I’ll admit it: When it comes to getting dressed in the morning, I can be a little bit lazy. I know I’m a fashion editor, but it happens to the best of us, right? Well, I know how to play the game, and one trick I always used throughout college was to wear a cool pair of tall boots with a comfortable outfit that instantly made me look more polished and put-together—even if it was just an average sweater with skinny jeans.
Much to my ease, over-the-knee styles are coming back in full force with options all over the market. As the weather continues to cool, I will happily continue to sport tall boots with almost every one of my outfits. There are many pairs on the market, but I went ahead and rounded up some of the best, from classic black leather to trendier versions with prints and colors. Either way, scroll ahead to find your new favorite boots.
Our editor and resident Staud superfan Jasmine tried on Staud’s Cami boots in her brand review last year and had nothing but good things to say about them. She even went so far as to say they were “damn near heavenly.” According to her, they fit and run true to size, and the pointed toe had the perfect space to avoid blisters. You may be familiar with the brand’s popular Wally boots, but this style is perfect for those looking for a much taller leg. Plus, the suede is gorgeous on all of Staud’s boots.
When you’re looking for a buy on a budget, H&M usually has the item you’re looking for. With a 3.5-inch heel, these boots may not be the ones you want to spend all day in, but they will certainly add a special touch to that knit dress you’ve been holding on to for fall.
Stuart Weitzman has a history of being a truly reliable brand for boots. When I worked at Nordstrom in the shoe department, I remember selling dozens of Weitzman boots on a weekly basis. The brand’s Lowland Bold Boots is an updated version of the classic Lowland Boots. According to one Nordstrom reviewer, this version “doesn’t slouch down [their] leg, which is a change from the original Lowland Boots.” The reviewer also wrote that “these are a classic and will be worn at every opportunity possible.”
When it comes to luxurious boots, Khaite just gets it right. The brand’s short Western-style Dallas boots are a fashion favorite, but these boots make more of a statement. Made from Italian leather, they do come at a hefty price point but are made to last in your wardrobe for years to come.
Like H&M, Zara also knows how to make a trendy buy at a more reasonable price point. Although, unlike H&M, Zara offers more daring options, like these Y2K-inspired denim boots. Made in a simple light denim and sage green, they’re subtle enough to wear on a regular basis but unique enough to add a special touch to your outfit.
When I first started at Who What Wear as an intern, I learned from other editors that Paris Texas was one of the top boot brands of the fashion set for its comfort and high-end quality. These boots fit true to size and come in both solid black and a beautiful canyon brown.
After owning my own pair of Schutz Maryana boots, I can recommend the brand for sleek-looking mock-croc boots that aren’t over $1k. The material is a tad flimsy, but that’s expected with boots around this price point. With that heel height, I wouldn’t suggest walking 10k steps in these, but they’re the kind of boots that deserve their moment for a night out or a special outfit. I wore mine during New York Fashion Week and still think about that outfit to this day. I’ll definitely be bringing them back this season.
For those looking for quality shoes but aren’t ready to spend a ton on designer boots yet, brands like Sam Edelman are there to help. These boots aren’t just beautiful, as one Nordstrom reviewer was left genuinely impressed with the exceptional look, high-quality materials, and incredible feel these boots provide. They also wrote that they have “far exceeded their expectations and couldn’t be happier with the purchase. These boots are a testament to the outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating them.”
Gianvito Rossi has a wide selection of classic boots, so I was happy to find a trend-forward over-the-knee style in the selection. Plus, the snakeskin one just looks stunning. One Nordstrom reviewer was thoroughly happy with her purchase of the brown option: “This is a beautiful boot, particularly the brown suede texture. It’s roomy on the leg, and the suede is soft, so I can wear the boot over-the-knee or scrunched lower. Love the one-inch heel height. The perfect boot for a dress and an ivory cotton midi skirt.”
