Height without the balancing act. The shaft is a soft brushed stretch that runs past the knee, 21.65 inches from heel to topline, and it moves with the leg rather than gripping it, so it stays up without a strap or a zip. The topline is left plain and free of hardware, which keeps the line long and unbroken from the ankle to the thigh.

Underneath is the reason to pick these over another tall boot. A woven wedge platform lifts a full two inches on a sole wide enough to walk on properly, so the weight sits under the whole foot instead of balancing on a heel point, and a ridged tread gives grip on a wet pavement. The round toe leaves room across the front, and there is no break in period.

Velvet Vogue makes them in beige and black, US 5.5 through US 12. The model wears a US 7 and the fit is true to size, with the stretch shaft moulding to the calf. Beige softens darker autumn looks, while black takes the same shape through winter. Brush gently to lift the nap, spot clean only, and keep them out of water and direct heat.

• Fit: True to size. The stretch shaft moulds to the leg.
• Key details: Round toe, woven wedge platform sole, plain stretch topline, ridged tread.
• Heel: Wedge platform, approximately 2 inches.
• Shaft: Over the knee, 21.65 inch shaft.
• Closure: Pull on.
• Sizes and colours: US 5.5 to US 12 in beige and black.
• Care: Brush gently to lift the nap and spot clean only. Keep away from water and direct heat.