What to Look for When Shopping for Over-the-Knee Boots

BP. striped tee, J.Crew blazer, Rag & Bone jeans (old, similar), Marc Fisher OTK boots, Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag (budget-friendly option), Ray-Ban round sunglasses // Topshop sweater, Rag & Bone jeans, Stuart Weitzman OTK boots (in walnut suede), Chloe small crossbody bag, BP. beanie, Ray-Ban aviators

S H O P  T H E  P O S T :

The search for the perfect over-the-knee boots has been extensive (3 years of trying different brands out), but I think I finally found my perfect pair. While they’re not the most budget-friendly option, nothing has really come close to the quality and look of Stuart Weitzman. This is my first pair from the brand and I opted for the newer style with the pointed toe and short heel from Nordstrom (Thighland Over the Knee Boot). The minute I slipped into these, I knew I couldn’t look back. The medium weight stretch suede is incredibly soft and comfortable. They’re form fitting without being constricting and they’re beautiful in person. Hands down the most comfortable OTK boot I’ve tried AND the easiest to get on and off. They do run ½ size big, so I would recommend sizing down. I’m also not 100% sure I love the walnut color, they’re a lot darker in-person than they appear online. There’s also the lowland (flat with a round toe) and the highland (4” heel with a round toe), both worth checking out.

Since my search for the perfect pair of OTK boots has been about trying and experimenting with different brands, I also want to share my feedback on the Marc Fisher LTD Yenna OTK boots. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the brand. Everything from the styles, price point, and quality, Marc Fisher has been killing it (I have these, these, these, and these (yikes!)). With the Yenna, I was immediately drawn to the pointed toe. I know this style is not for everyone, but I happen to think they help elongate my legs even more than a round toe would. The leather is not has plush as I thought it would be (just from wearing some of the brands other shoes), but I think this is expected at this price point. The shaft circumference does run narrow (probably can’t wear thick socks). This can be a good thing for some, and bad for others. My calves are athletic, but I’ve noticed if the shaft is too bulky, they tend to make my legs look really unflattering. So yes, the shafts are form fitting making my legs appear longer than they are, so for me, I don’t mind a little snugness. I think with any OTK boots, the shafts will fall down slightly just from movement and walking, but in general, the combination of the pull ties and narrow shaft really help keep these up. I’ll definitely get a ton of wear out of them and I think they’re a great option at just under $230.

Since I’ve had quite the experience trying different boots over the years, I’m sharing what to look for when shopping for over-the-knee-boots.

• Material – Are the boots made of leather or synthetic materials? Depending on what you’re looking for or willing to spend, this plays a major role. Know that leather boots tend to last longer and become softer and more comfortable over time.
• Are they comfortable – Are they easy to walk around in? Is the heel too high? You want to be able to reach for your boots a lot during fall and winter, so make sure they’re comfortable.
• Are they easy to get on and off – This is one of the more important elements. If you’ve ever owned a pair of boots that are really hard to get off, you know how important it is to find something with a little more ease. Trust me, your boots will end up sitting in your closet if getting them on and off is more of a struggle than anything else.
• How comfortable is the heel? – Don’t buy boots with a high heel that you know you’ll end up not wearing. Boots are made for walking, so walk around the house and make sure they don’t hurt your feet.
• Does the shaft stay up – This is critical. You don’t want boots where the shaft falls down every 5 seconds. I’ve had a pair and they’re awful. Unless it’s the OTK style that only slightly covers your knee with an open slit in the back (like these), pull ties are your best bet.
• Do they elongate your legs? – Thick, bulky shafts are a thing, so make sure you find a pair of boots that are flattering on your body. For instance, I love these boots from Dolce Vita, but the shaft is too thick for my small frame. Make sure you try OTK boots on in-store (or at home) with an outfit you would normally wear with them. See how they look and make sure they don’t overwhelm you.

Created in collaboration with Nordstrom