Lace-up over-the-knee boots come in many different styles and colors, and are made from different materials. Typically, the laces are on the back of the boot, but some styles features laces up the front. Choosing the best pair depends on several factors, including the shape of your legs, your budget, and your personal preference.
Trying on your lace-up over-the-knee boots before buying them is one of the most important steps in choosing the best pair. While this is generally true for all shoes, these types of boots cover much more than just your foot and ankle, and finding the best fit may take some trial and error. While trying them on in the store is usually the easiest way to find the best fit, if you prefer to order online, find a store that allows for hassle-free returns. Make sure you try them on with the type of socks or stockings that you plan to wear with the boots.
The laces on the lace-up over-the-knee boots do allow some leeway when choosing the best size. Typically, you can loosen or tighten them depending on what you are wearing beneath them. Try the laces out with different leg coverings, such as sheer pantyhose, tights, leggings, and jeans, to determine how many outfits the boots will work with, especially if you’re on a budget and are only planning to buy one pair.
Consider the type of material that best fits your preference and budget when choosing lace-up over-the-knee boots. Synthetic materials usually cost less than those made from animal hide, such as leather and suede. If you are a vegan, vegetarian, or generally opposed to using animal products and by-products, you’ll want to stick with the synthetic materials as well.
Another factor to take into consideration regarding the material is where you will be wearing the boots, and how many hours you will be wearing them at a time. If you plan to wear them to work, or for long stretches of time, note how the material feels when you first try them on. If your legs are hot after five minutes in the store, they’re likely to be hot wearing them for hours at work. If you plan to wear them outdoors in the colder months, however, that warmth could be beneficial.
Convertible lace-up over-the-knee boots are a good option if you have a tight budget and are looking to get more uses out of your new boots. You can wear them as over-the-knee boots or fold them down for a below-the-knee style. These are also good if you’ll need to be sitting down frequently while wearing the boots, as they will not be as stiff.
Ultimately, choosing the best lace-up over-the-knee boots comes down to a matter of personal preference. Try on several different colors and styles before deciding on which pair to purchase. Consider the main colors in your wardrobe as well, so you don’t purchase a pair that doesn’t match anything you own.