It was a casual Wednesday afternoon as I typed listings for Soeng Signature while listening to an episode of Call Her Daddy, a podcast I have been actively listening to for the past 11 months. Hearing two women I’ve interviewed (Alex Cooper for ELLE Singapore and Morgan Stewart for Galore) in the same room discuss about boots brought me to pause work for a 15 minute break. When Morgan said that she was done with ankle boots, I felt seen. I wondered if I was committing fashion no-nos the past nine years of my 20s with ankle boots, which I had a longer serious relationship with than ballet flats. Sure enough, I looked through my closet and saw that I do have at least more than two pairs of black ankle boots.
Ideal for Singapore weather, ankle boots were the maximum I would go as the hot and humid weather would suffocate my legs if I were to go out in Morgan’s preferred style of knee high boots. The highest I would go up to my knee was when I strutted around town in vintage ’70s patchwork cowboy boots. Those made my socks drenched. I could not go any further than a cafe if I were to wear them for the entire day as the humidity made me sweat throughout the whole day. Now that sandals are my preferred choice of footwear (due to the weather), I have been craving for some knee high boots as they’ve been showing up on my timeline on IG and my TikTok FYP.
Never for the shy, knee high boots are a statement maker on its own. Whether it’s lug soled or stiletto, it streamlines an outfit together and is easy to mix and match or layer. As much as I covet a pair myself, I have a few picks for you to try (with me) across every budget:
Schutz – Ashlee Slouchy Boots, $198 USD
Remember the time when all your Bratz dolls had *these* boots? To the knee and slouchy, these bad babies are giving MAJOR Y2K vibes. At the ideal price point for a trendy piece, it doesn’t hurt to go above and beyond to give these a try. Style it with a black knee length dress and a big belt for a modern take on the 2000s revival.
Alohas – Katiuska Boot, $266 USD
A ’70s meets ’90s chunky boot, these camel brown boots are no joke. The perfect marriage between sleek and edgy, the lug sole brings out a sci fi vibe to a floral dress and a shoulder bag.
Ganni – Knee High Boot, $595 USD
OK, these do break the bank NGL. BUT, I can say that these are the “It” shoe of the season. Please go and get a pair before it all sells out. Trust me, you’d want to wear it again and again. This is coming from a Ganni Girl as I own a pair of Ganni cowboy boots.
Jeffrey Campbell – Dagget Boot, $270 USD
A knee high cowboy boot is an essential. If you want a white boot, look no further than this pair. I legit count on a white cowboy boot if I want to make a clean statement and a look that’s more timeless despite its on-trend silhouette. Jeffrey Campbell boots were my go-tos in my college girl days and though they’re a little high despite the issues with smell, go for it if you aren’t too bothered by the factory smell. Anywhere than that, I never really had an issue with comfort as this brand is so good for long days.
Larroude – Kate Boots, $485 USD
A wee bit high up the price point, Larroude’s Kate boots are bound to last you fiveever if you plan to wear ’em out for the entire year (except for summer). I love a good chocolate brown suede knee high boot and these are proof that they’re Revolve’s hottest bestseller! You can literally pair them with a beige miniskirt or a skinny jean OR matte faux leather leggings!
Steve Madden – Cypress, $179 USD
These boots are giving Naked Wolfe a run for their money based on price point and the platform looks more wearabale compared to the NW. If you aren’t ready to go all out for the Bratz vibe and want to try it out, these boots are a good starting point!
BY FAR – Stevie 42, $418 USD
I swear on BY FAR as *theeeee* go-to brand for my shoes nowadays. Their colors are super wearable and this salmon pink one is a daring choice. Style it with a beige catsuit or a pastel blue dress.
Hunter – Original Tall Boot, $175 USD
These blood red boots are so vampy that it’s never too late to wear ’em all year. Ideal for snow, mud and rain, these boots are super fly when paired with a sherpa jacket and 2 piece set in the fall.
3. Draw another line down the middle (preferably where the buttons are at)
Lapis and Layers 