I’ve loved boots since I was a kid. Flat boots, high-heeled boots, wedge boots—you name it, I probably like it. Because my calves are on the thicker side and I hate uncomfortable shoes, I’m picky about styles. I need boots I can walk ten thousand steps in.

Lately, my TikTok and Instagram feeds have been flooded with a pair of designer boots: tall, with a rounded square toe and a short, chunky heel. At $200, they were a bit pricey, so I decided to hunt for a pair with a similar style and feel before committing. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there, but I ultimately chose Steve Madden’s Riggs Over-the-Knee Boots. They look remarkably similar to the luxury pair and can be worn year-round (I’ve long since decided to stop chasing trends, so this is a big plus for me!). Best of all, you can find them at Steve Madden starting at just $119.

Steve Madden Riggs Over-the-Knee Boots

Though buying shoes is my weakness, believe it or not, my closet was missing a pair of black flat boots. This pair perfectly fills that gap: smooth leather uppers (which will undoubtedly develop character over time), a sturdy heel, and an easy slip-on design. They remind me of the riding boots I wore almost daily in the early 2010s.

These boots have proven incredibly comfortable, effortless to walk in, and instantly elevate any outfit. My calves are on the thicker side, so finding well-fitting boots can be tricky, but these fit perfectly and even stretch slightly with wear, allowing me to wear them for hours without discomfort. Though I’m prone to blisters, my heels feel completely secure in these boots. They’re my go-to whenever I know I’ll be walking long distances or standing for extended periods. So far, I’ve walked over 8,000 steps in them without discomfort—only receiving compliments from passersby.

Customers echo my experience: One wrote, ” These are the most comfortable and beautiful boots I’ve ever worn,“ adding they ”require no break-in period“ and can be ”worn all day.“ Another customer noted the boots are ”super high quality“ and ”go with everything.“ Finally, a customer with a 16-inch calf circumference shared she bought another pair in a different color after discovering these were ”right out of the box, incredibly comfortable.”

If you have thicker calves, finding boots can be tricky, but these met every single one of my requirements. I can’t wait to wear them with jeans all winter long and pair them with flowy dresses come spring.