the Steve Madden site.)

Best Lace-Up

5. Crown Vintage Anaben Combat Boots

Crown Vintage

  • Why We Love It: 13-inch shaft height, there is both a side zipper and lace-up front, stretch panels in the shaft

If seeing those extra-long laces has you going cross-eyed already, don’t fret—there’s also a side zipper to make getting these boots on and off significantly less time consuming. That said, the laces are also functional, giving you more control over the fit of the boot. Plus the shaft material has a decent amount of stretch for bonus comfort. And if that doesn’t convince you, perhaps DSW’s 130-plus 5-star reviews might do the trick.

Best Two-Tone

6. Sam Edelman Drina Boots

Sam Edelman

  • Why We Love It: 15-inch shaft height, roomy squared toe

Why choose between black or tan when you can sport both? These Sam Edelman riding boots have a curved top to go up higher on the outside of your knee, an effect which helps lengthen your legs, and the toe is slightly squared to give you plenty of wiggle room without looking too wide. Because the side zip only goes up halfway, some reviewers found it challenging to slip these boots on and off, and those with wider calves might find the leather to be too rigid to be all that comfortable. However, pretty much every review mentions how gorgeous and expensive the color looks IRL.

Best Mixed Media

7. LifeStride Glory Boots

LifeStride

  • Why We Love It: 14-inch shaft height, partially made from recycled materials, comes in medium and wide widths

These slouchy boots have phenomenal reviews at both DSW and Nordstrom, with basically every one commenting on how comfortable they are. That’s in large part because of the foam footbed, which helps ease any stress caused by the 2.5-inch heel. Elise from Chicago writes, “These boots are stunning and so comfortable. The fit is perfect, no rubbing or squeezing my toes. I receive many compliments when I wear these boots and I can wear them all day comfortably.”

Most Calf Size Options

8. Duo Boots Dalia Leather Boots

Duo Boots

  • Why We Love It: 14-, 15- and 16.5-inch shaft heights available, memory foam insole, available in eight different calf sizes

Duo Boots is all about helping you find the perfect fit for your legs with multiple shaft height and calf size options. There’s even a fit quiz that walks you through all the steps necessary to properly measure your calves to determine that spot-on size. As for the upper, it’s made from a gorgeous, supple leather that will only get softer and better over time. The combination of the 6.8 cm stacked heel (roughly 2.7 inches) and almond-shaped toe give these boots a truly timeless appeal that’s definitely worth the investment.

Best for Long Legs

9. Vince Highland Leather Boots

Vince

  • Why We Love It: 15.75-inch shaft height, comes in black leather and chocolate brown and beige suede, almond toe

If you feel like you can never find pants that go all the way down to your ankle or boots that hit the right spot on your leg, these Vince boots might just become your new favorites. The 15.75-inch high shaft is great for longer limbs and the leather upper is wonderfully soft while still offering enough structure to not slouch or slip throughout the day. With a 3.25-inch heel you might want to consider going a half-size up in order to slip a more supportive insole in the foot, but otherwise this boot runs true to size.

Best Rain Boots

10. Hunter Original Rain Boots

Hunter

  • Why We Love It: 15-inch shaft height, ample calf width, lots of color options

There are lots of rain-ready Wellies on the market but none are more timeless than Hunter’s tall rain boots. These classic rubber boots have been around since the ‘50s, with new innovative improvements being made all the time. There are a few different shaft heights available, but this tall model is your best bet for keeping out any and all precipitation as you tread through puddles or snow drifts. They’re only available in whole sizes, so we suggest going with the larger if you typically wear a half size. That way you can easily fit in a thick sock or boot liner once temperatures drop. The only downside is that petite folks or those with short legs may find the 15-inch shaft too tall to comfortably wear for long periods of time.

Most Chic Weather-Resistant Boots

11. La Canadienne Paton Leather Boots

La Canadienne

  • Why We Love It: 15.5-inch shaft height, memory foam insole, weatherproof

La Canadienne is all about making gorgeous footwear that can withstand the elements, and the Paton has to be one of our most favorite styles. The stretchy Italian leather upper fits multiple calf widths and the 2.5-inch block heel adds just enough height without stressing your arches. They’ve also been treated with the brand’s proprietary City Dry technology which protects the material from rain and snow so you can wear these beauties all winter long without worrying about ruining your new favorite shoes. “They’re so comfortable and I love that I don’t feel weird about my shoes if it’s raining in the a.m. but clear and beautiful by midday,” says one PureWow editor.

Best Sustainable Style

12. Reformation Nylah Leather Boots

Reformation

  • Why We Love It: Made using sustainable and eco-friendly materials and methods, available in black, black croc-embossed leather and brown suede

Reformation unfortunately doesn’t list the shaft height on these knee-high boots, but that hasn’t stopped us from falling head-over-heels for this ‘90s-inspired style. The toe is slightly squared for a throwback look, and the 3-inch stacked heel lengthens your legs without being too high to comfortably walk in. And like all of Reformation’s designs, they’re made using sustainable and eco-friendly methods and materials.

Best Affordable Suede

13. Vince Camuto Kaleeca Boots

Vince Camuto

  • Why We Love It: 15.25-inch shaft height, comes in black, cinnamon brown and dark beige, whipstitch detailing lends a luxe touch

These stunning suede boots look far more expensive than their $249 price tag, which is currently even lower with Nordstrom knocking 55 percent off for a total of $137 saved. And according to reviews, they’re worth every penny. Per one buyer, “I have been on a mission to find the perfect pair of brown suede boots for about six months now. I found them in the Kaleeca boot! Not only are these boots versatile, they are very comfortable and don't sag like suede tends to do. Sizing is spot on.” Even though the heel is 2.75-inches high, the block silhouette helps distribute the pressure better than a stiletto to make these boots more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.

Highest Rated at Nordstrom

14. Söfft Sharnell Water-Resistant Boots

Söfft

  • Why We Love It: 15-inch shaft height, adjustable back laces, comfortable 2-inch block heel

These sleek faux-suede boots have a 4.8-star rating at Nordstrom, with the number one comment being how wonderful they are for wider calves. The laces up the back are fully adjustable (there is also a side zipper to make it easier to get them on and off) so you can loosen and tighter them for a custom fit. Plus, the material is water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in unexpected inclement weather. “Love them so much I bought a backup pair in black as well,” writes one reviewer. “I usually wear an 8.5 and that’s what I bought. Initially they were a bit snug but, as suede boots tend to, they loosened up within the first few hours of wearing them.”

Highest Rated at DSW

15. Kelly & Katie Yexi Boots

Kelly & Katie

  • Why We Love It: 15-inch shaft height, full side zipper

With nearly 150 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, you can pretty much bet these boots will be a hit. They come in both black and a chocolatey brown, each with a chic buckle detail at the ankle for a subtle riding boot vibe. The 3-inch stacked heel and rounded toe are both as chic as they are comfortable, aided by a padded footbed for bonus support. Some reviews suggest they run narrow in the foot, but we’d actually recommend most folks go up a half size anyway to better fit thick winter socks.

Highest Rated at Zappos

16. Naturalizer Rena Boots

Naturalizer

  • Why We Love It: 15-inch shaft height, available in wide widths, packaging is made from recycled materials

Naturalizer is well known for making supremely comfortable footwear, with special attention paid to the footbed of every pair of shoes. This one includes the brand’s proprietary Contour+ technology, which molds to your foot for a uniquely supportive and comfortable fit. We also appreciate that these boots come in wide widths, too. That said, some reviewers found the toe box ran a bit snug, so you may want to order a half size up for some extra wiggle room.

Highest Rated at Shopbop

17. Loeffler Randall Gia Leather Boots

Loeffler Randall

  • Why We Love It: 16-inch shaft height, sleek, minimalist design, great for narrow calves

These supremely classic leather boots come with a 2-inch heel that adds just enough height without putting too much stress on your ankles. A pro for those who appreciate a super-sleek, minimalist silhouette (but perhaps a con for some), the Gia boots have a pull-on fit rather than zippers or laces. But the supple Italian leather won’t have you struggling too much, and will actually get softer and more lovely with each wear. Some reviews also suggest the boot shaft runs a bit narrow, so keep that in mind when ordering.

Celeb-Loved Designer Pair

18. Stuart Weitzman 85 Leather Boots

Stuart Weitzman

  • Why We Love It: 15.8-inch shaft height, available in wide widths, supermodel approved

Stuart Weitzman has long been a brand synonymous with celebrities and supermodels, and we actually think you can’t go wrong investing in basically any style. But this knee-high, black leather stiletto is about as timeless as it gets. It also comes in black suede, if that’s more your style, and both come with a full-length zipper on the side making it wonderfully easy to pull on and off. The gorgeous leather is also incredibly soft, requiring little to no break-in period. P.S. For a limited time you can use code WINTER25 to knock an additional 25 percent off the already discounted sale price.

Most Splurge-Worthy

19. Dear Frances Porto Leather Boots

Dear Frances

  • Why We Love It: Made with buttery-soft Italian leather, super-sleek finish, comfortable 2.2-inch heel

Unfortunately, Dear Frances doesn’t list the shaft height for these timeless leather boots, but there are numerous model and influencer photos to help you get an idea of the fit. As for the feel, you'd be hard pressed to find a softer, more luxurious pair of comfortable leather boots than these. We also adore the seamless finished, with no obvious patches around the heel or foot (other than the toe cap), which gives and even more luxurious vibe. And the contrasting inside zipper is just the pop we never knew we needed. Reviews suggest they run true to size and are well worth the investment with one shopper, Anika, writing, “These boots are just what I was looking for. They fit wonderfully and are super comfy for walking around the city all day.”

Best Kitten Heel

20. Silent D Kitten-Heel Boots

Silent D

  • Why We Love It: 14.75-inch shaft height, available in wide widths, can be worn scrunched down or pulled taut

For those who want a just a little lift, try these chic kitten heel boots by Silent D. They have a pull-on design, giving a sleeker, more streamlined overall look, and come in black, taupe and light brown suede, as well as a warm caramel leather. Both reviews and the site suggest that the style runs a smidge small, so you’ll likely want to size up, and the sizes listed are European, so be sure to double check the chart before you buy. Lala from Rhode Island writes, “I wear an 8 and purchased a 39 due to reading some of the reviews and they fit perfectly! I’ve worn them twice and honestly cannot express how fabulous they feel. Love the kitten heal and my toes have enough room to be happy all day.”

Trendiest Heel Shape

21. Sam Edelman Leigh Boots

Sam Edelman

  • Why We Love It: 16-inch shaft height, slightly squared toe

We’re head-over-heels for this fluted heel shape (pun very much intended), especially since the 2-inch height means these boots are comfortable enough for everyday wear. And despite us deeming these the ultimate “trendy” boot, the slightly squared toe and minimalist upper counter balance the quirky heel enough that you can (and should) wear these even after the next big thing swoops in. One Chicago shopper writes, “I have a difficult time finding comfortable shoes due to a wider foot, but these were great from the first wear! Soft suede and perfect heel height for different occasions.”

PureWow Reader Favorite

22. Tory Burch Riding Boots

Tory Burch

  • Why We Love It: 16-inch shaft height, timeless design, ample calf room (though they are not specifically available in wide widths)

Another gorgeous and classic riding boot style, this black leather boot by Tory Burch places the buckle at the top rather than around the ankle, giving you even more styling options if you tuck the shaft into a pair of wide-leg pants. Multiple reviewers, including numerous PureWow readers, recommend these boots as a chic and comfy investment that will last for years and years to come. One shopper, Alexandra, who is 5’4” and 125 lbs., says “I would say I have more muscular calves than average, but don’t usually buy wide-width boots. I have been struggling to find boots that aren’t suffocating my calves and are also chic. But these boots are perfect!! The zipper makes them easy to put on too.”

Editors’ Pick

23. Larroudé x Jennifer Fisher Boots

Larroudé

  • Why We Love It: Gorgeous color options (including olive green and cherry red), sleek, pull-on design, memory foam insole

To be honest, these boots are more likely to hit mid-knee or even just above on petite frames (unfortunately Larroudé doesn’t list the exact measurements), but the gorgeous leather and even more stunning color options meant we just had to include them. The cushy memory foam insole helps to balance the 3.8-inch heel, and the leather upper is oh-so supple for extra comfort.


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Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...

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Fashion Editor

From 2019-2021 Dena Silver held the role of Fashion Editor covering product recommendations, trends, and what you should be shopping this season.