Dress boots, sometimes called knee high leather boots, are usually long leather boots commonly worn by men, women and children. Made with a rough exterior leather, they can either be plain, or patterned, or have decorative straps, laces and buckles, or even be designed as slippers. Made like dress shoes, with uppers covering only the ankle, these boots are typically used for casual daytime dresswear, or as an alternative to them in inclement weather or harsh outdoor condition, and as a classic choice for evening daytime formalwear. They can be found almost anywhere from the high street to the virtual mall and can be purchased in many different styles to suit individual requirements. They can also be custom made to take the individual needs of each individual customer in mind and are often chosen to reflect the owner’s personal style. Some people will choose to dress boots with a decorative heel, others may opt for pointed toes to better suit their height, whilst others may want the height of the boot to be lower to reflect their lack of height, or for any number of reasons.
Lace-up boots are an alternative form of dress boots that are worn mainly by women. Often these are worn outside, either on the street or in public places such as restaurants or bars, where individuals may be more at risk of coming into contact with the elements. The lace-up feature allows the individual to put the boot on themselves, rather than having it hanging down their back. The advantages of a lace-up boot include the ability to wear it anywhere, whilst also allowing the person wearing it the freedom of movement that they may not normally enjoy. These also tend to be made of waterproof material, making them a practical choice for those who may come into contact with water whilst out and about.
Though dress boots are originally worn as a function rather than fashion, with the emphasis on functionality, today the boot is worn as a statement accessory. They can be worn with a variety of outfits, whilst also being used for casual occasions. They can also be purchased from a variety of sources, including online.