14 over the knee boots that are true head-turners.
Over the Knee Boots
Over the knee boots have had their moment in the sun throughout nearly every decade for the last 50+ years.
That said, it must be noted that they actually originated as riding boots during the 15th century…on men. How’s that for a shift in style?
Style Tip: the perfect shape
Today, they’re styled to elongate the leg, most often skimming quite thin to your leg from toe to mid-thigh.
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Design Types
They are designed with stilettos, block heels, slim flat soles, and chunky lug ones as well.
In fact, they’re even crafted as rubber wellies, warm shearling styles, and velvet stunners—standing out from the classic black suede and leather options you know and love.
How to Wear
Whether you style them with tights and a mini skirt, over a pair of skinny jeans, or underneath a midi skirt with a slit that only shows off the boot in full as you move, a pair of over the knee boots is a fun head-turner that acts equally well as a forever must-have.
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In blacks and browns, Barbiecore pink and even metallic glitter, shop our favorite over the knee boots for this season and beyond.
Our Top Picks
Best Flat Over the Knee Boots
One of the OGs of over the knee boots is Stuart Weitzman, so its place at the top of the list was a no-brainer. Shop the suede flat-heeled boots for skirt and skinny jeans.
Best Shearling Over the Knee Boots
Love your shearling boots for winter? Here’s your chance to make them thigh-highs.
Staud has entered the cold-weather season with a pair of shearling over the knee boots that will keep you toasty warm all winter long.
If you are going to ski, check out our apres ski boots here!
Best Suede Over the Knee Boots
For a killer sleek take on the trend, shop Christian Louboutin.
Not only are this black thigh high boots slim to your leg, but they have a sky-high stylized stiletto heel and pointed-toe silhouette that is ready for a night out on the town.
Best Low Heel Over the Knee Boots
If moto boots are your thing, look to Jimmy Choo for your over the knee styles.
With a buckle at the top of the foot as well as the thigh, this pair of chunky go-anywhere kicks is just what the doctor ordered.
Best Affordable Over the Knee Boots
Keep it classic for a decidedly more affordable price point than many other thigh high boots with these Kenneth Cole black suede pull-on boots.
They feature a hidden inside zipper for easy pull-on-and-go as well.
Best Brown Over the Knee Boots
Go soft with these heeled, pointed-toe, over the knee boots from Gianvito Rossi.
They’re made of a buttery soft suede and crafted in a warm tone of brown for everyday and night wear.
Best Over the Knee Rain Boots
Looking for a pair of wellies that has a higher shaft than most?
These come up to the knee with an added drawstring material above, resulting in a chic over the knee style that’s ready for all weather.
Best Pink Over the Knee Boots
Love a velvet for winter months? So do we.
Leave it to Vetements to craft a pair of second-skin over the knee boots made of not only the luxe cold-weather favorite, but also in a rainbow of bright tones as well.
Best Over the Knee Boots with Wide Calf
For over the knee boots that have a little bit more structure to them, shop these.
They make it easier to tuck in a pair of skinny jeans, fluting out at the thigh, or make for a fun pairing with a mini skirt as well.
Best Spandex Over the Knee Boots
If you’re looking to make a sporty statement—and a splurge-worthy one, at that—shop Balenciaga’s collaboration with Adidas.
These thigh high boots fit like a second skin and feature the sporty brand’s iconic tripe stripe down the outside of each leg.
Best Black Over the Knee Boots
If you’re on the hunt for a pair of over the knee boots that will take you anywhere, all day long, these are the ones for you.
They feature a chunky lug sole with an otherwise classic and understated silhouette.
Best Over the Knee Sock Boots
If you want the look of an over the knee boot without the bulk, consider this affordable style from ASOS.
It features a chunky platform bottom and sock-like shaft, so it feels like a second skin, despite its lug sole silhouette.
Best Metalic Over the Knee Boots
If you’re looking for a true head-turning silhouette, go sparkle.
While these Alexander Wang boots do technically hit over the knee, they are wide and slouch down a bit so that they fall closer to the middle of your knee, depending on your height.
Best Black Leather Over the Knee Boots
If you’re looking for a pair of chunky over the knee boots that has extra edgy styling, opt for these moto-inspired heeled boots from Isabel Marant.
They not only feature a ruched stripe down the side, but also a padded seam at the knee.
Pro Tip
😎Kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince charming.
With a pair of over the knee boots, they need to fit more than just your foot—they need to fit the shaft of your calf, knee, and over your thigh as well.
Finding the perfect fit might take more than one try, but once you do, you’ll fall instantly in love.
If you are looking to make more of a statement with your footwear this winter, for day or night, go for an over the knee boots.
Flat or heeled, we’ve got all the best of the best here for you.
FAQ
Are over the knee boots in style in 2023?
Yes, they haven’t gone anywhere since their first appearance in the 15th century and we don’t see them leaving anytime soon!
They’re the perfect wardrobe addition during the chilly fall and winter months. Over the knee boots accentuate your legs while letting you stay warm and bundled.
What are boots over the knee called?
Boots that go above the knee and extend to either just above the knee cap or even a touch up the thigh are very appropriately called over the knee boots.
Sometimes you’ll see them abbreviated as OTK boots—over the knee boots is quite the mouthful!
How do you wear over the knee boots over 40?
To avoid feeling too Pretty Woman, opt for a classic suede or plain leather with a flat sole or low chunky heel to balance the boot’s height.
Try styling your over the knee boots with a midi skirt or dress to add dimension by letting them peek through. If the midi length isn’t for you, pair them with your best A-line silhouette that ends just above the boots.
A sweater dress with opaque tights or a chunky sweater with fitted pants (like leggings or jeans) is also a great cold-weather look that looks effortless with over-the-knee boots.
At the end of the day, wear what makes you feel most confident!
Should I size up or down for over the knee boots?
Sizing can be tricky when trying to find the right height and calf width in your pair of over-the-knee boots.
We suggest sizing up if you’re on the fence. It can make all the difference when pulling them up or off especially if you have your eye on a pair that doesn’t have a zipper or you have larger calves.
Also, boots are worn during some of the coldest months, you want that extra room for extra tall wool socks.
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