Blundstone Sizing Guide: How Should Blundstones Fit?
Do Blundstones run big? How much heel slip is normal? Everything you need to know to find your Blundstone size, from one of the largest Blundstone retailers in the US.
Mid-Calf vs. Knee-High Boots: How to Wear Them This Fall
This fall, the boot conversation is all about height. Mid-calf boots are everywhere, and knee-high boots are back in sleek, easy shapes. Our newest arrivals cover both, so here's how to choose between them and how to wear each one.
Mid-calf vs. knee-high boots: which should you choose?
| Mid-calf boots | Knee-high boots | |
|---|---|---|
| Where they end | Around the middle of the calf | Just below the knee |
| Best with | Midi skirts, cropped wide-leg trousers, straight jeans | Mini skirts, sweater dresses, slim jeans tucked in |
| The look | Modern and relaxed | Polished and leg-lengthening |
| Our picks | Harbor, Gunther | Rider, Scott |
The best mid-calf boots for fall
Harbor: the easy everyday mid-calf boot
The Harbor is a sleek mid-calf boot with a stitched pull-tab at the shaft and an angled stacked block heel for height you can walk in. The Harbor in Taupe is soft suede in a warm, wear-with-everything neutral, and the Harbor in Black is smooth leather with a rounded toe. $199.99.
Gunther: the mid-calf boot with a platform
Want more presence? The Gunther in Black has the same clean mid-calf shape and pull-tab in smooth black leather, set on a chunky stacked platform heel. It's the boot to wear with a long skirt and a heavy coat. $219.99.
How to style mid-calf boots
- With a midi skirt: Let the hem fall just above or just over the top of the boot. Wool, plaid, and satin all work.
- With cropped trousers: Wide-leg trousers that stop above the shaft show off the boot. Add a trench and a scarf.
- With denim: Tuck straight jeans in or crop them above the boot so the shape shows.
The best knee-high boots for fall
Rider: the western-inspired knee-high boot
The Rider is a knee-high boot with a western-inspired pull tab, a side zip, and a stacked block heel. Choose the Rider in Tan leather for a classic fall look, or the Rider in Olive Suede for one of the season's best colors. $119.99.
Scott: the stretch knee-high boot
The Scott has a full elastic back panel for a snug, glove-like fit and a low platform sole you can wear all day. It's the easiest knee-high to tuck jeans into. Shop the Scott in Brown leather or the Scott in Black suede. $184.99.
How to style knee-high boots
- With a mini skirt or sweater dress: The classic pairing. Add opaque tights as it gets colder.
- With slim jeans: Tuck them in and add a long cardigan or a camel coat.
- With a midi slip skirt: A knee-high boot under a slit or bias-cut skirt looks polished and warm.
- Mix your textures: Suede boots with chunky knits, leather with plaid, and accessories like a beret, a silk scarf, and stacked bracelets finish the look.
Looking for something tougher?
If you'd rather go lace-up, see our guide to women's combat boots for fall 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Are mid-calf boots in style for fall 2026?
Yes. Mid-calf boots are one of the key boot shapes this fall, especially with block heels, platforms, and pull-tab details, worn with midi skirts and cropped trousers.
What's the difference between mid-calf and knee-high boots?
Mid-calf boots end around the middle of your calf, which makes them easy to wear with midi skirts and cropped pants. Knee-high boots reach just below the knee and are best with mini skirts, dresses, and slim jeans tucked in.
What do you wear with mid-calf boots?
Midi skirts and dresses that cover the top of the boot or leave a little gap, cropped wide-leg trousers, and straight jeans tucked in or cropped above the shaft.
How do you wear knee-high boots with jeans?
Tuck slim or skinny jeans into the boots, or wear a straight jean over a slim knee-high boot. Stretch styles like the Scott make tucking easy.
Are knee-high boots comfortable for walking?
A stable heel makes a big difference. Look for a stacked block heel or low platform, a side zip for easy on and off, and stretch panels if you have athletic calves.
Should I choose suede or leather boots for fall?
Leather is the easiest to care for in rain. Suede has a softer, richer look; protect it with a suede-safe waterproofing spray and brush it after wear.
Try them on at DNA Footwear
Every boot above is a new DNA Footwear arrival for fall. Try them on at our Brooklyn stores at 141 Smith Street and 220 Fifth Avenue, or shop the full women's boots collection and new arrivals online.