The Red Sole {Louboutin}

Whats So Special

Perhaps the most sought after shoe on the planet, Christian Louboutin's unique and sometimes controversial designs are highly crafted works of art in wearable form. Instantly recognizable with a signature flash of its red sole, the shoe is an enigma amongst other designer creations and has celebrities, socialites, and shoe-lovers constantly abuzz.

A problematic student who was expelled three times before running away from home at age 12, Christian was destined for greatness when he started drawing shoe sketches in his formative early teens. Still notorious for altercations as an adult today, he defends his four to six-inch creations with unapologetic statements such as "heels should be painful" and "if you can't walk in them, don't wear them". Clearly, the French cobbler has no qualms about the shoes he designs with the goal that they simply be "like jewels". While such sentiments have caused an uproar in feminist circles, the blase attitude towards comfort ("I'm concerned with comfort. But I don't want to have this evoked in my design") is perhaps what has led to the infamous production of the most unwearable shoe ever: the eight-inch ballet Louboutins.

If you have ever admired, tried on, or thought about buying a pair of these beauties...here is some insight into the exciting yet daunting task:


You Are Not Just Paying For the Brand Name - Far more than status or brand recognition, you are paying for a high quality shoe. Crafted with the utmost care and precision, they are built to last. Top notch leathers, construction, and aesthetic promise a superior shoe wearing experience, guaranteed.


They Are Hard to Come By - There are only a few retailers out there that feature them: Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Barney's, Bergdorf Goodman, and select Nordstrom Salons. Net-A-Porter.com and of course ChristianLouboutin.com offer them as well, but if there was ever a purchase you needed to try on in person to get a true idea for fit, feel, and overall effect, it is this.

Do Your Homework - Because of their immense popularity, check on inventory at your local retailers. Call ahead of time and ask specific questions about stock, latest shipments, styles, and sizes. Because these top-notch retailers pride themselves on service, it's easy to build a relationship with a sales associate and keep in touch in order to ensure you are included in the next round of distribution.


Buy A Size Up! Take our word for it - these are perhaps the tiniest shoes on the market. Because it's an investment, you want to be absolutely positive the fit is on-point.


They Streeeeeetch! Don't buy TOO much larger than your current size. Even if you're tempted because they're out of your size. The shoe will feel a bit tighter, even when you buy a size up. The rule of thumb is, even if they feel snug...you should still be able to wiggle your toes in them. Otherwise, go up a size. Wear them around the house, break them in. They will conform to your feet. Promise.


Seal That Ruby Red Sole, As It Will Get Scuffed - There's nothing sadder than a scratched up, lacerated Loubi sole. Retailers sometimes provide this additional service for a small cost, and it's a service that's completely worth it. If your retailer can't do it, they can usually refer you to a trusted local cobbler with experience in sealing these babies.




Credit: Lummie