Boots are perhaps one of the trickiest shoe categories for short folks. On one end, they have the power to add some height through heels and shaft lengths. But, on the other, they can just as easily cut off at the ankles or calves and make petite women appear shorter than they are. Albeit tricky, boots can actually be one of the best tools in a petite wardrobe for utilizing silhouette and sizing to create the illusion of elongated legs and a bit more height—you just need to know what boot height is best for short legs.
Up ahead, we tap a top fashion expert to learn more about how to use boots to your height advantage, including the boot shaft heights to look out for. Plus, we share our top 10 picks for the best boots for short women, from everyday ankle booties to snow boots to everything in between.
The best boots for short women, at a glance:
- TOMS Reese Cap Toe Chelsea Boot, $53
- Eileen Fisher Destry Knee High Boot, $360
- Sun + Stone Elizaa Booties, $40
- Sorel Kinetic Breakthru Conquest Waterproof Boot, $175
- Børn Shaunie Tall Boot, $135
- Dolce Vita Spade Bootie, $140
- UGG Classic Ultra Mini, $140
- ECCO Shape Sculpted Motion 75 Platform Bootie, $160
- Franco Sarto Katherine Knee High Boot, $170
- Free People Ashton Moccasin Ankle Boot, $118
What to look for in boots for short women
When shopping for a pair of boots for short legs, the most important thing to consider is the shaft height. “Shaft height has the ability to either make you look evenly proportioned, cut you in half, or give the illusion that you are taller,” says Jeni Elizabeth, a network and celebrity wardrobe stylist. With this in mind, Elizabeth recommends finding ankle boots with a shaft height of around three inches and knee-high boots with a shaft height of around 15 inches. “This is super important, as it can make or break a look as well as elongate you or cut you in half,” she explains.
If shopping for knee-high boots for short women, it also helps to consider whether or not there are additional size options available, such as wide calf or foot options. “Every petite woman has different calf sizes so that is important to pay attention to as well,” Elizabeth explains. While this doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with elongating the legs, it can result in the perfect fit, which you absolutely want in a boot—after all, you want them to feel like they’re made for walking.
From ankle boots to knee-high boots, we search high and low to find the best boots for short women. Here are our top picks.
The best boots for short women
TOMS, Reese Cap Toe Chelsea Boot — $53.00
The Reese Cap Toe Chelsea Boot from Toms are the ideal everyday boots for short women. With their 3-inch shaft height, they can help create the illusion of longer legs without the cut-off look that so many boots are guilty of. Although they don’t have much of a high heel—which might be preferred for people—the 1-inch heels make them all the more comfortable and walkable, which is always a plus. On top of that, they are available in black and taupe, making them an excellent match for virtually any outfit.
Sizes Available: 5-12
Colors Available: Black, taupe
Shaft Height: 3 inches
- They have a 3-inch shaft height.
- They are available in neutral, everyday colors.
- They don’t have a high heel height, which might be preferred by some short people.
- Size 5 is the smallest size they come in.
Eileen Fisher, Destry Knee High Boot — $360.00
Knee-high boots can be tricky for short women, however, they generally create an elongated effect—especially if they are the right shaft height. These boots have a 14.25-inch shaft, which is right in line with the guidance around the best boot shaft height for petite women. And, moreover, they feature this ultra-chic stripe down the side that helps create an elongating effect, creating the illusion that the person wearing them is taller. The boots also feature a 2-inch block heel which adds some nice height to short legs while remaining comfortable enough for long wear.
Sizes Available: 5-11
Colors Available: Black, graphite
Shaft Height: 14.25 inches
- They feature a side stripe that elongates the leg.
- They have a comfortable 2-inch block heel.
- They have a 14.25-inch shaft height.
- They are on the pricey side.
Sun + Stone, Elizaa Booties — $40.00
If you’re searching for a dressier bootie that you can wear out or to the office, the Sun + Stone Elizaa Booties from Macy’s is a fantastic pick. These under-$100 boots have a 3.5-inch shaft plus a cutout feature that helps elongate the look of legs. Plus, the 2.75-inch block heel helps add a little extra height. While they might feel a little too dressy for casual everyday looks, they are certainly comfortable enough to wear for just about any occasion, thanks to their cushioned memory foam insole that helps support the feet and lessen the shock in every stride. On top of that, they come in a variety of colors, including an eye-catching red, as well as neutral black, tan, and ivory.
Sizes Available: 5-12
Colors Available: Black, tan, red, ivory
Shaft Height: 3.5 inches
- They cost under $100.
- They have a 3.5 shaft height.
- They come in lots of fun colors, including everyday neutrals.
- They have a cushioned memory foam insole.
- They might be a little too elevated for casual outfits.
Sorel, Kinetic Breakthru Conquest Waterproof Boot — $175.00
The Kinetic Breakthru Conquest Waterproof Boot isn’t just one of the best snow boots for short women, they’re one of the best snow boots, in general. With their ultra-cozy microfleece lining, waterproof construction, and chunky soles with tons of tread, the boots are completely weatherproof so you can stay warm and dry, and don’t run the risk of slipping when the weather gets bad. On top of that, the boots have a 3.5-inch shaft, which is ideal for short people and fairly challenging to find in a snow boot. Additionally, their casual design makes them ideal for everyday wear.
Sizes Available: 6-12
Colors Available: Velvet tan gum, nova sandstone green, tawny buff and velvet tan, new cinder bloodstone, black sea salt
Shaft Height: 3.5 inches
- They have a short shaft, which is hard to find in a snow boot.
- They have an ultra-cozy microfleece lining.
- They are weather-proof.
- They come in a variety of fun and stylish colors.
- They might be a little too chunky for some preferences.
- The lace-up design isn’t the easiest to slip in and out of.
Børn Shaunie, Tall Boot — $135.00
Everyone needs a pair of classic tall boots in their wardrobe and the Børn Shaunie Tall Boot is the top pick for short women. With a shaft height of 15.5 inches, these boots don’t cut you in half, and instead, can create the illusion of length (despite not having much of a heel). And, with wide calf sizing available, they are a more size-inclusive boot in general, too. The best part of all, though, is that they are constructed from durable leather that gets better with time and has a cushioned footbed so they’re bound to become one of the most comfortable boots in your closet
Sizes Available: 6-11 (available in wide calf sizes)
Colors Available: Black, brown
Shaft Height: 15.5 inches
- They have a 15.5-inch shaft, which is ideal for short folks.
- They feature a comfortable cushioned footbed for all-day comfort.
- They have a durable rubber sole.
- They are available in wide calf sizes.
- They don’t have much of a heel, which might not be ideal for some short women looking to add height.
Dolce Vita, Spade Bootie — $140.00
Timeless and refined, the Dolce Vita Spade Bootie is a fantastic pick for wearers looking to add some height with boots. These high-heeled ankle booties feature a 3-inch shaft which Elizabeth says is ideal for short women, plus a 3.25-inch heel to add some further elevation. While they don’t come in a ton of colors, they are available in classic black leather and tan suede (aka, mushroom suede), so you’ll get lots of use out of them no matter what your style is.
Sizes Available: 5-13
Colors Available: Black leather, mushroom suede
Shaft Height: 3 inches
- They’re a classic ankle bootie style that feels timeless and refined.
- The 3.25-inch heel adds some extra height.
- They have a 3-inch shaft height.
- They don’t come in a lot of color options.
UGG, Classic Ultra Mini — $140.00
If you love Ugg boots but have a hard time with the height, the Ugg Classic Ultra Mini boots are the ideal pick for you. With a 3.5-inch shaft, sheepskin lining, and a water-repellent treatment, these booties are cozy, comfortable, and perfect for indoor and outdoor wear (though, if you want to keep them in tip-top shape, we recommend not wearing them in wet weather). The Ugg boots also happen to be one of the most popular shoe trends of 2023—next to the Birkenstock Boston Clogs—so you can easily incorporate a look that’s of the moment while also creating the illusion of longer-looking legs. With that said, this is a bootie that sells out quickly so, if you see a color you love in your size, you’ll definitely want to jump on it.
Sizes Available: 5-12
Colors Available: Lavender fog, chestnut, black, naval blue, horizon pink, grey, driftwood
Shaft Height: 3.5 inches
- They are *the* short girl-approved Ugg boot.
- They are one of the most popular shoe trends of 2023.
- They have a cozy sheepskin lining to keep soles warm.
- They tend to sell out quickly.
ECCO, Shape Sculpted Motion 75 Platform Bootie — $160.00
These classic high-heeled ankle boots are designed with a comfortable 1-inch platform and 3.75-inch heel, giving you lots of height. Plus, the 3.75-inch boot shaft is right in line with petite measurements, so you don’t have to worry about them making you look shorter or cutting you off at the ankles. The comfortable high-heeled boots also hug the feet for a form-fitting look and feel that boasts lots of support, no matter how long you wear them. On top of that, their size chart starts at 4.5 women’s, so they’re a fantastic pick for those with smaller soles.
Sizes Available: 4.5-11.5
Colors Available: Black, white
Shaft Height: 3.75
- They’re a classic high-heel ankle boot style.
- They start at size 4.5 women’s.
- They’re designed to comfortably hug the foot.
- They’re not available in brown.
Franco Sarto, Katherine Knee High Boot — $170.00
Form-fitting and ultra sleek, the Franco Sarto Katherine Knee High Boots are an absolute dream for short women. These boots are available in both regular and wide calf sizes and feature a slender fit that elongates the legs, plus the 15.5-inch shaft is the ideal length for petite heights. Plus, they zip up the back so you don’t have to worry about pulling them on. And, while the price is a little high for a boot constructed from synthetic materials, these are incredibly well-made with an elevated designer feel and a pair of boots you’ll get tons of wear out of, too.
Sizes Available: 5-11 (wide calf sizes available)
Colors Available: Black faux leather, burgundy, black faux suede
Shaft Height: 15.5
- They have a slender fit that elongates the legs.
- The boot shaft is 15.5 inches.
- They zip up the back and are easy to get in and out of.
- They come in wide calf sizes.
- They are made from synthetic material.
Free People Ashton Moccasin Ankle Boot — $118.00
For the ultimate casual bootie, look no further than the Free People Ashton Moccasin Ankle Boot. These ankle boots have a 3.5-inch shaft height and a slight heel for some casual and comfortable height that doesn’t cut you off at the ankles. With their slipper-inspired design, they’re a fantastic effortless pick for casual and comfortable outfits. Available in emerald and dusty blue at Nordstrom as well as tan and mandarin at Free People, these boots boast a fun pop of color, too.
Sizes Available: 6-11
Colors Available: Emerald, dusty blue, tan, mandarin
Shaft Height: 3.5 inches
- They’re casual and comfortable, ideal for everyday wear.
- They have a 3.5-inch shaft so they don’t cut you off at the ankles.
- They have a slight heel for some added height.
- They might be a little too casual for some styles.
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