Whether they come in the form of flat riding styles or sleek stilettos, the majority of the boot trends right now tend to hit at the knee, but that stands to change this fall now that knee-high boots‘ even taller counterparts are back on the menu. The runways for the season are in full agreement here with designers like Khaite and Bottega Veneta adding thigh-high boots to the mix, which only tells me that their popularity is going up from here.
I’m not surprised that the style is gaining momentum, because they make enough of a statement that the rest of the outfit will be smooth sailing. Below, I went through what felt like the entirety of the over-the-knee boot market to pull out the very vest thigh-high boots that rank highest for forward design, customer revies, and comfort.
But with so much great inspiration to be had with this style, I also picked out the standout looks from recent fall/winter 2023 designer collections to prove that over-the-knee boots are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Along with shopping the very best of the trend from top retailers, you’ll be able to glean some outfit and styling ideas, too.
When Khaite debuted an over-the-knee iteration of its popular Marfa boot on the fall/winter 2023 runway, we raced to jot down the potential new shoe trend and, well, we were right. Designer Catherine Holstein has a keen eye for accessories, so we’re not taking her stamp of approval for the thigh-high boot silhouette lightly. The style features an elongated square toe and angular stacked heel that underscore the western-inspired name.
There’s nothing more iconic than Stuart Weitzman’s 5050 Bold Boots which have become a staple style in women’s closets for years now. They feature a stretchy back panel that makes the over-the-knee silhouette look extra fitted but feel so comfortable. Coupled with supple suede and a walkable low block heel, shoppers agree that these are boots to invest in regardless of trends and wear for years to come. Case in point? One TikToker who bought hers in 2005 and has worn them consistently ever since.
Designer Matthieu Blazy is giving a resounding “yes” to the thigh-high boot trend. He introduced the Canalazzo Over-the-Knee Boot in his fall 2023 collection for Bottega Veneta and the brand has since dressed the likes of Dua Lipa and Margot Robbie in the ultra-tall woven-leather style. Both celebrities have styled theirs with shorter hemlines that let the boots take center stage. Despite being stacked on a curved heel, the boots also feature a dotted rubber sole for maximum grip.
Schutz took one of its best-selling boots, the Maryana, and extended the shaft higher to make it a thigh-high fit, and many more shoe brands seem to be following suit and releasing taller iterations of their most popular knee-high styles. The Maryana Over-the-Knee Boots come in signature glossy croc-effect finishes that make them look akin to a designer pair but at a much more attainable price point. For one Nordstrom reviewer, the boots even Jimmy Choo: “This boot caught my attention as soon as I saw it! It is incredibly comfortable and easy to pull on and off. I usually buy Jimmy Choo but this is just as nice.”
Five stars all around for these sleek Tory Burch boots. As an editor, I adore the sock-like silhouette they give and think they would look so good underneath a midi dress or skirt. Shoppers are in agreement with me, too, claiming they’re comfortable and true to size. On Nordstrom reviewer wrote that “the suede is such a high quality. No issues with the boots riding down my legs, and they have enough give to easily slide on and off. There is also an inside zip that allows for easy on and off access. Beautiful boot, staple for the fall wardrobe!”
Staud clearly got the over-the-knee boot memo, too, and released a taller version of its popular Cami style that we can’t help but covet. 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.
For those looking for quality shoes who 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.”
Anyone who’s tried Larroudé boots just knows how good they are. The brand has earned a reputation for exceptional quality that translates to exception comfort, yes, even on a four-inch heel like the one that comes on their Kate Over-the-Knee Boots. I own this pair in the knee-high version but love them so much that I might be inspired to buy the thigh-high version as well.
Isabel Marant pretty much has the market cornered on Western boots, but I was still pleased to see over-the-knee styles among the brand’s shoe selection. The brand first debuted the Lelodie boots on the fall/winter 2023 runway and now that they’ve hit the market, they’re even cooler than I could have imagined with their slouchy shape and large removable zips that transform the boots into any length from over-the-knee to ankle.
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.”
Anytime you’re in the mood for a new shoe trend, there’s a good chance that Charles & Keith has what you’re looking for. The Singaporean site is filled with cool trendy finds with prices so affordable they’ll make you do a double-take. So, of course, it has several thigh-high boot options right now, though my favorite among them is this flat buckle-detail style that taps into the moto boot trend we’ve been talking about all fall.
Leave it to Mango to have a luxe-looking alt to the designer pair you were eyeing. With a sleek mid-heel and glossy croc-effect finish, you’d have to physically show me the receipts for me to believe these are actually as affordable as you say they are.
When you’re looking for a buy on a budget, H&M usually has the item you’re looking for. With a two-inch block heel, these boots are ones you’ll actually want to spend all day in, and they will certainly add a special touch to that knit dress you’ve been holding on to for fall.
Last but not least, is this pair from Anine Bing that might just be my favorite of the bunch (but don’t tell the others that). Thigh-high boots can be an intimidating style to pull off, so I like how the slanted kitten heel makes them look and feel much more approachable and gives the overall silhouette a super sleek look. I can already envision these becoming a go-to style all season with dresses, skirts, and oversize blazers.
