Boots are a year-round wardrobe staple. Whether it’s April rain showers or a December snowstorm, you always need a pair of boots.
Boots come in every shape and size, meaning there is a perfect pair for everyone. The one factor that impacts the kind of boots you can wear is the size and shape of your calves.
Some styles might be too large, while others might make your legs appear shorter. We’ve rounded up the best boots for those with skinny legs, with style and brand recommendations to help you find your new go-to pair of shoes.
Essential Considerations for Purchasing the Perfect Pair of Boots
Before you start looking for a pair of boots, there are a few things that you need to consider. Just like any style of shoes, the sizing can differ, and certain things will impact how the shoe fits.
Consider the ankle width when buying boots; they should fit comfortably with thicker socks for winter without being too wide. You’ll want to look for a smaller ankle width if you have narrow legs. Otherwise, the material can shift against your leg, especially with ankle boots.
Real Housewives of Orange County star Alexis Bellino, Love Island contestant Amy Hart, and English actress Amanda Holden flaunt their skinny legs in boots in December 2020 (Credit: Avalon / WENN / Phil Lewis / Instar)
If you are looking for boots to wear to more formal events at your workplace, look for boots with a heel. You’ll want to choose a heel height you’re comfortable walking in.
Boots are perfect for hiding a platform, especially in riding and knee-high boots. A platform heel is ideal for anyone who wants to swap out their usual flats for a heel. The higher the boot sits on your calf, the higher the heel you can choose.
You might not think about it—or even look at it—but the sole of your boots is one thing you need to consider. Most boots you’ll find online have either plastic or rubber soles.
The plastic variant makes the ‘click-clacking’ sound, but it is also easier to slip in if you come across a marble floor or black ice. Rubber soles have a better grip, making them a must-have if you live in a colder climate or have yearly snowstorms. If you’re always on the go, a pair of boots with rubber soles is essential for your closet.
Boots come in every height – from ankle boots to over-the-knee boots. Ankle boots are by far the most versatile style, as you can wear them with everything from jeans to a pencil skirt.
English television presenter Siân Welby, English model Kelly Brook, and American actress Sarah Jessica Parker wearing ankle boots (Credit: Avalon / WENN / Phil Lewis / Instar)
Taller boots depend on the material. For leather knee-high boots, these tend to look best when styled with tights and a skirt. You’ll want to consider what style works best with your existing wardrobe to keep your cost per wear low.
Black is the most popular color for boots, giving you functionality and understated elegance. Now that you know what to remember, here are a few styles ideal for those with skinny legs.
Style Spotlight: Elegant Riding Boots for Sleek Silhouettes
For fans of the preppy New England aesthetic, riding boots are a closet staple. Traditional riding boots are often made in leather with a metal buckle and a low heel.
Think of the shoes that you would expect to see in a Jane Austen film, which will give you an idea of the origins of this style.
Riding boots are ideal for slimmer legs due to their sleek design, which allows for a flattering fit when worn over skinny jeans or paired with a pencil skirt, enhancing both style and silhouette (Credit: Shopbop)
The beauty of riding boots is that they’re one of the most versatile styles you can invest in. When you have slimmer legs, you can easily wear them over a pair of skinny jeans or with a pencil skirt.
Riding boots, rising just below the knee for optimal comfort and function, became a classic staple in mainstream fashion since the 1970s. Equestrian-style boots typically have a wide block heel and come in black or tan leather. This sole is as comfortable as wearing flats while giving you the bonus of a height boost.
The Splurge Option
Tommy Hilfiger, the iconic brand known for bringing to life the classic American cool spirit, offers a range of riding boots you can buy on Amazon.
If you are someone who can never be without a heel, then their modern riding boots take the key design elements of the traditional design and add a silver-tone buckle around the ankle.
The silver-tone hardware and buckle design around the ankles give these long leather boots an equestrian chic aesthetic
For those with a minimalistic aesthetic, the brand’s monogram plaque high-heel boots are ideal for slim legs. They have a zip closure on the sides and are complete with the TH monogram logo and faux snake-skin detailing.
Elevate your ensemble with these high-heeled boots, featuring decorative elasticated side panels and a Tommy Hilfiger monogram plaque
As a brand with an equestrian origin story, it’s no surprise that riding boots are one of the most popular styles offered by Coach.
Their Fynn boot has a flat rubber sole and an embossed horse and carriage. Available at Coach, these riding boots are perfect for anyone looking for a simple pair for everyday wear.
Embossed with the iconic Horse and Carriage motif for Coach heritage style, the equestrian-inspired Fynn riding boot is a wardrobe staple
The Affordable Option
Nordstrom offers an extensive selection of narrow calf boots, with options from brands like Nine West, Cole Haan, and Tory Burch.
If you are looking for a pair of riding boots for under $100, then the Kamdyn from Sarto by Franco Sarto boots give you an equestrian look with a sleek belt wrapping around the ankle. You can find them at Nordstrom.
Trendsetting Over-the-Knee Boots: A Style Statement for Slim Legs
If you are blessed with long, skinny legs, you are one of the lucky few who can pull off a pair of over-the-knee boots.
As the name would suggest, over-the-knee boots sit a few inches above your knee, elongating the appearance of your legs.
It gives just a flash of skin while still keeping your legs warm. Suede is one of the most common material choices for this style as it gives you more movability than a leather alternative.
Over-the-knee boots are a go-to style for influencers and celebrities, particularly supermodels like Gigi Hadid who use them to a touch of instant chic to any outfit.
Ashley Roberts, Kelly Rowland, and Taylor Swift flaunt their skinny calves in over-the-knee boots
You can wear them with everything from a T-shirt and shorts to a little black dress. These boots are ideal for a classic monochrome look for an elevated look.
You can never go wrong with a pair of black boots, especially if you want to invest in just one pair. If you’re a shoe connoisseur, the world of over-the-knee boots is your oyster. You can find them in everything from midnight blue to tan leather and every color.
Because over-the-knee boots typically come in suede or leather, they’re a great way to add texture to an outfit and create contrast between materials.
You’ll want to wear over-the-knee boots with a mini dress or short skirt to show off your narrow legs and enhance your appearance. If you’re on the shorter end of the height spectrum, invest in a pair with a block heel to give you an added boost.
The Splurge Option
When purchasing a pair of boots to keep in your closet for years, Stuart Weitzman is always at the top of our recommendations list.
The brand offers several over-the-knee boots in stretchy leather and suede, making them easy to put on and take off. The classic Lowland boot is available in both materials and understated grey and black colors on Amazon. With an almond toe and flat block heel, these boots are ideal for wearing all day long.
Stuart Weitzman is famous for its iconic stretch boot collection
If you’re looking for a pair of statement shoes, check out the 5050 lift boots available in burgundy nappa leather on Zappos.
The Affordable Option
If you’re on a budget, Zara can offer you a similar style at a fraction of the price. Their low-heeled stretch tall boots have thick soles perfect for winter snowstorms.
You can easily slip these over-the-knee boots on, and they are some of the easiest ones to store. The slim calf boots give added definition to your legs and show off your figure, especially when you add a thin heel.
The high shaft-heeled patented finish boots are a must-have for any city girl who wants to channel her inner Carrie Bradshaw.
Chelsea Boots: A Timeless Choice for Narrow Calves
You might think that only tall boots work for your shape when you have narrow legs. Chelsea boots are an ideal choice for anyone with skinny calves.
As you have slimmer legs, you have more styling options for Chelsea boots than for someone who is plumper. When you style Chelsea boots with a skirt, you can run the risk of making your legs appear stumper.
If you’re gifted with skinny calves, you don’t have to worry about this! You can style Chelsea boots with jeans during the winter and a midi-skirt in spring and autumn.
Chelsea boots offer a versatile and stylish option for those with slim legs, providing a comfortable fit and numerous styling possibilities, from casual to elaborate designs, without the worry of them appearing oversized or uncomfortable around the ankles (Credit: Shopbop)
Chelsea boots are usually casual, but options with oversized buckles and rock stud detailing offer a more elaborate look. For versatility and ease of styling, opt for leather Chelsea boots.
As we’ve discussed, you’ll want to look for a pair of Chelsea boots with a smaller ankle width that matches your calves. Too much space around your ankles can quickly become uncomfortable, and the excess material might chafe against your skin.
Even with a pair of regular-fit Chelsea boots, you can usually tackle this with tights or thick socks.
The Splurge Option
Mytheresa is the perfect place to start your search for a pair of Chelsea boots. The luxury retail store offers everything from glossy Hunter boots to Valentino Rockstud boots if you want to invest in a luxury version.
Chelsea boots are a classic choice for autumn rainstorms, and the Hunter refined Chelsea boots are a must-have to keep your feet dry.
If you want a unique pair with a feminine twist, the Roger Vivier Viv Rangers boots feature a crystal buckle that would bring a spark of joy to anyone’s day.
Roger Vivier reinvents the classic Chelsea boot silhouette by rendering it in glossy patent leather
The Affordable Option
When shopping for affordable Chelsea boots, Aldo is a go-to store. Most of their boots cost around $120, and they regularly offer discount codes.
Their Brilasen ankle boots at Aldo Shoes are a waterproof option in sleek patent leather and perfect for everyday wear.
These black rain boots with a breathable textile lining and lightly cushioned, stationed insole have you covered
If you want a more classic option, their Wicoeni boots have an almond toe and a rubber sole with a smooth leather finish.
Military Boots: Edgy and Versatile Footwear for Every Style
Our wildcard choice is military boots. This shoe style comes in every shape and size and is characterized by its similarity to the combat boots included in military uniforms.
They often have lace-up detailing at the front and a platform sole and are most popular in black and earth-tone colors. Their lace-up design makes them ideal for anyone with skinny calves, as you can easily adjust them to fit comfortably around your ankles.
While you’ll most frequently see these boots styled with casual outfits, you can wear them with a jumpsuit, a little black dress, or tights and a mini-skirt.
Military boots are an inventive way to add a masculine touch to even the most feminine outfits.
The Splurge Option
The brand that made military boots a mainstream fashion staple was Dr. Martens.
Available at Shopbop, their Jadon smooth leather platform boots are a unisex shoe that gives you the comfort of a platform and the functionality of the brand’s signature smooth leather.
Tower above your peers in the vertigo-inducing style of the Jadon 8-Eye Boot by Dr. Martens
A pair of Dr. Martens will last you a lifetime with their high-quality leather and cushioned soles. Want to add a little sparkle to your day? The 1460 Pascal snake metallic suede boots are a best-seller at Zappos and give the look of military boots with a modern and playful twist.
These festival-ready boots have been crafted from suede foiled with a metallic snake pattern and kitted out with brushed silver trims as well as a scripted heel-loop and sock liner
The Affordable Option
If you want to buy a pair of combat boots for under $100, then Steve Madden has several options at Zappos.
Their Troopa black leather boots are statement shoes with lace-up detailing across the entire shaft of the boot, making them a perfect choice for anyone who wants a traditional pair of combat boots.
You’ll be the leader of your pack with the Steve Madden Troopa combat boot featuring a leather upper with a classic stitch detail throughout
If you want the look of military boots but want to add a heel, then the suitably named ‘Comfort’ boots have all the hallmark features of combat boots with a block heel and fur lining.
We hope these tips and styling recommendations help you find the perfect pair of boots. Remember, if you have skinny calves, you’ll want to look for slim calf boots that easily mold to the shape of your leg.
You can take advantage of a full spectrum of options, from over-the-knee boots to classic Chelsea boots.