Christian Louboutin Red Bottom Shoes

The red sole and the signature Christian Louboutin shoes

Christian Louboutin opened his house in Paris in 1991, and the glossy red sole soon became its calling card. Whether it is a stiletto or a sneaker, the colour underfoot is the detail people notice first.

A few styles define the house:

So Kate: a sharply pointed, very high stiletto pump with a slender, sculpted line.
Kate: a pointed pump with a slightly lower heel than So Kate, often the easier choice for longer evenings.
Pigalle: a classic pointed pump long associated with the house.
Iriza: a d'Orsay pump with open sides that shows off the arch of the foot.
Spiked sneakers and loafers: studded designs that carry the house's sense of fun into everyday dressing, for both women and men.

For a closer look at each family, see our guides to Christian Louboutin heels, Christian Louboutin sneakers and Christian Louboutin boots.

Choosing red bottom shoes as a gift: size, fit and heel height

Shoes are a personal gift, so a little groundwork goes a long way.

Confirm the size quietly. Christian Louboutin uses European sizing, and many wearers find the pointed pumps run small, often going up half a size or more. If the recipient already owns a pair from the house, that size is your best reference.
Match the heel to the life. A very high stiletto suits someone who already wears heels with ease. For a first pair, a lower heel, a flat or a sneaker is usually the kinder choice.
Think about colour. Black patent and nude tones are the most versatile, while glitter, embellished or bright finishes make a statement for celebrations.
Consider the occasion. A milestone birthday, an anniversary or a wedding all suit a classic pump; spiked sneakers work well for someone with a playful, more casual style.

If you are building a broader present, our edit of gifts for her offers ideas to pair with shoes.

Caring for the red sole and planning your budget

The red lacquer wears with walking, which is part of owning the shoes. Many owners ask a skilled cobbler to fit a thin protective sole over the red before the first outing, preserving the colour underfoot. Store each shoe in its dust bag, stuff the toes to keep their shape, and keep patent leather away from direct sun and heat.

On price, red bottom shoes in South Africa are a significant purchase: depending on the style, materials and embellishment, a pair typically runs well into five figures in rand. Embellished and limited designs sit above classic leather pumps and sneakers. Set your budget around the style first, then the finish.

If you have a particular model, colour or size in mind, tell us what you are looking for and we will come back to you with options.

Looking for a specific piece?

Tell us what you have in mind — the piece, size, colour or budget — and we will get back to you with options.

Frequently asked questions

Why do Christian Louboutin shoes have red bottoms?

The lacquered red sole is the house's signature, used on its shoes since the early years in Paris. It makes a pair recognisable at a glance, from heels to sneakers, and is the reason the shoes are widely known simply as red bottoms.

Do Christian Louboutin shoes run small?

Many wearers find the pointed pumps, especially the higher styles, fit small and choose half a size or more up from their usual European size. Fit varies by model, so the most reliable guide is the size the recipient wears in an existing pair from the house.

How do I keep the red sole from wearing off?

Some wear is unavoidable, as the red is a lacquered finish on leather. Many owners have a cobbler add a thin protective sole before wearing the shoes outdoors, and storing them in their dust bags helps protect the rest of the finish.

Christian Louboutin Red Bottom Shoes: A Gift Guide