Why Are Men Wearing Leather Knee-High Boots on the Red Carpet?
Alexander Skarsgård striding down the Cannes red carpet in over-the-knee black leather Saint Laurent boots wasn’t just a style statement. It was a thunderous stomp into a new era of masculine fashion liberation. Long gone are the days when men clung to their loafers and lace-ups like a security blanket. Now, with the likes of Pedro Pascal and Skarsgård stepping into knee-high leather, we are witnessing the rebirth of bold, theatrical menswear.
As a woman who’s been telling men for over a decade to ditch the dull and embrace the daring, I nearly spilled my Negroni seeing Skarsgård pull off what many fashion mortals wouldn’t dare. Leather boots on the red carpet? With a tuxedo? That’s not just style—it’s audacity wrapped in elegance.
“These aren’t just boots—they’re declarations. Masculinity no longer stops at the ankle.”
– Gracie Opulanza
The Rise of the Knee-High Men’s Boot
Historically, knee-high boots weren’t feminine at all. Think about equestrians, Napoleonic officers, or 1970s rock stars in stacked leather. Boots were power. Boots were battle. Boots were built to command attention.
Fast forward to 2025, and we’re seeing that power reclaimed by men, not for war but for wardrobe. Alexander Skarsgård in Saint Laurent isn’t a gimmick. It’s a provocation—an elegant, curated, and deliberate pivot away from the expected. And let’s be honest, red carpets have been crying out for reinvention.
Pedro Pascal and the Booted Brotherhood
Pedro Pascal, fashion’s current darling, kicked things off when he paired high leather boots with shorts and knitwear—an outfit that screamed confidence and comfort in equal measure. Skarsgård simply upped the ante. He went full runway editorial, merging old-school tailoring with high-fashion footwear. The result? A look that said, “I’m secure in my masculinity, and I can walk in anything better than you.”
These men are not just actors. They’re visual disruptors. They’ve done what stylists and fashion editors dream of: made men’s fashion thrilling again.
Why Leather Knee-High Boots Work
Let’s break it down.
- Texture: Leather adds depth and structure to an outfit. It reflects light differently than suiting fabrics, creating contrast.
- Shape: Over-the-knee boots lengthen the silhouette, give a clean leg line, and feel architectural.
- Power Dynamics: There’s something commanding about leather boots—military, aristocratic, even sensual. They speak without shouting.
Men often shy away from bold footwear, sticking to “safe” options. But boots break those boundaries. They transform posture, movement, and presence.
Styling Leather Boots for Men: Tux, Blazer, or Bare-Kneed?
This isn’t cosplay. This isn’t about dressing like a glam-rock star at a costume party. If you’re going to wear leather boots, you must understand the proportions and the energy.
1. The Tuxedo + Boot Combo
This is the Alexander Skarsgård method. And it works because it’s unexpected. The traditional tux—the velvet jacket, the satin lapel, the cummerbund—is disrupted by the rebellious leather below.
Style tip: Keep the trousers tailored and tuck them into the boots, or wear a tapered cut that stops just above the boot line. A cropped tuxedo trouser works beautifully. You’re aiming for a blend of old-money formality and new-money fearlessness.
2. The Blazer & Boot Street Edit
Swap the tux for a longline blazer or double-breasted coat. Layer with a sheer shirt, turtleneck, or even a thin roll-neck knit. Let the boots peek under slim or cropped trousers.
Style tip: This is where color comes into play. Think oxblood or dark green boots with a grey blazer. Or go full noir with black on black, offset with silver jewelry.
3. The Kilt or Skirted Look
For the brave—and yes, the brilliant—try a skirt or pleated kilt above the boots. This isn’t about being feminine. It’s about being fashion-forward. Think Thom Browne, not Halloween.
Style tip: Keep the top structured—sharp shoulders, double-breasted tailoring. Your boots do the talking, but the blazer holds the look together.
Is This the Death of the Oxford?
Let’s not bury the Oxford just yet, but let’s admit it’s dull. The era of predictable men’s footwear—brown brogues, black derbies—is crumbling. Red carpets are no longer just about elegance. They’re about presence. If women can wear shoulder pads, heels, and dramatic gowns, why should men remain stuck in monochrome shoe boxes?
Leather knee-high boots are not about copying women—they’re about reclaiming drama, redefining masculinity, and restoring passion to men’s dressing.
The Gender Fluid Fashion Wave
This movement isn’t isolated. It’s part of a wider fashion evolution—one that questions rigid gender roles. From Harry Styles in pearls to Timothée Chalamet in backless halters, we’re watching the demolition of binary fashion in real time.
The leather boot is just another step in that rebellion. It challenges the viewer. It makes people look again. It’s not about being shocking. It’s about being seen.
Who Can Pull It Off?
You don’t need to be 6’4″ like Skarsgård to wear boots like this. You need posture, confidence, and control. The boots do the work—but you have to own the walk.
This isn’t for the timid. But it’s perfect for men tired of blending in. Fashion has always been a form of communication. Leather knee-highs say, “I’ve arrived. And I’m not asking for approval.”
Final Thoughts: A Woman’s View from the Sidelines
Watching men embrace boots like this isn’t just refreshing—it’s empowering. It means we’re finally seeing fashion open up. And for someone who’s made a career out of urging men to be more daring, I can only applaud it.
To all the men wondering if they can “pull it off”—you absolutely can. Style isn’t about height, body type, or age. It’s about intention. And if you wear those boots with purpose, trust me, the room will feel it.
Fashion has always had the power to shape perception. Now, men are finally stepping into that power—in high, glossy, unapologetic leather.
