Sneakers continue to reign supreme in the fashion world, but they’ve taken on a bold new form. If you thought the trend was fading, think again—sneakers have simply evolved, transforming into striking tall, knee-high, and thigh-high designs.
Fashion powerhouses like Chanel, Jeremy Scott, and Riccardo Tisci have crowned tall sneaker boots as the must-have footwear of the moment. And naturally, trendsetters—who remain devoted to both comfort and style—have embraced them without hesitation.
Curious about how to pull off this daring trend? Take inspiration from these fashion-forward icons who prove that styling tall sneaker boots is easier than you think.
1. Keep It Casual With a Tee and Denim Shorts
Let’s start with something easy: treat sneaker boots just like regular trainers and wear them with your favorite t-shirt and denim shorts. Because sneaker boots are just so hot right now, fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni was able to get away with just wearing a tee and cutoff shorts to New York Fashion Week.
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2. Elevate Your Look With Tights
Add a pair of tights to make a shorts-and-t-shirt getup look more dressed up. Miley Cyrus also kept things monochrome for an even sleeker look.
Miley Cyrus stepped out in California rocking a bold mix of edgy and casual, pairing cut-off Levi’s shorts with a sharp black coat and statement tweed sneaker boots on January 16, 2015 (Credit: Mariotto / Chiva / INFphoto)
3. Go Oversized With T-Shirts and Sweaters
Just as slipping on an oversized t-shirt or sweater is the coolest way to wear thigh-high boots, it’s also the easiest way to pull off tall sneaker boots. Jeremy Scott sent some similar looks down the runway of his locker-room-inspired fall 2014 fashion show.
Looks with thigh-high versions of adidas Originals sneakers from the Jeremy Scott fall 2014 fashion presentation shown during Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014 in NYC on February 12, 2014 (Credit: Jeff Grossman / Winston Burris / The Styleograph / WENN)
4. Embrace the Sporty Vibe With a Jersey
Go along with the sporty style of sneaker boots and pair them with a jersey. Wear one from your favorite team or your favorite designer like Fergie.
Fergie arriving to catch a flight out of the LAX Airport in Los Angeles, California, on September 20, 2014 (Credit: Jeff Grossman / Winston Burris / The Styleograph / WENN)
5. Amp Up the Streetwear Aesthetic
Speaking of going along with the style, sneaker boots are also made to be paired with streetwear. Ciara demonstrates in a striped nylon jacket, leather shorts, and Chanel thigh-high sneakers.
Ciara leaving the Crustacean Restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, on August 28, 2014 (Credit: Jeff Grossman / Winston Burris / The Styleograph / WENN)
6. Rock an Edgy, Tough-Girl Style
You can even go harder and completely rough it up in sneaker boots. Singer Teyana Taylor styled her Nike x Ricardo Tisci Air Force 1 tall sneakers as if they were combat boots.
Singer Teyana Taylor sharing an Instagram pic captioned, “Call Of Duty… Howard Homecoming edition.” — posted on October 17, 2014
7. Balance With Sleek, Tailored Pieces
You can also take the completely opposite route. Celebrity stylist Shun Melson contrasts the bulky silhouette and sporty style of her Nike RT Air Force 1s with a slim peacoat, a sleek turtleneck, and black leggings.
Celebrity stylist Shun Melson, in an Instagram post captioned, “Somebody forgot to tell NY it’s spring now #38degrees: — posted on March 24, 2014
8. Create Contrast With a Feminine Dress
Achieve the perfect yin-and-yang balance by pairing edgy sneaker boots with a delicate lace dress. If you need convincing, just look to Riccardo Tisci—when designing his Nike Air Force 1 collaboration, he envisioned them styled with a Victorian dress.
The contrast between structured, sporty footwear and romantic, vintage-inspired fabrics creates a striking, fashion-forward statement.
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9. Channel Avant-Garde Fashion
Since sneaker boots have that different, alternative appeal, they would blend with an avant-garde style like Anna Dello Russo’s Rick Owens ensemble.
Anna Dello Russo in Rick Owens at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 in Paris, France, on September 27, 2014 (Credit: Jeff Grossman / Winston Burris / The Styleograph / WENN)
10. Go All Out in Chanel
If all else fails, wear tweed sneaker boots with head-to-toe Chanel. Who’s to question your style when you’re wearing a look straight off the Chanel fall 2014 runway?
Anna Dello Russo in Chanel at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 in Paris, France, on September 30, 2014 (Credit: Jeff Grossman / Winston Burris / The Styleograph / WENN)
Ready to get styling? Grab your own pair of tall sneaker boots:
Ash “Lynx” Tall Stretch Sneaker Boots, $179.96 to $295 / Alexander Wang “Emmanuel” Knee-High Sneakers, $950
More Sneaker Boot Inspiration
If you’re fascinated by the evolution of sneaker boots, dive into the Jeremy Scott x Adidas thigh-high sneaker boots that redefined sporty-chic fashion with their bold runway presence.
For those who love exploring unconventional footwear, our breakdown of unique designer sneakers that push fashion boundaries showcases statement-making kicks beyond the usual trends. And if you’re looking to build a versatile shoe collection, don’t miss our expert guide on must-have boot styles every woman should own for year-round effortless style.