Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Fall footwear is nothing without boots, and although I love my Chelsea styles or a good pair of motos, nothing compares to a knee-high boot. The best knee-high boots are not only stylish, they also provide protection from the elements, enveloping the full leg as an extra barrier, warding off the onset of cooler temperatures or other unsightly weather patterns—hello, impromptu autumn showers! Once you invest in a great pair, you are set for life (with a little help from your local cobbler, of course).
I always start by looking for high-quality fabrications, which in my book means mainly leather and suede—textiles that are made to last and can be maintained with a little oil rub or a soft-bristle brush (in the case of the latter). Personally, I need a walkable heel for everyday wear, so I never wander far above two inches, and anything with insole padding also gets my extra attention. From there, I consider what my mood is for the season ahead—like whether I’m feeling a trend-forward, cowboy-inspired shape to pair with denim maxis and slit skirts, or a more ladylike kitten heel to style with all my favorite miniskirts and knit dresses.
I rounded up my personally tested favorites and got a little help from my fellow Bazaar editors to compile the following list of the best knee-high boots for women. Of course, shopping for knee-highs can require a lot of trial and error—everyone’s calves and legs are different—but on our list, we’ve covered all the bases, with wide-calf friendly versions and the tight and stretchy, too.
Thankfully, these 15 styles run the gamut, which means you can load up on all your favorites, from flat riding styles to pointy kitten heels, chunky block heels, and more. Which is great, because the best knee-high boots for women are reliable investments that you will love and wear for years to come.
If you’re looking for an everyday boot that checks the boxes of both affordable price point and high quality, might we recommend Madewell’s kitten-heel option? It is made of 100 percent leather (which has been certified by the Leather Working Group) and features a low heel that will keep you standing tall after hours of wear. Bonus points: The brand’s signature MWL Cloudlift Lite padding is built into this style, offering even more comfort with every step.
Sizes: 5–12
Colors: True black, shaded olive suede, chocolate raisin
Heel height: 2"
I got these boots in black last year and lived in them all season. They were the perfect walkable heel height to storm the streets of New York City, and paired perfectly with everything from midi skirts to knit dresses and more. The leather is so soft and sumptuous, and I like that they come in half sizing, since sometimes I am between sizes. This season, I am leaning into this rich shade of espresso, to pair with all the chocolate brown I am accumulating in my wardrobe at the moment.
Sizes: 5–12
Colors: Espresso, black, cacao suede
Heel height: 1.5"
Toteme Croc-Effect Leather Knee Boots
“If you, like me, predominantly wear classic black boots during fall and winter, Toteme’s croc-style knee-high boot will give you the extra zest you might be looking for,” Bazaar senior commerce content lead Julie Tong says. “It features a chic square toe, and its wide-cut silhouette will give your calves a little more breathing room too, which is an added plus. I can already picture wearing these with my favorite Proenza Schouler knit midi dresses come fall.”
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Colors: Black
Heel height: 2"
“This perfect neutral beige hue transitions seamlessly from white, camel, and ivory outfits to richer earth tones like rust, olive, and navy,” says fashion contributor Laura Lajiness Kaupke. “And I’m all about a high boot that layers effortlessly under floaty dresses.” Plus, she loves how walkable the heel is. “Neil J. Rodgers knows how to craft a boot,” she says. “The leather is always so incredibly soft that breaking them in isn’t even necessary—they’re ready to go straight out of the box.”
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Colors: Bone, black, black suede, brown suede
Heel height: 2.25"
What customers are saying: “Amongst all the Neil Rodgers shoes I have owned over the years, the Meg Knee Boos stand out as versatile and VERY comfortable day to night boots with the most walkable heels. The fit is perfect, I’m wearing a 40, which is my normal size, it’s beautifully crafted in super soft leather and I shall be wearing mine with a coffee in hand during the day and a cocktail with a twist in the evening.”
Proenza Schouler Bronco Leather Knee Boots
With the western trend in full stride (here’s looking at you, Bella Hadid), we can’t help but be influenced by it. However, our pick happens to be something with a little more polish than your typical cowboy boot. Proenza Schouler’s Bronco boot bridges the gap between sleek rider and roper-ready. Think of these as the more elevated take on a classic. We love the elongated square toe and slanted block heel, which give it that unique twang. Style with mini and maxi hemlines alike.
Sizes: 36–42 EU
Colors: Black, camel
Heel height: 1.5"
Stacked-heel enthusiasts, look no further. J.Crew’s Sadie comes highly recommended by customers, with plenty of five-star reviews for this comfortable heel. The leather is a beautiful auburn color that is going to wear well over time and will pair perfectly with all our fall favorites, from dark floral maxi dresses to denim midi skirts—or, for an equestrian feel, a slim-cut jean tucked perfectly inside.
Sizes: 5–12
Colors: Rich oak
Heel height: 3"
What customers are saying: “These boots are perfect! Perfect heel height: not too high and I can walk in them, all day.”
Staud’s Wally boots have become a perennial favorite, beloved of editors and customers alike. Always offered by the brand, it’s a style that you will gravitate toward all season and then some. The suede versions have a slightly slouchy feel, gently bunching around the leg, for a relaxed look that works well with everything from dresses and skirts to denim. The two-inch heel adds a little extra height, while also being manageable if you’re on your feet for hours.
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Colors: Tan suede, black suede, mahogany suede, pine suede, black leather, and more
Heel height: 2"
What customers are saying: “Just generally a gorgeous boot - simple, clean lines. Sexy without being over-the-top, can still wear to work. COMFORT, easy walking, stable heel and well-balanced overall.”
“I tend to gravitate toward a low-heeled boot, but Nomasei’s Twist is thankfully pushing me out of my comfort zone,” says Bazaar fashion commerce editor Michella Oré. “Coming in at 2.4 inches, this heel beautifully elongates the legs. Between that and the squared-off cap-toe and contrasting zipper at the back, these boots feel both elegant and oh-so cool, and I’m excited to pair them with a rotation of patterned midi skirts and slinky halterneck dresses.”
Sizes: 35–42 FR
Colors: Black, white
Heel height: 2.4"
What customers are saying: “Was in weekend in Brighton ONLY having TWIST with me. Danced walked for 4-5 hours everyday. The ultimate test and I can’t believe it was soooo fine?!”
Khaite Marfa Suede Knee-High Boot
You can count on Khaite to offer a fashion-forward take on all the classic footwear essentials, from the humble ballet flat to the knee-high boot. The Marfa has a slightly western feel, especially in this suede fabrication, but the rich shade of coffee feels on point, giving us all the autumnal feels. We can’t wait to wear this boot bare-legged with miniskirts as we start transitioning our wardrobes to fall. Later, we’ll simply throw on a pair of tights and be good to go.
Sizes: 36–41 EU
Colors: Coffee suede, black suede, camel suede, black leather
Heel height: 1"
What customers are saying: “These boots are even more beautiful live than in the pictures. They are very flattering on.”
Anine Bing is known for high-quality cashmere and suiting separates, but the brand’s footwear is not to be missed. I like that this season’s variation on the classic kitten-heel shape is actually made from faux leather, so I won’t feel bad when I’m inevitably caught in an impromptu fall shower. Also, since the fabric truly hugs the leg like a sock boot, this makes for the ideal shoe choice to wear under all my favorite wide-leg jeans and trousers, keeping me extra warm.
Sizes: 36–41 EU
Colors: Black
Heel height: 2"
What customers are saying: “So comfy and can wear all day. Doesn’t leave extra room on calf. Perfect with skirts, slacks, etc.”
I just saw these during New York Fashion Week at Simon Miller’s see-now, buy-now presentation and instantly fell in love. Normally, I gravitate toward something more minimalist in style, but these shot straight to the top of my fall wish list. Since the palette of this snakeskin print is neutral, I know I can pair it with the cream, camel, gray, and black I plan to be wearing all fall and winter long. (I’m a New Yorker, after all.) I also love the contrast heel for a little pop.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Colors: Snake print
Heel height: 2"
I like that this boot feels like a hybrid between a classic, riding boot and modern knee-high. The difference is the chunky heel, which is sure to help me face the elements all season long, with a little lift and grip for those slick sidewalks. I also appreciate the pull-tab detailing at the top, for easy on and off. Who hasn’t struggled with this at the end of a long day? I can’t wait to wear these with cozy knit separates to juxtapose the tougher leather exterior.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Colors: Chocolate, black
Heel height: 2"
“I have several pairs of classic leather knee-high boots, yet I find myself reaching for this pair more than any of the others,” Lajiness Kaupke tells Bazaar. “They’re from a smaller brand I adore, for their exceptional craftsmanship and comfort.” She relies on the sleek black leather, which feels timeless, and the block heel for just the right amount of height, while still being comfortable enough for all-day wear. “I’m all about pieces that feel both modern and enduring, and these boots strike that balance perfectly,” she says.
Sizes: 6–10½
Colors: Black calf, mocha croc, chestnut suede
Heel height: 3"
What customers are saying: “Unbelievably comfortable, I can be on my feet all day without feeling a thing (hello super technology!) and the arch support is incredible.”
“I can’t get enough of the jewelrylike sculptural hardware that truly defines these boots,” says Lajiness Kaupke. “The unique burnt-red hue is a standout way to embrace the ongoing red trend—bold but not overpowering. They’re incredibly sleek and add a stunning pop of color to earthy tones, from rich browns to warm sands.”
Sizes: 36–41 EU
Colors: Tan
Heel height: 2.5"
Prada Runway Knee-High Boot
If you’re going to splurge, these Prada knee-highs are a good place to start. Straight off the runway, they walked with practically half the Fall/Winter 2024 collection looks and provided me with loads of personal styling inspiration. Although I might not be able to afford the plethora of beautiful shifts and layered skirts they were paired with, I certainly can save and invest in these boots, which I know will survive the test of time (as well as the New York City streets).
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Colors: Black
Heel height: 2.1"
Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
