The fail-safe footwear which remains a fixture across the style-genres and ubiquitous within the continents is that of the beloved black boots. Across the centuries, men and women have pulled their boots up and worn them day and night, work and play. Now I’m noticing the new trend taking over the boot scene, and it’s flat knee-highs. Move over heeled knee-highs, flat knee-high boots are fast becoming a regular wardrobe staple amongst celebrities and influencers and they’re perfect for the colder temperatures of the winter ahead.
These boots work as hard as trainers do. Taking on casual, smart, tailoring and feminine, they’re so versatile and inviting of experimentation. Your mother could never argue that they’re impractical because they’re flat and cushioned and your father couldn’t tell you to cover up because you have. They’re the style winning over the fashion crowd (of all ages) and work with tailoring on Deborah, leather-on-leather as seen on Amy and even a pop of coloured hosiery à la Hodan.
They were shown on the A/W 23 catwalks with full black leather at Ann Demeulemeester and prints with feathers at Coperni and have made their way to the pavements of London and the rest of the world. They vary from the classic riding-styles in clean shapes to the chunky rubber styles we’ve become very accustomed to after taking note from Ganni and Bottega Veneta.
This style of boot is accessible to all because of the variations and sizing on offer from the high-street to luxury. A chunky sole can carry you from your casual working-day look of a t-shirt and skirt right into the evening with a mini-skirt or fluid dress. The possibilities are endless and these stomping boots are set to go the distance this season. Scroll on for my edit of the best flat knee-high boots to shop this season, from sleek to thick. Take your pick.
Amy toughens up her sleek and sophisticated boots with full-on leather clothing and accessories for a punchy look which isn’t messing about.
The Phoebe Philo-effect shines brightly in this one. Effortlessly thrown together with a double-breasted coat over the top, Deborah shows us how it’s done
Anna goes for a grounding charcoal wool combo and pulls it together with a black leather belt and knee-highs.
A look, and a vibe, I can really get behind. Knee-boots look particularly chic with a max coat, as Emilie proves.
Trust Jess to have created the perfect Parisian-inspired look. Just add tights if you’re feeling the chill.
Elasticated in a chelsea boot style and very comfy looking.
These are clean and simple and the riding style allows you to tip your toe into the trend without going full-force.
H&M has pulled it out the bag with these.
Minimal and straight cut, only nipping in a little at the ankle for a boxy boot finish, I’m into it.
Cut with extra width at the calves, these boots are perfect for everyone.
A great pair under £60 and available in five colours.
Keep it minimal with this pair from Whistles, which would look great with a mini skirt and tights.
Clean like a riding boots. These would be perfect with a cream denim knee-length skirt.
Perfect with tights – a low or a high denier pair!
Almost welly-like.These boots look incredibly comfy for the every day.
These will fit your calves like a glove and they have ‘pillow walk technology’ – sign me up!
These with a knee-length dress? Perfect.
These are sharp and polished, perfect with just about anything.
A little added hardware of the buckles toughen up these boots from Maje.
A heavy sole and slim toe area make these perfect for a little black dress.
Proper stomping boots – these boots from Russell & Bromley strike the perfect balance between chunky and modern.
I love the loose-feel of these boots.
These would look great peeking out from underneath a midi dress or skirt.
I’m absolutely head over heels for this pair of polished leather boots from shoe Gods – Dear Frances. These are a super dark shade of bottle green which would look great with a sheer, low denier pair of tights.
Aeyde know good boots and these are no different. Perfectly proportioned with a side tab at the top.
Chances are you’ve seen these all over your IG.
So polished.
Sophisticated and chic. Another piece of perfection from Gianvito Rossi.
These boots look like they’re about to go viral. These paired with other black leather pieces would look so sleek.
