I Used to Hate This Boot Style, But These 21 Pairs Made Me Do a Total 180

Normally, the first pair that comes to mind when I think of outdated shoe styles is sock boots—period. Once utterly ubiquitous, the ultra-fitted silhouette was deemed “out” a few years back and replaced by wider-leg knee-highs, cowboy boots, and anything with a lug sole attached. And yet, in recent weeks, I’ve found myself not only softening to sock boots again but actually wanting a pair (or two) to add to my fall wardrobe. Shocking, I know.

From tall takes to classic ankle boots, the sock-boot offerings on the market right now are aplenty and dangerously tempting, and that’s coming from someone who six months ago would’ve likely scoffed at the idea of introducing a pair into my boot collection. But, hey, there’s no need to blindly trust me. Instead, keep scrolling to make up your own mind about the second coming of sock boots. I have a feeling your opinion of them will do a 180 too. 

Leave it to Elsa Hosk to toss on a sweater and a miniskirt with sock boots and change my mind entirely about the shoe style

Christie Tyler could be wearing PJs under this coat for all I know. But thanks to a cinched belt, an Hermès bag, and a pair of pointed-toe sock boots, the resulting look is an 11/10. 

As summer transitions into fall, this look is all the push you should need to swap out your kitten heels for a pair of knee-high sock boots.

Edge up a feminine slip dress by pulling on a pair of stretch-fit, sky-high sock boots. 

A classic take.

It’s impossible to regret owning these. 

Looking expensive is as easy as spending $50 on these boots.

A perfect fit. 

I mean, I’m obsessed. 

Piferi is the shoe brand to know in 2023.

A modernized take on the sock-boot silhouette. 

I feel like people sleep on COS’s boots too often.

I want anything The Row makes, and that’s just a fact of life. 

Finding thigh-high boots at this price is close to impossible. 

These feel extremely fresh to me. 

Do it, I dare you. 

Not all sock boots have to be pumps. 

A neutral alternative. 

These are sharp (literally). 

Nomasei’s boots are quality with a capital Q. 

I’ve been loving brown boots lately. They’re perfect for fall. 

For copying Elsa Hosk’s look. 

If you don’t buy these, I will. 

Swoon. 

Need a lift? 

Next: I Wear Boots More Than Any Other Shoes—33 Pairs I’d Buy Right This Second