The Best Knee High Boots To Make Every Outfit Better, According To Fashion Editors

These boots have become a staple in our wardrobes.

Aimee Song best knee-high boots for women

by Natalie Hammond |
Updated on

Autumn is practically on your door step, and with it comes the arrival of boot season - specifically knee-high boots, the smartest member of the boot family. Now that you're into the swing of autumn/winter dressing, it's worth noting that not only are they polished, but they also make just about every outfit better sans fuss.

The best way to wear yours? My long-held belief is that the easiest styling trick is to slip your knee-high boots underneath a midi-length skirt. Micro hemlines can also work - although flat boots might feel easier to wear with them. The truly brave can also try tucking their jeans into their boots, balancing out the slimline result with an oversized blazer or shirt on top.

The Best Knee High Boots For Women 2024, At A Glance:

Best overall knee high boots: Haltham Tall Knee High Boots, £250 on DuoBoots

Best low-heel knee high boots: Kitten-Heeled Leather Knee-High Boots, £200 on Dune

Best knee high boots for comfort: Leather Block Heel Knee High Boots, £110 on M&S

Best luxury knee high boots: Khaite Dallas 45 Leather Knee-High Boots, £1,191 on MyTheresa

Most versatile knee high boots: Leather Riding Boots, £295 on & Other Stories

best knee-high boots for women
A street-styler wearing knee-high boots ©Getty

At Copenhagen Fashion Week, cowboy boots rode back into town. With plenty of rodeo flair thanks to white stitching and their slanted heels, they're guaranteed to give your outfit some flavour.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - AUGUST 10: A guest wears silver earrings, a black striped print pattern shirt neck / buttoned shirt jacket, a matching dark gray striped print pattern short skirt, a black shiny leather embossed logo pattern handbag, black shiny varnished leather pointed heels knees boots / high boots , outside Ganni, during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 on August 10, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Some other great brands for women's knee-high boots are DuoBoots, Russell & Bromley, Dune, and Ganni, which is the cool girl's go-to. If you're after heeled boots, Aedye's Mathilde, a black lace-up pair that has a hint of Victoriana, is beyond perfect. Slip them under a ruffled white dress - something from O Pioneers, perhaps, or Meadows. And for a slightly more stompy pair, Ganni's have the requisite thick sole, making them the perfect choice for puddle season.

SHOP: The Best Knee High Boots For Women 2024

Best overall knee high boots

Best overall knee high boots

DuoBoots, Haltham Standard Knee-High Boots In Brown LeatherDuoBoots

Duo Boots allows you select your calf width as well as your size for a better fitting boot, a handy element to have if you have slightly smaller-or-larger than usual calves. The size options range from 30cm-50cm, so you can find the perfect fitting knee high boot. What we love about this pair of boots isn't just the fact the sizing is completely customisable - the design is also smart and slightly equestrian - even the brand itself calls them 'utilitarian yet feminine.' With a memory foam insole and an internal elasticated stretch panel, the Haltham knee high boots ensure a neat fit.

Pros

  • Customisable calf width size options
  • Made from smooth brown calf leather
  • The boot is offered in petite, standard and tall height options

Cons

  • Some reviewers found they gape slightly at the top of the boot

Best low-heel knee high boots

EmRata is a big fan of kitten-heeled boots like this pair from Dune, wearing them with everything from silky skirts to lace midi dresses. But, it's not just EmRata who's a fan of boots like these - we are, too. The Dune boots are made from the finest leather, with elegant details like tonal stitching and a pointed-toe. This is the pair of boots you're going to want to invest in if you're someone who hates wearing heels, but still wants some height in your shoes (but not too much).

Pros

  • Crafted from the finest leather
  • Available in both standard and wide fit
  • Selection of six colours, including leopard print

Cons

  • Kitten heel style isn't tall enough for some

Best knee high boots for comfort

If you're looking for a great pair of boots, M&S has just the ticket. That's right, the high street hero brand M&S strikes again with knee high boots you'll find yourself reaching for year after year. These Block-Heel Boots, well, as the name suggests, features a 80mm block heel that gives some height, but not too much. On the inside sits Insolia Flex technology that's there to redistribute youor weight away from the balls of your feet so you can wear the heels comfortably for longer. Plus, there's antibacterial padding that keeps the insides of the shoe smelling fresh - a massive bonus if you ask us.

Pros

  • Features Insolia technology to allow you to wear the heels for longer
  • Made from leather
  • Antibacterial padding that keeps feet fresh

Cons

  • Heel height is relatively high for everyday wear

Best luxury knee high boots

Khaite, Dallas 45 Leather Knee-High BootsMyTheresa

Khaite is another frontrunner when it comes to cowboy boots - and its knee-high version is best in show. They're crafted in Italy and are made from leather. The design is, of course, that of a classic cowboy boot, with square pointed toes and embroidered pull straps. We're all about a low heel so the 45mm heel is particularly appealing, especially if you're on the hunt for a pair of boots you can wear all day to the office, then go out in afterwards. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and style the statement boots with a white tee and jeans.

Pros

  • Leather upper and insole
  • Comes with a box and dustbag
  • Small 45mm heels

Cons

  • The toe shape can make the shoe quite tight

Most versatile knee high boots

Best suede knee high boots

Steve Madden, Lavan Boots Taupe SuedeSteve Madden

Suede bags, suede jackets, suede pretty much anything has been one of the most-spotted items already this AW. So why not invest in a pair of suede boots too? Nothing screams autumn more than tan hues and chocolatey browns, and this pair of knee high boots from Steve Madden is so autumn-appropriate I'm asking myself why they're not in my own wardrobe already. With a 6cm heel height, the Lavan Boots are ready to be dressed up with a pair of wide leg trousers or a lace skirt and blazer combo. They also come in black and brown leather, as well as suede.

Pros

  • Higher heel than other boots on the list
  • Zip closer
  • On-trend style

Cons

  • Suede is not ideal for wetter days

Best cowboy knee high boots

GANNI, Knee-High Embroidered Western BootsGANNI

The Danish brand famous for oversized collars and playful prints also has created a pair of viral cowboy boots too. The design on these is what really caught our eye, with a pointed toe, white embroidered detailing that gives it a true Western style. The boots themselves have a low, angled heel which means you can easily wear them for a day in the office, and then to drinks afterwards. Plus, they have pull tabs for easy on and off. Although most people tend to turn towards a chocolate brown as the temperature drops, don't neglect a tan brown shade, particularly in footwear, to bring a little more dimension to an all-brown look.

Pros

  • Easy pull tabs
  • Low, angled heel for everyday wear
  • Cool embroidered detailing

Cons

  • More expensive than some other boots on our list

Most affordable knee high boots

These knee high boots from Next are the ultimate power piece for autumn. With its sleek, knee high design and edgy buckle detailing, they strike the perfect balance between sophistication and attitude. Whether you're pairing them with a tailored dress for a polished daytime look or styling with straight-leg jeans and an oversized knit for more a more casual feel, these boots will elevate any outfit. Biker boots are a knee high style that has been on-trend for the last few years or so, proving they stand the test of time. Plus, they're super practical too, as they have a side zip to the inner ankle and a chunky sole.

Pros

  • On-trend square toe
  • Finished with O-ring and strap detailing
  • Leather upper

Cons

  • No wide calf option available

Best coloured knee high boots

COS, Square-Toe Leather Knee-High BootsCOS

There's no doubt about it, these boots will sell out, so make sure to bag a pair before they're gone. The great thing is that purchasing these this season could refresh your entire wardrobe in an instant, whether you're planning on pairing them with midi dresses, long coats or micro skirts. What we love about the Square-Toe Leather Boots from COS is that they're different to a lot of other knee-highs on the market, they feature a unique angular shape and square toes. The crafted leather also makes them extremely soft to wear as they almost mould to your feet.

Pros

  • Sharp square toes
  • Cuban heel
  • Modern design

Cons

  • The red colour means they can be tricky to style

Best knee high boots for going out

H&M, Knee-High Leather BootsH&M
Price: £139.99

www2.hm.com

If you've got a night out on the town planned, these are the boots you need to invest in. Ready to be dressed up these boots have pointed toes and covered block heels. The heel height is slightly taller than others on our list, sitting at 8.5cm, which is perfect for those looking for height, or, for when you want to dress up. Style the Knee-High Leather Boots with your favourite mini dress or micro skirt and top for an easy night-out outfit formula and will stop the age old question of 'what do I wear?'

Pros

  • Pointed toe
  • Covered block heels
  • Leather construction

Cons

  • Heel height - 8.5cm - is not for everyday wear

Best wide calf knee high boots

DuoBoots, Freya Knee High BootsDuoBoots

DuoBoots offers a personalised touch, allowing you to customise your boots to suit your exact needs. Simply choose your calf width before checking out - available in UK sizes 2-10, with calf widths ranging from 30cm to 50cm. The Freya Boots also feature a sleek black crocodile design, instantly adding an element of luxury to any look. But they're not just about aesthetics - these boots are made for all-day wear. A memory foam insole provides cushioned support, while an internal elastic stretch panel ensures a snug fit. Plus, the soft leather allows for more flexibility. It's no wonder these are considered some of the best knee high boots for wide calves ever made.

Pros

  • Memory foam insole for extra comfort so you can wear all day
  • Elasticated stretch panel for extra give for wide calves
  • Leather is soft and pliable

Cons

  • The leather may become slouchy on larger sizes

Best biker knee high boots

All Saints, Jade Knee High Leather Biker BootsAll Saints

All Saints are known for its leather jackets, and they've become somewhat of a classic must-have item. However, what they are less known for is its biker boots, which are also made with its similar high-quality leather. The boots are detailed with gold-toned hardware, including an O-ring and three buckles towards the top of the boot. In addition, the chunky sole will come in really handy in the colder months when the ground gets slippery. Plus, All Saints focus on creating investment pieces you'll reach for year after year, as they're made from a hard-wearing, high-quality leather.

Pros

  • Made from high quality, hard-wearing leather
  • Chunky cleated outsole for grip
  • Slip-on style

Cons

  • The three buckles at the top make them a little difficult to put on/take off

Best high-heel knee high boots

Mint Velvet, Black Leather Long Knee BootsMint Velvet

Made from a buttery soft 100% leather, these knee high boots blend sophistication with a modern edge. The sleek silhouette, with statement high heel and subtle buckle details make them incredibly versatile - whether you're pairing them with a midi dress that looks effortlessly chic day-to-night look or styling them over skinny jeans for a timeless, off-duty outfit. With comfort and style in perfect harmony, these boots are an investment piece you'll definitely reach for season after season. The Long Knee Boots also come in a second colour as well as black - a very autumnal burgundy.

Pros

  • Pointed toe
  • High stiletto heel
  • Buckle detail ankle strap

Cons

  • High heel height isn't for everyone

Best black knee high boots

Massimo Dutti, Split Leather Heeled BootsMassimo Dutti

Massimo Dutti has created a pair of knee high boots with a sleek, modern twist. Made from a sumptuous cowhide leather with a suede finish, these boots feature a refined pointed toe and small heel. The minimalist design is effortlessly sophisticated, making them a staple that will seamlessly take you from desk to dinner. Whether paired with tailored trousers for a polished office look or a flowy dress for off-duty elegance, these boots exude timeless style. We think the best part about the Split Leather Heeled Boots, however, is the flexible technical insole, made for greater comfort and everyday wear.

Pros

  • Flexible technical insole for added comfort
  • Timeless feel
  • Made from super soft leather

Cons

  • Suede isn't the best for the wet weather

Most sustainable knee high boots

Boden, Erica Knee High Leather BootsBoden

Boden's Erica Knee High Leather Boots are destined to become your new wardrobe staple, for many reasons. The first being the fact they have a classic stacked block heel and rounded toe, and the second because they have an easy inside zip. We selected these boots as part of the list, however, because of its sustainability credentials. The leather used in the boots is responsibly sourced, which is why the colour can vary between pairs. In addition, the black hue means they can be worn, well, pretty much anywhere, but the boots also come in other colours, like a gorgeous burgundy oxblood leather, and tan leather too.

Pros

  • Made from responsibly sourced leather
  • Available in alternative colours; like chocolate leather and leopard
  • The sole is man-made

Cons

  • Some reviewers found the boots come up slightly small

Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).

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