Patent Pumps

There is a broad range of patent pumps for sale on 1stDibs. Many people prefer black patent pumps, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find beige, red and more options on these pages. Finding the perfect accessories for you may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions of these were made as early as the 18th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. There have been many classic iterations of patent pumps over the years, but those made by Christian Louboutin, Gucci and Valentino are often thought to be among the most stylish. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

Prices for patent pumps can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $39 and can go as high as $2,500, while these items, on average, fetch $474.

Whether they’re Hermès sandals, black Jimmy Choo boots, ivory-leather-and-pink-daisy heels by sublime shoemaker Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin platform pumps, you can find your next pair of legendary luxury vintage and designer shoes today on 1stDibs.

Shoes offered by the likes of Versace, Chanel, Charles Jourdan or Prada are integral to completing your carefully orchestrated street-style or evening ensemble these days, but footwear wasn’t always the big deal it is for your average Adidas enthusiast.

The decorative floor-length gowns that upper-class women of the 18th century wore meant that their shoes, then likely featuring high curved heels finished with woven or embroidered silks — a sharp contrast to the heavy, rudimentary form of the era’s footwear for men — were partially or entirely obscured by the base of their ornate dresses. What good is fashion if it’s tucked away?

Our modern age’s legions of sneakerheads might have trouble tracking down a pair of black-and-gold vintage Jordans but can at least fill their dream closets with original Adidas Gazelles or 1980s New Balances if they put the time in, while 1990s-era Prada pumps or a good pair of mid-20th-century jewel-tone heels in satin or silk haven’t lost their allure with today’s nostalgic fashionistas.

A pair of shoes can commemorate an achievement, mark an important trip overseas and is sometimes a rich manifestation of a hard-won physical feat. On 1stDibs, find Chanel flats or two-tone heels, Christian Dior pumps, vintage Margiela Tabi boots and many more designer shoes today.