It may still be February and freezing, but we can't help it; we're looking ahead to next season and getting excited about all the new trends we're ready to embrace in our wardrobes! One thing we're not planning on saying goodbye to, though, is our knee-high boots.
Worn throughout fall and the depths of winter for added insulation, knee-high boots remain a key component of our stylish spring ensembles thanks to their transitional nature. We've even been known to pull them on in the height of summer, paired with mini hemlines in festival fields.
While we may not be planning to ditch them anytime soon, we are very much considering an update, as knee-high boots are undergoing a quiet yet confident transformation for SS26. As seen on the designer runways, silhouettes focused on refined minimalism with sleeker shafts dominating as a standout trend. Given that ladylike styling prevailed, from tweed skirt suits at Chanel to classic top-handle bags, it makes sense that footwear followed suit.
“As wardrobes become more considered and refined, boots are leading the shift with sleek, structured shapes,” explains Mary Alice Malone, Creative Director at DuoBoots, who references the brand's Haltham and Dalia styles as examples of this. “Evolving with longer lines and balanced proportions, the knee-high brings a refined finish that perfectly fits the upcoming season’s tone.”
Florence Kelly, Brand Development Manager at Hush Puppies, agrees, saying: “It’s all about a polished, pulled-together look that still feels effortless and wearable. Sleeker shafts, cleaner lines, and considered silhouettes offer a more refined turn, striking the ideal balance between trend and lasting comfort.”
As for why now? Spring naturally invites a softer approach to fashion, mirroring the color palette and textures seen emerging in nature at this time of year. Also, sleek knee-high boots work well with many other SS26 trends seen across the runways. Take Celine's championing of cigarette jeans, with narrow-leg silhouettes ideal for tucking into more fitted footwear. Less bulk in the leg from slouchy styles pairs effortlessly with floaty midi dresses and skirts, too.
“After several seasons dominated by chunky lug soles and heavy proportions, we’re seeing a noticeable move from our customers towards boots that feel streamlined and polished. People want boots designed to elevate an outfit rather than overpower it,” the style team at French footwear brand, Bobbies, shares.
“Search data across fashion platforms shows growing demand for ‘sleek boots’ and ‘pointed toe ankle boots’, reflecting what we are seeing on our channels too. The focus this season is on clean lines and sculpted shapes.”
Whether you go for an equestrian-inspired flat riding boot or opt for a kitten-heel design with a glossy patent-leather finish, the sleek fit has been adopted across knee-high boot styles. Below, find our pick of the best sleek knee-high boots to shop now.
My favorite knee-high boots right now!
DuoBoots Dalia Standard Knee High Boots in Brown Leather
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
