There is a singular truth in life that you can always count on during the colder months, knee-high boots will never go out of style — ever. Whether it’s another luxury brand commercial, a flashback to the riding boot crave, or a new season of "Bridgerton," knee-high boots continue to be foundational to many iconic looks.
In the misguided pursuit of achieving "new heights" over practicality, I kept stumbling into issues of too-tall heels on knee-high boots. Living in New York City where walking a lot is the norm, any heeled shoe over 1.5 inches brings about a rude awakening that turns into an unnecessary limp home from work.
My newfound philosophy: Beauty is not the pain of a 3-inch heel. Save yourself and your feet, and of course, do so with style. So naturally — when I stumbled upon these knee-high boots, they quickly became a favorite in my closet this winter.
LifeStride X-Anita Knee High Boots
- Don't cause heel pain
- Durable
- Fit variety of calf sizes
- Lower heel height
- Snug and fitted style
Sizes: 5-12 (wide and medium) | Colors: 2 | Material: Faux leather
Why I tried LifeStride X-Anita boots
I love a good knee-high boot and am the proud owner of two other pairs from the LifeStride brand. Both have withstood the test of time in quality and style over the past two years, without noticeable wear or tear. The quality of this brand's shoes is unmatched by other pricier brands and overly-complicated styles.
When I moved to New York City, I knew I needed to buy new boots that could withstand the East Coast climate and not get ruined by the harsh weather conditions. Having built trust in this brand with experiences from previous styles, I had to try out these gorgeous boots.
Why I like the LifeStride X-Anita boots
They don't hurt my feet
That's right — practical boots with lower heel heights that are just as fabulous exist. These boots have a 1.25-inch rise, and I don't feel like I'm walking on painful stilts when I wear them.
These trusty boots were made for walking; I walked all day in New York City wearing them, from The Metropolitan Museum of Art to Central Park. I might as well have been wearing running shoes because I could not tell I was walking in heeled boots. After my adventure concluded, I returned home safe and sound notably without my feet aching.
These boots last overtime
I have been comfortably wearing these stylish boots through rain and shine all season. I couldn't be more happy with the quality of the material and the spotless wear and tear. These boots have withstood accidental steps in puddles and still look brand new.
They come in multiple calf sizes
There is nothing worse than knee-high boots that do not come with multiple calf-size options. Thankfully, this is not the case with the LifeStride X-Anita boots.
With sizes of both medium and wide, the elastic fabric that covers the back of the boot provides extra stretch and flexibility to the calf fit.
They go with any outfit
My favorite types of shoes can seamlessly integrate into capsule wardrobes ... and these boots do. They can be worn with all skirt lengths (mini, midi, and maxi ), as well as with pants. Hitting at the knee, these shoes add elegance to every outfit.
Plus, they feature a gold buckle and brown leather straps at the ankle for a classic look. I recommend pairing them with accents of gold accessories to highlight them in outfits.
What to consider
While the shoes are comfortable, they are at a lower heel height. However, I found that they do look just as stylish as taller heels. If you prefer a lower heel for everyday work outfits, then these boots will work perfectly. Because of the lower height, there is more sole traction, making them better for walking and inclement weather.
The boots are meant to be fitted to your leg. While the back of the boot has a flexible material, this is not a looser style. When I tried these boots with thicker socks, there wasn't a ton of extra space. I noticed the thicker socks caused the boot to feel too tight, which was an issue for comfortability. However, with thinner socks, they fit snug and cozy.
Is LifeStride a miracle brand worthy of your next boot investment? If you were to ask me, I would say absolutely — being my third pair and all.
More LifeStride boots to shop
LifeStride Reese Knee High Boot
Sizes: 5-12 (wide and medium) | Colors: 3 | Material: Faux leather
These boots are a great alternative if you want a sleeker look. I own these boots and find them to wear well over time. The faux black leather is soft and doesn't cause any blisters. The flexibility and durability of the material make these boots a favorite of mine.
The Western style of these shoes withstands the waves of trends and has proven to be timeless. I wear them with many outfits during all four seasons, from mini dresses to various skirts. I love that the higher heel (about 1.5 inches) gives me more height while still feeling comfortable.
LifeStride Berkley Knee High Boot
Sizes: 5-12 (wide and medium) | Colors: 3 | Material: Faux leather
These knee-high boots are a favorite in my closet for rainy days. The riding boot style keeps my legs cozy and warm, and the block heel has traction that provides stability.
Pcavin Over the Knee Cable Knit Boot Socks
These socks layer well under the LifeStride X-Anita boots. They're a cozy addition to all my outfits, and I like pairing these with mini and midi skirt outfits. I especially recommend wearing these over black or wine-red fleece-lined tights on colder days.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Ellen Abraham is an East Coast Page for Shop TODAY. She recently graduated from Stanford University and supports the team by researching and writing about the latest in trends, sales and more.
