The iconic red-soled shoes by Christian Louboutin (b. 1963) have made it onto almost every red carpet since the French designer opened his first boutique in Paris in 1992. His fantastical heels have gained attention and praise for their provocative heights and arching shapes, leading the designer to be nicknamed the “King of Stilettos.”
Since childhood, Louboutin was artistic; he began sketching shoes at the age of 10 and later studied drawing at the Académie d’Art Roederer. However, it was the regular visits to the Musée national des Arts d’Afrique et d’Océanie, then in the Palais de la Porte Dorée, that inspired his interest in women’s shoes.
Growing up in the Paris neighborhood of the museum, he regularly spent weekends there and became fascinated by a sign asking women not to wear heels on account of the antique wooden floors. The severe arch of the heel on the sign and the violent red slash through it inspired him to think about shoes as something that could be dangerous and powerful in their allure. As he has said, “I wanted to create something that broke rules and made women feel confident and empowered.”
Breaking rules came naturally to Louboutin, who dropped out of school at the age of 16 and traveled to Egypt and India. When he returned to Paris in 1981, he had his mind set on shoe design and was hired by French fashion designer Charles Jourdan whose women’s shoe designs had been popular amongst the Paris elite since 1919. Louboutin later worked as a freelancer for such fashion houses as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Roger Vivier.
When he went out on his own and opened his first boutique in the Galerie Véro-Dodat covered passage, Princess Caroline of Monaco became his first famous client. The now-revered red sole emerged with his third collection, when Louboutin noticed an assistant painting her nails bright red. He tried applying the polish to a sole and was enamored with the results. Soon, his glossy, red-bottomed heels were all the rage in the fashion world.
Today, Louboutin sells his wares in department stores and over 50 Louboutin boutiques across the world. Beyond shoes, he has also expanded into accessories, beauty lines and handbags, launching the Passage collection of bags in 2014, inspired by the location of his first boutique.
Conceptual pieces like his 2007 “Pumps,” now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, have taken his stilettos to the extreme with a ballet-like en pointe silhouette balanced on a spiked heel. Louboutin is a go-to designer for celebrities, including Blake Lively, Mariah Carey, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez (who has a song about the famed shoes), among hundreds of others. In February 2020, a retrospective of his career opened in the Palais de la Porte Dorée where it all began.
Find vintage Christian Louboutin shoes, sneakers, handbags and other items on 1stDibs.
Christian Louboutin Guerilla 100 Silver Spike Leather Peep Toe Booty 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Guerilla 100 Silver Spike Leather Peep Toe Booty 37.5 Color Black Size 37.5EU Heel Height 100mm Leather upper Leather lined All over silver finished spikes Sl...
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Christian Louboutin Melissa Teal Suede Wedge Pumps Heels
By Christian Louboutin
Located in London, GB
Christian Louboutin Melissa teal suede wedge pumps. Worn once and come with single dustbag. Made from soft teal blue navy suede, they have narrow wedge heels, rounded toes and signat...
Rare Vintage Christian Louboutin " Trash " Mules Shoes
By Christian Louboutin
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly rare vintage Christian Louboutin "Trash" mules! These are impossible to find, and were produced in very limited quantities. They...
NEW Christian Louboutin Loubi Vega Red 120 Crystal Embellished Sandals 39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Loubi Vega Red 120 Crystal Embellished Limited Edition Strappy Sandals 39 Color Red Size 39EU Heel Height 120mm Iridescent patent leather upper Leather sole Viv...
NEW Christian Louboutin Bandita 160 Platform Leather Bondage Knee High Boots 38
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Bandita 160 Platform Black Leather Knee High Boots 38 Color Black Size 38 Heel Height 160mm Nappa leather upper Pointed toebox Signature red leather sole Platfo...
NEW Christian Louboutin Dolly Booty Alta 160 Platform High Heel Boots 39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NEW Christian Louboutin Dolly Booty Alta 160 Platform High Heel Boots 39 Color Burgundy Size 39EU Heel Height 160mm Suede upper Soft pointe...
Christian Louboutin x Marvel Sea Warrior 100 Gladiator Knee High Sandals 38.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin x Marvel Sea Warrior 100 Silver Gladiator Knee High Sandals 38.5 Color Silver Size 38.5EU Heel Height 100mm Crackled metallic coated leather upper Leather sole ...
Christian Louboutin Very Prive Black Suede Heels
By Christian Louboutin
Located in London, GB
Iconic Christian Louboutin Very Prive black suede heels. Unworn with single dustbag. Have peep toes, slim platforms and signature red soles. Size 38.5. Measure approx - 9.75” heel to...
Christian Louboutin Escarpin EU37.5 Private Number 120 Red Black Heels UK4.5 US6
By Christian Louboutin
Located in PARIS, FR
Christian Louboutin Private Number 120 model pumps in black patent leather partially covered with a large dark red suede pattern, open toe, small platform, stiletto heel. Size 37.5EU (i.e. 4.5UK or 6US), heel 12...
Christian Louboutin Bandita 160 Platform Black Leather Knee High Boots 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Bandita 160 Platform Black Leather Knee High Boots 37.5 Color Black Size 37.5EU Heel Height 160mm Nappa leather upper Pointed toebox Signature red leather sole ...
NEW Christian Louboutin Womenphis 100 Spike Logo Buckle Stiletto Heeled Boots 40
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NEW Christian Louboutin Womenphis 100 Spike Logo Buckle Stiletto Limited Edition Heeled Boots 40 Color Red Multi Size 40EU Heel Height 100mm Ankle shaft length Large logo buckle em...
Christian Louboutin Tres Pansy 85 Red Suede Block Heel Mules Sz 39 US 8.5 Floral
By Christian Louboutin
Located in San Diego, CA
Step into luxury with these Christian Louboutin Tres Pansy 85 red suede block heel mules, size 39 (US 8.5). Designed in Paris and crafted in lush red suede, these statement sandals f...
NEW Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Booty Pika 100 Spiked Pointed Toe Boots 38
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Booty Pika 100 Galactiqueen Pointed Toe Boots Color Blue Size 38EU Heel Height 100mm Suede calf leather upper Leather lined Signature red leather sol...
NEW Christian Louboutin Giddylina 100 Pointed Toe Strappy Stiletto Pumps 37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NEW Christian Louboutin Giddylina 100 Pointed Toe Strappy Stiletto Pumps 37 Color Black Size 37EU Heel Height 100mm Leather upper Leather sole Silver finished buckles with logo des...
NEW Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Botta 100 Two Tone Over The Knee Boots 37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Botta 100 Black White OTK Boots 37 Color Black / White Size 37EU Heel Height 100mm Leather upper Red lacquered leather outsole Two tone vamp Over the...
NEW Christian Louboutin Bolcheva 120 Fringe Over The Knee Pointed Toe Boots 38.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NEW Christian Louboutin Bolcheva 120 Fringe Over The Knee Pointed Toe Boots 38.5 Color Black Size 38.5 Heel Height 120mm Suede upper Signature red leather sole Pointed toe Hidden s...
Christian Louboutin Guerilla 120 Spike Black Peep Toe Booty 39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NEW Christian Louboutin Guerilla 100 Spike Black Peep Toe Booty 39 Color Black Size 39EU Heel Height 120mm Suede upper Leather lined All over silver finished spikes Slouch style ...
NIB Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Botta 100 Black Over The Knee Boots 38
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NIB Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Botta 100 Black Over The Knee Boots 38 Color Black Size 38EU Heel Height 100mm Leather upper Red lacquered leather outsole Slip on style Over th...
NEW Christian Louboutin Dolly Booty Alta 160 Platform High Heel Boots 36
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NEW Christian Louboutin Dolly Booty Alta 160 Platform High Heel Boots 36 Color Black Size 36EU Heel Height 160mm Calf leather upper Soft po...
NEW Christian Louboutin Hot Chick Crystal Embellished Limited Edition Pumps 36.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Hot Chick Studded Crystal Embellished Limited Edition Pumps Color Multi Size 36.5EU Heel Height 4.25in Suede upper Leather lined Graphic multicolor crystals Poi...
NEW Christian Louboutin SS2019 Metrolisse Animal Print OTK Pointed Toe Boots 39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NEW Christian Louboutin SS2019 Metrolisse Bengali Animal Print OTK Pointed Toe Boots 39 Color Multi Size 39EU Heel Height 100mm Pony style hair on leather upper Signature red leath...
NEW Christian Louboutin Limited Edition Hot Chick Starlight Crystals Pumps 38
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Hot Chick Studded Crystal Embellished Limited Edition Pumps Color Multi Size 38EU 8US Heel Height 4.25in Suede upper Leather lined Graphic multicolor crystals P...
NIB Christian Louboutin Miss Jane Strass 55 Block Heel Maryjane Pumps 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NIB Christian Louboutin Miss Jane Strass 55 Block Heel Maryjane Pumps 37.5 Color Silver Size 37.5EU Heel Height 55mm Suede upper with silver covered strass Leather lined Block heel...
NIB Christian Louboutin Loubi Vega Red 120 Crystal Embellished Sandals 36.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Loubi Vega Red 120 Crystal Embellished Limited Edition Strappy Sandals Color Red Size 36.5EU Heel Height 120mm Iridescent patent leather upper Leather sole Viva...
NEW Christian Louboutin So Kate Studded Crystal Embellished Stiletto Booty 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin So Kate Studded Crystal Embellished Limited Edition Booty Color Multi Size 37.5EU Heel Height 4.25in Suede upper Leather lined Graphic multicolor crystals P...
Christian Louboutin Oulanbator 160 Shearling Horn Toggle Platform Booty 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Oulanbator 160 Shearling Horn Toggle Platform Booty 37.5 Color Brown Multi Size 37.5EU Heel Height 160mm Suede upper Classic red sole Horn toggles Shearling l...
Christian Louboutin Top Vague 100 Kid Crystal Embellished Pumps Women’s 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Top Vague White Crystals Pumps Color Version Crystal Size 37.5EU Leather upper crystals encrusted design Pointed toe Signature red sole Stiletto high heel 4in. ...
NEW Christian Louboutin Loubi Vega Red Crystal Embellished Strappy Sandals 38
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chritian Louboutin Loubi Vega Red 120 Crystal Embellished Limited Edition Strappy Sandals New, no original box Color Red Size 38EU Iridescent patent leather upper Leather sole Viva L...
Christian Louboutin Kate Botta 100 Velours Papillon Pointed Toe Boots 39.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Kate Botta 100 Velours Papillon Knee High Boots Color Black Size 39.5EU Leather lined Signature red leather sole Pointed toe Hidden side full zip Knee high shaft ...
Christian Louboutin Size 39/9 2000s Leopard Print Slingback Vintage Heels Shoes
By Christian Louboutin
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing Christian Louboutin early 2000s Y2K leopard / cheetah print slingback heels ! Bronze heel with signature red bottoms. Pair with jeans, shorts, a skirt or a dress. In good con...
Christian Louboutin Escarpins EU40 Fifi 100 Black Suede Heels Pumps UK6.5 US9
By Christian Louboutin
Located in PARIS, FR
Christian Louboutin Fifi model pumps (or Simple Pumps) in black suede, small platform in front. Size 40FR i.e. UK6.5 and US8, heel 12 cm, front sole 2 c...
Christian Louboutin Kate Botta Alta 100 Loubi Jeans Thigh High Boots 36.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin OTK Kate Botta Alta 100 Loubi Jeans Color Blue Size 36.5EU Cotton upper Leather lined Signature red leather sole Pointed toe Louboutin logo across each one side ...
Christian Louboutin Santigag Strass 85 Black Suede Western Style Low Boots 38
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Santigag Strass 85 Black Suede Western Style Low Boots 38 With original box, with dustbags Color Black Size 38EU Suede upper Leather lined Pull loops embellished ...
Christian Louboutin Larissa Plato High Sandals IT 38
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful and chic Louboutin's sandals Suede Black color Ankle strap Heel height cm 15 (5,9 inches) Plateau cm 3 (1,18 inches) Worldwide fast shipping included in the price
Christian Louboutin Suede Simple Pump IT 37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful and chic Louboutin's décolleté Suede Black color Heel height cm 8,5 (3,34 inches) With box Worldwide fast shipping included in the price
Silver Christian Louboutin Metallic Pointed-Toe Pumps
By Christian Louboutin
Located in New York, NY
Silver metallic leather pointed-toe pumps by Christian Louboutin. 4.5" heel height.
Christian Louboutin Earthtones Snake Peeptoe Slingbacks - 42
By Christian Louboutin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Christian Louboutin Earthtones Snake Peeptoe Slingbacks - 42. These peeptoe slingbacks are made of earthtone colored snake skin. The heels are a burgundy color patent leather They a...
Christian Louboutin Slimini Botta Croc Emboss Knee High Pointed Toe Boots 36
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Slimini Botta Croc Emboss Knee High Pointed Toe Boots 36 Color Black Size 36EU Heel Height 85mm Calf leather upper Leather lined Signature red leather sole Poin...
NEW Christian Louboutin Condora Botta 85 Black Knee High Pointed Toe Boots 37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Condora Botta New, no original box (areas of indentation on leather as shown) Color Black Size 37EU Calf leather upper Leather lined Signature red leather sole Po...
Christian Louboutin Décolleté size 38
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Super pump 100 KID/VV PAT Iconic pointed pumps Black color Suede and leather Heel height cm 11 (4,33 inches) With dustbag and box Original price euro 890
Christian Louboutin Marvel Sea Warrior 100 Knee High Gladiator Sandals 35.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin x Marvel Sea Warrior 100 Gladiator Knee High Sandals Color Multi Size 35.5EU Heel Height 100mm Metallic patent leather upper Leather sole Marvel collaboration l...
Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Botta Pika 100 Black Suede Thigh High Boots 39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Botta Pika 100 Black Suede Thigh High Boots Excellent condition, signs of light scuffs Color Black Size 39 Suede upper Red lacquered leather outsole S...
NIB Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Botta 100 Black White Pointed Toe Boots 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NIB Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Botta 100 Black White OTK Boots 37.5 Color Black / White Size 37.5EU Heel Height 100mm Leather upper Red lacquered leather outsole Two tone vamp ...
Christian Louboutin Simple Pump 100 Nude Patent Leather - Iconic Décolletés
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Elegant and timeless, these Christian Louboutin Simple Pump 100 pumps in nude patent leather represent one of the French Maison's most iconic designs. Made of patent calfskin, they f...
Black suede pump with black beads and rhinestone Christian Louboutin
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black suede pump with black beads and rhinestone
Christian Louboutin Follies Spike Suede Blue Studded Heels Size 37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Suede Avio blue color Metal studs Heel height cm 105 (413 inches) Original price € 1850
NEW Christian Louboutin Guerilla 100 Silver Spike Leather Peep Toe Booty 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NEW Christian Louboutin Guerilla 100 Silver Spike Leather Peep Toe Booty 37.5 Color Black Size 37.5EU Heel Height 100mm Leather upper Leather lined All over silver finished spikes...
Christian Louboutin Chelsea Lug 100 Shearling High Heel Ankle Boots 41
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Shearling Chelsea Lug 100 Boots Color Tan Size 41EU Heel Height 100mm Leather and shearling upper Rubber sole Pull on style Back loop with stud accent Platform ...
$273Sale Price|35% Off
Christian Louboutin Tortoise Shell Pattern Patent Shoes 6.5 with Box
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Port Hope, ON
This pumps have a classic tortoise shell leather and go by the name of Miss Tack 85. They are a classic pump and make a great addition to any wardrobe. The chunky heel is a manageabl...
$427Sale Price|20% Off
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Size 12 Green Blue Camouflage Suede Red Sole Sneakers
By Christian Louboutin
Located in San Francisco, CA
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN "Loubishark" sneakers in a green and blue suede featuring a camouflage pattern, metallic leather accents, and Great White Shark-inspired white rubber outsole with...
Black Christian Louboutin Patent So Kate Pumps Size 36
By Christian Louboutin
Located in New York, NY
Black patent leather pointed-toe So Kate pumps by Christian Louboutin. 4.75" heel height. Designer Size: 36 US Recommended Size: 6
$731Sale Price|25% Off
Christian Louboutin Size 39 Floral Bouquet Velvet Disco Ankle Boots Booties
By Christian Louboutin
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing Christian Louboutin floral bouquet velvet disc ankle boots ! Comes with original box. Beautiful warm colors of red, blue, green, and marigold orange throughout. Sensible, yet stylish low heels. Zipper at each inner ankle. Can easily work for any day or evening event. Pair with jeans, shorts, a skirt or dress. The Brunello Cucinelli knit...
Christian Louboutin Kate Max Booty Spikes Claw Black Pointed Toe Boots 38.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Kate Max Booty Spikes Claw Black Pointed Toe Boots 38.5 Color Black Size 38.5EU Heel Height 4.25in Leather upper Full side zip Classic red bottoms with new tech...
Christian Louboutin Cycladissimo Pompom Embroidered Platform Wedge Sandals 36
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Cycladissimo Pompom Wedge Ankle Strap Sandals New, limited edition, no original box Color Multi Size 36EU Leather upper Red bottom Adjustable ankle strap Multic...
NEW Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Botta 100 Black White Over The Knee Boots 37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Astrilarge Botta 100 Black White OTK Boots 37 Color Black / White Size 37EU Heel Height 100mm Leather upper Red lacquered leather outsole Two tone vamp Over the...
Red satin open-toe pump with black passementerie Christian Louboutin
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red satin open-toe pump with black passementerie
Christian Louboutin Escarpins EU39.5 So Kate 100 Black Leather Heels Pumps US8.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in PARIS, FR
Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps in black leather, pointed toe, stiletto heel. Size EU39.5 or UK6 and US8.5 or 9, 10 cm heel. The pumps have been worn and the tip of the outsole has...
NEW Christian Louboutin x Marvel Sea Warrior 100 Gladiator Knee High Sandals 40
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin x Marvel Sea Warrior 100 Silver Gladiator Knee High Sandals 40 Color Silver Size 40EU Heel Height 100mm Crackled metallic coated leather upper Leather sole Marv...
Christian Louboutin Size 37 / 7 Bibi Nude Leather Platform Pumps Red Sole Heels
By Christian Louboutin
Located in San Diego, CA
Fun Fact: The red sole origin—a signature of the brand since 1993—started by chance when Louboutin painted a sole red from nail polish, creating fashion-world fame with that flourish Elevate any outfit with these Christian Louboutin “Bibi...
NEW Christian Louboutin Lipstrass Botta Alta Crystal Embellished OTK Boots 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin Lipstrass Botta Alta Crystal Embellished Thigh High Boots Color Black Size 37.5EU Heel Height 100mm Satin upper Signature red leather sole Pointed toe Hidden si...