ILLUSTRATED GLOSSARY · BOOTS
Types of boots.
Boots are named by height, sole and the job they were first made for. Here are eight styles that cover most of the boot wall.
Updated · By the Delve to Life editors · Editorial standards
THE QUICK ANSWER
Check the height first (ankle, mid-calf, knee or over the knee), then the sole (sleek, chunky lug or flat) and the fastening (zip, laces or pull-on). For ankle and Chelsea boots, see our types of shoes page.
Knee-high boot
A boot that reaches just below the knee.
How to spot it. Shaft ends under the knee, usually with a side zip and a block or stiletto heel.
How to wear it. With midi skirts, dresses and skinny jeans tucked in.
Over-the-knee boot
A tall boot that goes past the knee onto the thigh.
How to spot it. Very long, slim shaft, often stretch suede so it stays up.
How to wear it. With short skirts and dresses or oversized jumpers.
Combat boot
A lace-up military-style boot with a chunky sole.
How to spot it. Lots of eyelets up to the mid-calf, a thick lug sole and a rugged leather upper.
How to wear it. Adds edge to dresses and skirts; great with straight jeans.
Western boot
A cowboy boot with a pointed toe and angled heel.
How to spot it. Pull-on shaft with decorative stitching, a pointed or square toe and a slanted, stacked heel.
How to wear it. With denim, midi dresses and prairie skirts.
Riding boot
A flat, tall equestrian boot with a plain shaft.
How to spot it. Knee height, almost no heel, a smooth round shaft, sometimes a strap or buckle.
How to wear it. Classic with skinny jeans, leggings and knitwear.
Hiking boot
A rugged lace-up boot built for walking trails.
How to spot it. Padded collar, speed hooks for laces, deep lug sole; often mixed materials.
How to wear it. Outdoors, or styled with wide trousers and fleece for a gorpcore look.
Rain boot
A waterproof rubber boot, also called a wellington.
How to spot it. Seamless rubber, a simple round shaft and a grippy sole.
How to wear it. Wet days, festivals and country walks; add thick socks for warmth.
Slouch boot
A soft boot whose shaft falls in loose folds.
How to spot it. The shaft gathers or collapses at the ankle and calf instead of standing straight.
How to wear it. With straight jeans tucked in or cropped trousers; a 1980s and 2000s favourite.
Easily confused
| Pair | The difference |
|---|---|
| Knee-high vs riding | A knee-high boot usually has a heel and a zip; a riding boot is flat with a plain, straight shaft. |
| Combat vs hiking | Both lace up on a lug sole. Combat boots are taller and all leather; hiking boots are padded, ankle height and often mixed materials. |
| Slouch vs knee-high | A knee-high boot stands straight; a slouch boot's soft shaft falls in folds. |
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Describe it with picturesThe illustrations on this page are AI-generated so each style can be shown in the same colour, angle and light. They are not products.