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The outfit-elevating style is so practical.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/GettyImages-2195580362-2f51875608724a4da3266cefc892a813.jpg "Bella Hadid is seen in NoHo on January 23, 2025 in New York City wearing black leggings and tall black boots")
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I’ve never excelled at elevating low-key outfits. When I reach for a pair of leggings, it’s not giving pilates-and-green-juice-drinking “clean girl,” it’s just frumpy. But after seeing Bella Hadid make a classic workout ‘fit look actually chic, I realized that there’s a major style hack I’ve been overlooking.
Even if I’m not working out, sneakers are my default-shoe when I wear leggings, but Hadid just convinced me to trade them out for a pair of classic knee-high riding boots. Hadid’s lug-sole boots immediately dressed up her workout staples, taking the look from the gym to brunch; it was the easiest swap with the biggest pay off. There’s a reason why the low-heeled, no-fuss shoes are a staple in Kate Middleton’s closet.
Rocket Dog Drea Knee-High Boots
Amazon
$90
$67
Riding boots are the everyday shoes that can instantly elevate your favorite wardrobe staples, whether that’s a pair of leggings, skinny jeans, or tights and mini dress. Below, shop the nine pairs I’m now considering, starting at $51.
9 Knee-High Riding Boots
- Amazon Essentials Tall Gusset Boots, $51; amazon.com
- Rocket Dog Drea Knee-High Boots, $67 with coupon (Originally $90); amazon.com
- Teaieui Knee-High Boots, $67; amazon.com
- Easy Street Erica Mixed Media Equestrian Boots, $110; nordstrom.com
- Steve Madden Leza Boots, $104 (Originally $130); zappos.com
- Børn Caraway Knee-High Boots, $190; nordstrom.com
- Abeo Compass Stretch Tall Boots, $200; nordstrom.com
- We The Free Bryce Equestrian Boots, $398; freepeople.com
- Reformation Nancy Knee Boots, $448; thereformation.com
Amazon Essentials Tall Gusset Boots
Amazon
$51
The most affordable lookalike is this pair from Amazon’s Essentials collection, which you can snag for just $51. While this style has that classic look, it also features a handful of practical details, including a small platform heel, cushioned insoles, and stretchy panel that’s wide-calf approved.
Abeo Compass Stretch Tall Boots
Nordstrom
$200
Abeo’s Compass boots are another pair prioritizing comfort, but with some luxe upgrades. While Amazon’s boots are made from synthetic leather, these are crafted from the real thing (bonus: it’s been treated to be water resistant). But what makes this pair really stand out are its built-in orthotic footbeds, which are cushiony, supportive, and designed to reduce foot pain and pressure.
Easy Street Erica Mixed Media Equestrian Boots
Nordstrom
$110
Easy Street’s Erica riding boots offer a not-so-basic take on the classic style. While so many riding boots use just one material or color, this one has some fun, patching together curvy strips of shiny faux leather with a darker, matte faux suede. They’re then finished with a gold buckle. IMO, it’s the perfect mix of modern and classic.
While knee-high boots with sexy details like sky-high heels and front laces might be trending, it’s the classic riding style that you’ll actually wear the most. The no-fuss, outfit-elevating shoes look good with just about everything in your wardrobe, including, as Hadid proved, a pair of workout leggings. Below, shop even more of my favorite styles.
Teaieui Knee-High Boots
Amazon
$67
Steve Madden Leza Boots
Zappos
$130
$104
Børn Caraway Knee-High Boots
Nordstrom
$190
We The Free Bryce Equestrian Boots
Free People
$398
Reformation Nancy Knee Boots
Reformation
$448
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