The 5 Types of Knee-High Boots All Shoe Lovers Should Know

Knee-high boots are a closet staple for every woman. While these shoes may look intimidating at first, they’ll change up your look.

You can wear these shoes year-round, although they come into their own during the colder months.

One thing that puts people off buying knee-high boots is that they’re not sure how to wear them.

If you own a pair of knee-high boots, dresses are your best friend.

We’re giving you styling tips and tricks, along with product recommendations, to show you how to wear knee-high boots with dresses.

The Origins of Knee-High Boots

Like most footwear, knee-high boots began as a menswear shoe.

Everyone from dairy workers to fisherman and soldiers used these tall boots to protect their feet from the elements and stabilize their feet while walking through uneven surfaces.

Boots have been around in one shape or form since 15,000 BC. There is evidence of boots depicted in cave paintings in Spain, dating back to this era.

Boots were found within the tomb of Khnumhotep in Egypt, giving us vital insight into how this shoe style has evolved over the generations.

Boots became part of the traditional dress of the Asiatic and Arctic cultures, while the Greeks made their boots using untanned leather and a leather thong.

The first appearance of knee-high boots as we know them came in the fifteenth century.

These shoes were worn by people of all social classes, although they were designed exclusively for men.

Wearing knee-high boots was one of the charges against Joan of Arc in 1431. Instead of knee-high boots, most women wore ankle boots.

Knee-high boots jumped into the mainstream fashion scene in the 1950s. They made the most popular styles using leather, featuring a mid-heel and a side zipper for a perfect fit.

The first films to feature knee-high boots include ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ and ‘The Wild One’. From the 1960s onwards, we started to become more inventive with our knee-high boots.

As the shoe shaft sits higher up your leg, they’re a popular way to stay warm during the winter months.

Some designers, like Hunter, have even made socks to go with their knee-high boots.

With so many options on the market, you’re guaranteed to find a style of knee-high boots for you.

These boots can see you from a day at the office to drinks with your other half. These naturally chic shoes are a closet staple.

We’ve broken down the five most popular styles of knee-high boots to make it easier for you to choose the right pair.

1. Classic Knee-High Boots

Classic knee-high boots are made using smooth leather, with a variety of color palettes.

Like these styles from Nordstrom, these shoes have a block heel.

Three classic knee-high boots from Tory Burch, Børn, and Fendi

2. Knee-High Corset Boots

Corset-inspired knee-high boots feature lace-up detailing that is unapologetically sexy and feminine.

3. Equestrian Knee-High Boots

Equestrian knee-high boots are characterized by a flat heel and a patent leather shaft.

These knee-high boots are amongst the most wearable styles, whether you’re a fan of dresses or jeans and a t-shirt.

Equestrian boots are an ideal choice for a wearable, everyday knee-high boot.

4. Motorcycle Knee-High Boots

Motorcycle knee-high boots take their inspiration from the world of rock ‘n’ roll, looking similar to your classic leather jacket.

Like the Harley-Davidson Walfield riding boots that you can buy at Zappos, these boots usually have an added feature, like a zipper or lace detailing.

The Harley-Davidson Walfield riding boots with sturdy metal eyelets

This style of knee-high boots is more casual, although you can elevate them with a dress.

5. Stiletto Knee-High Boots

Stiletto knee-high boots are a style that is synonymous with nightclubs everywhere. These shoes come just under the knee and are usually styled with a mini skirt or something fun and flirty.

What makes these knee-high boots sexy is their thin stiletto heel. Below are three alternatives from Nordstrom.

Three knee-high stiletto boots from Sam Edelman, Schutz, and Jeffrey Campbell

While you can wear any of these knee-high boots with dresses, they’ll change the overall aesthetic of your look.

Equestrian knee-high boots are a more casual style, while stiletto knee-high boots will give your dress an elevated feel.

How Celebrities Style Knee-High Boots