Well ladies, I have had my first…ever experience in buying a pair of over the knee boots. I have always loved them but never took the plunge until a couple of weeks ago. I know it is somewhat late in the season but that means you could possibly find a great pair that is on sale. You know I love a good sale! I got my over the knee boots at Goodnight Macaroon at 30% off. I paid around $100 for them and had to wait 3 weeks because they supposedly make them to order. I purchased these for multiple reasons and learned a significant amount through the process. I feel like this would be a larger purchase for most people so I wanted to share six purchasing tips to help you.
First, Check 3 Measurements for the boots
If you are purchasing the boots online there are some very important measurements you will need to consider. This will determine how well the boots fit you.
The first important measurement is the calf circumference. You will want to measure your calf to see what circumference of the shaft you will need. I did this with a flexible tape measure. I took the measurement by wrapping it around the largest part of my calf. Most sites will provide you with the calf circumference. If you have a 14 inch or less calf circumference it is considered narrow, like me. If your calf is 16 inches or higher your calf is considered wide. About 15 inches is average or medium.
I would recommend looking for a pair with a calf circumference that is an inch larger than your calf size. This will leave room for things like leggings and denim that you may want to wear with them.
Secondly, look at the size of the ankle. Unfortunately, they do not provide measurements for the ankle size. I always look really closely at the photos to see how they are fitting the model. Sometimes boots can be too big around the ankle and it does not look or feel good. Just something to pay attention to that you may not otherwise think about.
Thirdly, measure where the shaft height on the boot will hit your leg. The measurement for this is from the middle of the arch up the outside of the shaft to the top opening. Boots do not come in a standard height so pay special attention to this and you will know where it will end on your thigh.
The boots I purchased have a 13-15 inch calf circumference and my calf is a 13. 15 is about as large as I would go. I have a terrible time with taller shaft boots because I have skinny legs. The boot shaft is very stretchy so they went over my leggings and jeans easily. I will say maybe I could have gone a little bigger since they are a little snug over my jeans.
Second, How do you put them on?
This one I did not even think about when I made my purchase! Mine came with a zipper on the back from the heel up to the middle of the calf. I am so glad they did! This is helpful when pulling them on AND getting them over my jeans! I literally have to hold the jeans at my ankle while pulling the boot shaft up. If the boots are looser fitting around the leg you would be fine. But if it is tight and dressier make sure there is a zipper either on the side or the back.
The interior of the Goodnight Macaroon Ellis boot that I purchased has a somewhat slick material on the inside so it does make them “less grippy” when pulling them up. They grab the jeans a tad bit because they are tight but not as bad as they potentially could.
Third, Pay attention to what materials they are made of
Fabrics are very important. There is a big difference in a synthetic fabric and real leather when it comes to shoes. Obviously if you purchase a pair that are real leather or suede there will not be any stretch to them. So, having a little bit more room for real leather over the knee boots becomes more important. I think it is personal preference on which one you choose.
I chose a synthetic suede this time due to the price being much less than for real leather. I always prefer the real thing because of comfort and breathability but had to sacrifice that this time through. I wont be wearing this in the heat of summer so I didn’t need to worry about my feet sweating due to the synthetics.
Fourth, Read Reviews to get more details on how they fit
Read the Reviews on the item! Do so with a analytical eye because people like to complain about a whole lot of nothing. But if you see some of the same complaints that is probably a red flag. Some complaints on an over the knee boot could be that the ankle is too roomy or the boot slips down the leg. These are very important factors to consider when making this purchase.
Fifth, Do you want them for everyday casual or dressy?
Consider what you are going to be wearing them with. Typically people think over the knee boots are dressy but I think they can be casual as well. There are a lot of styles out this season that have a low heel and more relaxed look. You can pair them with jeans and a sweater to run errands and keep warm!
Depending on your preference you will want to pay attention to the heel height. The pictures are so deceiving on this aspect of any shoes so I always look at this measurement. My preference is a lower heel for comfort and most of my clothing is very casual.
The boots I chose were actually 2 1/4 inches but I purchased them anyway. Mainly for the shaft size and I just loved how they looked. What I didn’t realize is I would want to wear them more often and because of the heel height I just can’t. Not because they are too dressy but they are not comfortable to me for long term wear. I do still love them and make them work!
Sixth, Evaluate what color would be best for your wardrobe
Consider what works best with your existing wardrobe. There may be a color you love but it just doesn’t go with anything you have. I know this by experience! I went back and forth on what color I wanted for a while! I really wanted a neutral camel or gray pair but I ended up purchasing black. I am glad I did! The black is more versatile with the colors in my wardrobe and I can dress it up easily!
All of these recommendations came from my actual purchasing experience. Some I thought about when making my purchase and some I didn’t. I had limited choices for an over the knee boots because of the shaft size I needed. I still think the ones I purchased were the best option for me. The material is very stretchy and I think I will get use to the way they fit. They sure are pretty!!! I feel like I would have purchased a pair before now if I was able to find a good pair that fit!
Hope this helps and I will always make suggestions for you to look at. I have listed them by calf size to be even more helpful! I am sorry if some of these sell out before your read this post. During sale time this can happen. Thanks for reading! Until next time!!!
Lots of Love,
Jamie
12 to 13 Inch Narrow Calf Size
14 to 15 Medium Calf Size
16 inch and above for Wide
I do receive commissions from clicks/purchases in this post. This did not influence what I suggested for you. Just trying to make a little money with what I love to do; which is make great suggestions for you and help you find great pieces for your wardrobe!
2 Comments
Wow, thanks for all the info! I also have not bought any of these yet, but this makes me want to consider them!
That’s great! Thank you!