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7 best over-the-knee and thigh-high boots
The thigh’s the limit with these top picks, stay stylish as the colder weather approaches
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Your support makes all the difference.There is a common preconception about the thigh-high boot – that it is footwear reserved for the leggy and slim. While this may have been the case back in the Sixties, today there is an array of styles and shapes to suit most legs.
Oddly enough, the thigh-high was originally worn by men as early as the 15th century, where a thick leather boot was part of military dress. By the 1960s the trend was firmly reintroduced into a woman’s wardrobe by Yves Saint-Laurent, who included a pair, designed by Roger Vivier, in his collection.
As much as we’re embracing the fact that the thigh-high trend is here to stay this winter, we’ve also included some classic over-the-knee choices to accommodate everyone’s style.
Just remember, widths and lengths vary between brands, so be sure to do your research. The cost also greatly differs, with leather or real suede boots, naturally, being more expensive. But there are cheaper options in this roundup that are equally as stylish.
We tested these boots on women aged 25 to 70, of varying shoe and dress sizes, and found a boot to suit almost everybody.
Violet: £179, Kurt Geiger London
Kurt Geiger’s offering of thigh-high boots is nothing short of impressive. The Violet is one the British footwear giant’s best-sellers and returns in red suede this season. The most attractive quality of this boot is the roomy width, ideal for anyone with a larger leg or who likes to wear thick jeans. There is an inner half zip and elasticated gusset for support, but really these are the easiest boots of the entire list to put on. At 54cm, they are on the short side for long legs but ideal for petites with wider calves and thighs. The 3.6cm heel gives a little bit of height that is comfortable enough for all night dancing.
Black Low Block Over The Knee Boots: £55, Next
Next really has pulled it out of the bag with these boots from their latest collection. With a block heel of a modest 2.5cm, they’re one of the most reasonably priced pieces on the list – principally because they’re not made from leather – however if you’re on a budget and after a pair of boots this winter, then these are for you.
At a length of 55cm, they aren’t the longest boot, nor are they the widest – so really these are ideal for a shorter, thinner leg, otherwise there is a risk of the dreaded thigh flesh overhang. There is an inner zip which does help slip the boot on easily – however, as the material isn’t leather, it can start to feel a little sweaty and uncomfortable come the end of the day. The patent toe cap offers a subtle contrast to the faux leather, and overall the design is easily paired with a number of outfits.
Hinterland: £695, Stuart Weitzman for Russell & Bromley
You’ve probably heard of the shoe designer Stuart Weitzman. Well, now he has collaborated with Russell & Bromley to create “Hinterland”. We gasped at the price tag too, but this thigh-high boot in soft black suede is a shoe that once on, you won’t want to take off. There are no zips or fastenings to help you slip these boots on, but it turns out they’re not necessary as your foot glides into place thanks to the suede being enhanced with elastic.
The height measures roughly 58cm, which means for long legs they’ll sit over the knee but for most people they will reach just below mid-thigh. The stylish drawstring detail at the top ensures the boot won’t move out of place. Another great aspect is the easy-to-walk-on 7.5cm block heel, which will work for both day and evening events.
Caddy Belle: £155, Clarks
Probably the most wearable everyday boot on the list, the Caddy Belle ticks so many boxes. At 47cm it’s one of the shortest of all the boots we tried. However, they still sit above the knee and are such a great length for work with dresses, or for weekends with jeans. We love that the front of the boots are real suede but the back is elasticated so will stretch to the size of your calf, but they are not ideal for very thin legs as they run the risk of looking like wellies.
The 3cm heel is easy to walk on all day and the fabric doesn’t let the leg overheat either. They come in three more colours, and also in black leather, but our favourite and most versatile choice is the black suede.
Bailey High Leg Unit Boots: £35, Topshop
If you’re looking for a thigh-high boot that not only fits well but is really good value for money, then it has to be Bailey from Topshop. A good length at 58cm, the boot easily slips on and sits below mid-thigh. It’s a good quality faux suede, but treat them well because if the material wears out too much, they will start to look scruffy.
These boots are great for going out in with a 7.6cm block heel and are easy to stand in for long periods of time. We love the detail of the gold trim, too. The material does have a bit of give, but it is recommended for a medium leg, as it doesn’t have any fastenings to tighten on a skinny leg.
Black Over The Knee Block Heel Boots: £75, River Island
This boot from River Island is definitely one of the longest on this list at 60cm, but it is also one of the widest, making it ideal for someone with long leg and larger thigh. The faux leather is supported by a stretchy scuba fabric panel on the back, which, along with the zip, make these boots incredibly easy to put on, even with trousers. The block heel of 8.5cm with a gold trim gives a touch of detail and decent height to this boot but still remains comfortable to walk in. Overall this is a dress and trouser boot, not ideal for skinny-legged people, who risk looking like they’re walking around in fly fishing waders.
Katch Block Heel Over The Knee Boots: £89, Office
If a black isn’t your colour, then these burgundy faux leather thigh-highs are the ones for you. The material, although synthetic, is easy to slip on, helped with the addition of a zip. The length is a decent 59cm, excluding the heel. The synthetic material, as it’s not breathable, can feel slightly clawing on the skin if worn all day but with a 9cm heel, these boots are appropriate for evening wear. Though we would advise a little talcum powder on the legs beforehand!
The Verdict: Best thigh-high boots
For a pair of thigh-high boots that tick all the boxes in terms of size, comfort and style it has to be the Kurt Geiger Violet. However if you’re on a budget, you really can’t go far wrong with Topshop’s Bailey boot.