Between opaque tights, knee-high socks, and maxi-length everything, it seems modesty is having a moment. And while even the best thigh-high boots seem like the antithesis of shy girl fashion, the high-legged silhouette allows for smart layering and can be significantly more wearable than you’d think. Just let celebs like Rihanna and Amal Clooney — both of whom were spotted in the bold shoe lately — guide the way.

“Thigh-high boots continue to be a top trend because they create a bold statement with their dramatic length,” says Michaela Leitz, a stylist based in Germany. “They’re fantastic for elongating the silhouette and adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.”

Even if you’re not trying to elongate anything, over-the-knee boots offer a fun and unexpected way to add a little coverage to a mini skirt during the transition from summer to fall — or even a striking alternative to your go-to knee-high boots with jeans or a sweater dress. Brands like Burberry, Bally, and Stella McCartney all sent thigh-high footwear down the runway for Fall/Winter 2023 — and experts agree that they’re not going anywhere.

Best Overall

Naturalizer Lyric Over-the-Knee Boot

What We Love: These come in regular and wide for every size.

What We Don’t Love: The inside zip isn’t completely hidden.

The slightly flared block heel on these Naturalizer boots might be the first thing you’ll notice, but look closer and you’ll notice the smooth, buttery leather, square toe, and asymmetrical opening that make this timeless over-the-knee style our favorite overall pick. Even more, once you put your foot inside, you’ll realize the built-in arch support with a molded heel cup and hidden goring — the elastic panel that creates a snug fit without the need for shoelaces — gives these books a sneaker-like feel.

Size: 6–12 | Colors: Black | Material: Leather upper; synthetic lining and sole | Heel Height: 3.25 inches

Best Budget

ASOS Kayla Heeled Thigh High Boots

What We Love: They look way more expensive than their price tag.

What We Don’t Love: The stiletto heel doesn’t have much traction.

Save these four-inch stilettos for a mild winter day — the sleek, elegant heel doesn’t have much traction for an entire day’s wear, but they sure look good for a dinner date or a drink close by. Made from smooth faux leather with a fabric lining, these over-the-knee boots have a touch of structure and an asymmetrical opening at the thigh.

Size: 4–11 | Colors: Black | Material: Faux leather | Heel Height: 4 inches

Best Splurge

Paris Texas Leather Over-the-Knee Boots

What We Love: The leather is supple and slightly structured for a subtle slouchiness.

What We Don’t Love: They’re costly and don’t have a zipper for easy pull-on.

Stylist Daniela Santos says these Paris Texas boots are a true statement piece. “They’re perfect for bold styling,” she adds, also noting that the supple Italian leather, sharp-pointed tee, and four-inch stilettos will make these the star of any outfit. Though there’s no zipper to help with pulling them on or off, the opening has a wide circumference for easy pull-on and off. It’d be a shame to hide their height, the pointed toe will look great peeking out from wide-leg trousers.

Size: IT35–IT42 | Colors: Black | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 4 inches

Best for Wide Calves

Torrid Stretch Flat Over-the-Knee Boot

What We Love: They come in extra-wide width and have a cushioned footbed for comfort.

What We Don’t Love: They may stretch over time, so be sure to use boot tape to keep them up.

Toronto-based stylist Heensie says Torrid is the place to go “if you're looking for thigh-high boots that are wide in both the calf and foot.”Meanwhile, Leitz calls out this pair specifically: “What I love about these boots is that they are made from stretch material to accommodate larger calves,” says Leitz. “They feature a flat heel for comfortable all-day wear. However, they might not provide enough support for some people due to the flat design,” she warns.

Size: 6WW–13WW| Colors: Black | Material: Polyurethane | Heel Height: 1.5 inches

Best for Wide Calves, Runner-Up

Vince Camuto Wide-Calf Over The Knee Boot

What We Love: The pointy toe and slit offer a very chic and sophisticated look suitable for everyday and dressier events.

What We Don’t Love: We wish the zipper went up an inch or two higher to make them easier to close.

Finding thigh-high boots that fit wider calves is a tough feat (trust us). Fortunately, we hit the jackpot with these Vince Camuto boots. They easily slide over wider legs, featuring an additional side zipper to help aid you in slipping them on. Available in both black leather and crinkled patent leather, the boot’s four-inch heel elongates the legs, and the buttery and shiny leather options have a bit of give to them, molding to your leg the more you wear them. Surprisingly, despite the height, the shoe is super comfortable to walk around in.

Amanda Rosenthal, an InStyle contributor (and one of the authors of this story), wore these shoes from morning to night one day without worrying about any blisters or arch pain, “something I am definitely prone to after wearing a heel for hours on end,” she says. Plus, the pointy toe easily elevates any look and is a go-to for fall and winter styling. Rosenthal adds, “I only wish the zipper went up an inch or two higher to make them easier to close, but they were still super manageable.”

Size: 5–12 | Colors: Black, Brown | Material: Leather, patent leather | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Best for Narrow Calves

Steve Madden Strut White Boot

What We Love: These white boots have a fun (but not costume-y) go-go feel. Plus, the brand almost always has a seasonal promo code activated.

What We Don’t Love: The sock-boot shape isn’t for everyone.

Steve Madden’s pointed-toe thigh-high boot is made from a stretchy fabric that conforms around your thigh with a 16-inch shelf circumference—which is generally great for anyone with narrow calves or thighs. The half-closure near the instep makes putting them on and taking them off a little easier, but know that a white pair is liable to get scuffed easily. Pair them with a mini skirt and a blazer for a perfect fall weekend look.

Size: 5–12 | Colors: White, Black | Material: Vegan leather | Heel Height: 3.5 inches

Best Leather

Isabel Marant Lisali Tall Boots

What We Love: Isabel Marant shoes are known to last.

What We Don’t Love: The hefty price tag.

If you’re looking for a pair that’ll be in your closet forever, look no further than this pair from Isabel Marant, a brand that’s known for its quality footwear that should last decades with proper care. Stylist Michele Andrews says she’s “absolutely smitten with these thigh-high leather boots by Isabel Marant. They unquestionably fall into the category of investment footwear,” she says, adding that the price point makes them a reach. “What captivates me is the thoughtful addition of a rubberized heel, providing essential protection and ensuring these exquisite heels stand the test of time while remaining functional. Having owned several pairs of IM boots, I can vouch for their exceptional comfort.”

The reinforced kitten heel means they’ll be easy to walk in, and the subtle slouch means they’ll look just as chic with a midi sweater dress as they will with a pair of jeans tucked in. Plus, the buffed leather and grained calfskin lining feel like butter.

Size: FR34–FR40 | Colors: Black, White | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 2 inches

Best Suede

Crown Vintage Emira 2 Over-The-Knee Boot

What We Love: The stacked blocked heel adds height while still remaining chic and comfortable.

What We Don’t Love: Suede will show signs of wear and tear more easily than other materials.

On top of its sleek suede finish that adds a layer of sophistication, this pair of flat over-the-knee boots from Crown Vintage features a triangle-shaped slit that complements all leg shapes. While the suede puts this pair at the top of our list, be aware that it’s more susceptible to signs of wear and tear. We suggest treating the suede first with a waterproofing spray to avoid any mishaps. The stacked block heel also adds some personality to your footwear, while being surprisingly comfortable.

Size: 6–11 | Colors: Black, Taupe | Material: Suede | Heel Height: 3 inches

Best Patent Leather

Jeffrey Campbell Maize Over the Knee Patent Leather Boot

What We Love: Not only does it come in half sizes, but there’s a zipper at the calf.

What We Don’t Love: It runs a little narrow in the calf.

These patent leather boots have an extra-glossy finish from the upper to the lining, which means they’ll be the focus of any outfit. The 2.75-inch block heel has a traction sole, so that means they’ll also be incredibly comfortable. Go full-on go-go with a mini skirt, or let the bottom half peek out from below a midi-length sweater dress and longline coat for a more tame, winter-ready vibe.

Size: 5–10 | Colors: Black, White | Material: Leather upper/textile and leather lining/synthetic sole | Heel Height: 2.75 inches

Best Heeled

Schutz Ashlee Over The Knee Boot

What We Love: The slouchy silhouette feels inherently sexy.

What We Don’t Love: The nearly four-inch heel might take a little getting used to.

The stiletto heel on this over-the-knee boot isn’t for the faint of heart, but luckily, the heel has a small rubber patch for added traction. Made from naturally insulating suede and cow leather, the slouchy suede boot is made for fall and winter days ahead. We recommend treating them with a suede protectant before wearing them first, as the true black is liable to pick up lint or debris.

Size: 5–10 | Colors: Black | Material: Suede and leather | Heel Height: 3.9 inches

Best Platform

Koi Elevated Unisex Plus-Size Thigh-High Boots

What We Love: The super-high platform is surprisingly lightweight.

What We Don’t Love: The material is super-stretchy, which might not work for everyone’s style.

Looking for some extra height? These deceivingly lightweight wedge-platform boots are made from the brand’s proprietary UniFlex material, which is super stretchy and flexible. “For an edgier option, I like the thigh-high boots from Koi,” says Heensie, who notes that they’re available in a wide variety of sizes for various leg shapes. While they might not be a great option to layer over thicker fabrics like jeans, they’re a smart choice for anyone who wants all-day wear with traction and comfort. Style them with tights underneath for a night out.

Size: 5–12 | Colors: Black | Material: Faux leather | Heel Height: 3.25 inches

Best Kitten Heel

Anine Bing Over-The-Knee Hilda Boot

What We Love: The low-slanted kitten heel is peak elegance.

What We Don’t Love: The price is high for faux leather, and they don’t come in half-sizes.

Anine Bing is known for high-quality pieces in timeless silhouettes, and these subtly slouchy over-the-knee boots fit the bill. Designed with a slanted kitten heel and gold-tone hardware at the back, these pull-on boots are a statement no matter how you wear them. Still, they only come in whole sizes and don’t have a calf zipper, so these are best for someone with a more narrow or average calf width.

Size: EU36–EU41 | Colors: Black | Material: 60% polyurethane, 40% polyester | Heel Height: 2 inches

Best Block Heel

Pretty Little Thing Block Heel PU Thigh High Boot

What We Love: They’re surprisingly comfortable — and under $50.

What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t come in half-sizes. Plus, the synthetic color may transfer to the rest of your outfit, so beware.

These heeled boots may add five inches to your height, but the chunky block heel is sturdy and substantial enough to offer some grounding support. The zip-fasting at the ankle and calf blends with the boot, but you’ll find them easy to pull on and off. Let the subtly pointed toe peek out from a long maxi dress, or pair them with a micro mini for a bold fall outfit.

Size: 5–10 | Colors: Black, Cream | Material: Faux leather | Heel Height: 5 inches

Best Stiletto Heel

Tony Bianco Avah Venezia Long Boots

What We Love: They’re the quintessential stiletto thigh-high boots.

What We Don’t Love: The elongated pointed toe might be too narrow for wide feet.

“Stiletto boots bring a touch of high fashion to the every day,” says Leitz, who says the narrow heel is making a comeback for Fall/Winter 2023. “Their sleek design and high heel add an element of sophistication and glamor to any ensemble, making them a standout trend for the upcoming season.” This pick from Tony Bianco is the quintessential thigh-high stiletto with its tall heel, exaggerated pointed toe, and hidden inside zip. Even more, the circumference of the opening graduates as sizes go up from 15 inches to about 17 inches.

Size: 5–10 | Colors: Black | Material: Faux leather or suede | Heel Height: 4.1 inches

Best Pointed-Toe

RAYE x EAVES Ashley Boot

What We Love: The slouchy silhouette just feels like fall.

What We Don’t Love: When extended, the calf might be too narrow for thick legs.

Raye is known for its on-trend shoes, and these camel thigh-high boots are no exception. Designed with a slightly tapered stiletto heel and a seam closure up the front, this pair is ideal for anyone looking for a casual, pointed-toe over-the-knee boot. The leather is slightly pebbled, which means it’ll wear well over time — and they can be worn at the knee with a dramatic slouch or extended over the bottom of the thigh.

Size: 5.5–10 | Colors: Camel, Bone | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 4.25 inches

Best Rounded-Toe

Nine West Naomis Dress Boots

What We Love: You can wear them with almost anything.

What We Don’t Love: The sole isn’t ideal for snowy or rainy days.

Nine West’s over-the-knee boot is made from synthetic suede with a tapered leg opening. The round toe and covered, three-inch heel offer a touch of comfort that you might not find in other thigh-high boots, but be warned: the material is liable to pick up lint and dust if they’re not stored in a dust bag. Try treating the suede first with a waterproofing spray to avoid ruining them on a rainy day.

Size: 5–12 | Colors: Black, Brown, Taupe | Material: Faux Suede | Heel Height: 3 inches

Best for Dancing

Journee Collection Maya Over-The-Knee Boot

What We Love: The adjustable top-line lacing at the opening ensures they won’t slide down on the dance floor.

What We Don’t Love: They only come in one width.

Is there anything worse than going out dancing and having to adjust your outfit after every song? Though they only come in medium width, these faux suede over-the-knee boots have adjustable lacing at the top of their 25-inch shaft height to ensure they stay up all night. And when it’s time to take them off, the hidden partial zipper makes it easy. Made from faux leather with a fabric lining, the three-inch covered heel makes them comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. (Just try to break them in before the weekend.)

Size: 6–11 | Colors: Black, Taupe | Material: Faux suede | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Best Slouchy

Pilcro Over-The-Knee Combat Boots

What We Love: The small platform sole provides support — especially on uneven surfaces like cobblestone.

What We Don’t Love: There’s no zipper so pulling them on/off when wearing jeans might prove difficult.

Santos called out Anthropologie’s in-house Pilcro line for its versatility, and these chunky black over-the-knee boots are great for someone looking for a little height. “They can be worn slouchy or pulled up, but they’re made from faux leather,” she says, noting that if you prefer genuine leather, these might not be the best choice. Still, faux leather is less likely to stretch out quickly, and the slouchy fit means you can wear them with almost anything.

Size: EU36–EU41 | Colors: Black | Material: Faux leather | Heel Height: 1.5 inches

Best Brown

Reformation Ruby Over-The-Knee Boot

What We Love: The wide shaft feels modern and chic.

What We Don’t Love: They’re sold out in bigger sizes.

Take a page out of Reformation’s style book and pair these sleek over-the-knee boots with a mini sweater dress in black. We particularly love the wide shaft and the covered kitten heel — and you can even fold over the top thanks to a six-inch slit from mid-thigh to the back of the knee. The elongated, subtle square toe feels modern and fresh for the season, too.

Size: 5–9 | Colors: Black, Brown | Material: Suede | Heel Height: 2 inches

Best Snakeskin

Stuart Weitzman UltraStuart 100 Stretch Boot

What We Love: Have you seen them? They’re liable to be the most stunning item in your wardrobe.

What We Don’t Love: Only the black color comes in narrow, medium, and wide.

Have you ever laid your eyes on a more beautiful pair of snakeskin boots? Not only is Stuart Weitzman known for designing some of the most gorgeous footwear on the market, but editors and reviewers alike say they’re surprisingly comfortable—especially for a nearly four-inch stiletto heel. The soft suede has a touch of flexibility, which also means they’ll mold to the leg more than a slouchy boot. The only drawback other than the price is that the embossed-leather snakeskin variation only comes in one width.

Size: 4.5–11 | Colors: Black, Cream, Snakeskin | Material: Embossed leather | Heel Height: 3.9 inches

Best Croc-Effect

Khaite Marfa Croc-Effect Leather Over-the-Knee Boots

What We Love: The croc-embossed leather gives any outfit an edge.

What We Don’t Love: The square toe favors narrow feet.

Step outside in Khaite’s ultra-glossy crocodile-embossed thigh-high boots and it’s impossible to feel anything but confident. Made from high-shine patent leather with a curved 3-inch heel, a hidden inside zip, and tonal topstitching throughout, the made-in-Italy style is the perfect addition to any fall wardrobe.

“I like the subtlety of the texture,” stylist Gabrielle Porcaro says, also noting they’re great for anyone who’s not ready to go full snakeskin just yet. Still, the price point is steep, so if you spring for them, be sure to treat them with a leather cleaning first, and spot-treat them right when you get home.

Size: EU36–EU41 | Colors: Black, Bordeaux, Off-White, Natural | Material: Croc-effect leather | Heel Height: 3.3 inches

Best Squared-Toe

Proenza Schouler Faux Leather Over-the-Knee Boot

What We Love: The exaggerated square-toe silhouette feels modern.

What We Don’t Love: The ‘70s silhouette isn’t for everyone.

Two of our experts agree that these Proenza Schouler boots are a great square-toe silhouette for fall. “They exude a classic charm with a contemporary twist thanks to its updated heel shape and stitching. I'm particularly fond of its pull-on design and the way the foot resembles a pump,” Andrews says. Meanwhile, Heensie says she loves a modern, subtly edgy square-toe boot for fall. Check, check, and check.

Made in Italy from faux leather with a fabric lining, these boots were originally introduced for Fall/Winter 2020 and have had considerable staying power.

Size: 5–12 | Colors: Black | Material: Faux leather | Heel Height: 3.5 inches

Best Silver

Steve Madden Epic Silver Boot

What We Love: The material is pre-patina-ed, so they’ll only get better with age.

What We Don’t Love: Silver is an acquired taste for boots.

“I am particularly excited for silver boots,” says Heensie, who wasn’t the first person to mention the hue for fall. “I love the fun pop of metallic, especially in otherwise neutral looks.” This pair from Steve Madden is pre-distressed, so they’ll only patina more with wear.

Size: 5–13 | Colors: Black, Silver, Distressed Black | Material: Faux leather | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Best Lug-Sole

Camper Milah High Boots

What We Love: The mashup of utility and style is perfect for fall.

What We Don’t Love: The pull-on design might be hard to take on and off.

If practicality is more your vibe, look no further than Camper’s stretchy pull-on boots, which hit just over the knee. The chunky lug sole offers premium traction for snow or rain, though keep in mind that the TENCEL™ Spandex material offers a buttery hand-feel — but not a ton of warmth. You may need to wear a thicker sock with these or save them for days where the weather stays above freezing.

Size: EU36–EU41 | Colors: Black | Material: Calfskin | Heel Height: 2.1 inches

What to Keep in Mind

Material

Thigh-high boots are notoriously difficult to put on — especially when they hug the leg, like many of the boots featured in this story. More malleable materials, like suede and synthetics, might make the boots easier to slide on, while stiffer leathers could require a bit of tugging in order to get them on (and off).

Zippers and Closures

To make them easier to put on, look for an external zipper — usually hidden on the inside of the leg — that allows the shoe to have more give when slipping them on. Many boots, like this Stuart Weitzman choice (not featured on the above list but still one of the brand's core styles), also feature a tie around the top of the boot to keep them snug to the thigh without slipping down. But of course, those with an intended slouchy fit, like Schutz's Ashlee boot, have that appeal, so just be mindful of the style before purchasing.

Your Questions, Answered

How do you style over-the-knee boots?

When it comes to pants, pair thigh-high boots with skinny jeans, so the boots can be seen — after all, what's the point of wearing them if you can't see them? But we've been seeing more influencers and celebrities — Megan Fox, Dua Lipa, and Khloe Kardashian, to name a few — wearing the boots with mini and midi skirts for a more layered look.

What socks should you wear with over-the-knee boots?

Stuart Weitzman’s Global Head of Design, Edmundo Castillo, suggests the least chunky sock possible when slipping into over-the-knee boots. “Whenever I’m working with over-the-knee boots, whether with developing prototypes on a fit model or connecting with customers in stores, I always suggest wearing a thin sock.” Not only is a thinner sock more comfortable, he points out, but “it can also preserve the inner lining of the boots to help make them last season after season.”

How do you keep thigh-high boots up?

While most quality thigh-high boots are made with substantial enough leather or suede to stay up on their own, there’s always a chance they could slip or fall. If the boot doesn’t have an adjustable tie-back, the best way to ensure they stay up is with specialized tape or adhesive. Double-sided fashion tape made for the skin is your best bet — but if you’re going out dancing or planning on sweating, try using wig tape, which is better designed to handle moisture and movement. (When worn over bare legs, we recommend shaving the spot beforehand to be sure no hair gets caught in the tape.) Be sure to apply the tape while standing in at least two spots, and when the night is over, use a bit of oil to remove the adhesive. If you’re tucking your pants into your boots, this tape from Hollywood Fashion Secrets works like a charm.

Why Shop With Us

Lauren Caruso is a freelance writer, editor, and editorial consultant with 15 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and wellness markets. Amanda Rosenthal and Avery Matera are freelance writers for InStyle. They tried many pairs themself, while also consulting experts for the story to give you a well-rounded survey of the best thigh-high boots on the market right now. Together they researched the best over-the-knee boots in terms of comfort, durability, and versatility while enlisting the help of the following experts: Stuart Weitzman’s Global Head of Design, Edmundo Castillo; stylist Heensie; stylist Daniela Santos; stylist Gabrielle Porcaro; stylist Michele Andrews; and stylist Michaela Leitz.