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 black leather 2023 MISS SAB Slingbacks Shoes 39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Louboutin Miss Saw slingbacks in black leather. Designed in a refined, sculpted silhouette with a timeless, feminine line, these elegant heels feature softly...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN petrol patent leather MOVIDA MARY-JANE Pumps Shoes 37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Christian Louboutin Movida Mary-Jane platform pumps are crafted in Vosges petrol green patent leather. They feature rounded toes, high block heels, and double Mar...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN 20th Anniversary Bow Bow 100 PVC T strap heels EU38.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN 20th Anniversary Bow Bow 100 PVC red grosgrain T strap heels EU38.5 Reference: MELK/A00253 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Bow Bow 100 20th Anniversary Material...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Hot Chick 130 patent scalloped topline stiletto pumps EU37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Hot Chick 130 black patent scalloped topline stiletto pumps EU37.5 Reference: MELK/A00255 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Hot Chick 130 Material: Leather Color:...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN mermaid iridescent patent SO KATE 120 Pumps Shoes 37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps are crafted from striking iridescent mermaid patent leather, creating a shimmering, iridescent effect that changes with the lig...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Apostrophy Pump 85 Kid leather pointed toe pumps EU37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Apostrophy Pump 85 Kid black leather pointed toe pumps EU37.5 Reference: MELK/A00266 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Apostrophy Pump 85 Kid Material: Leather Co...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Madame Butterfly 150 ribbon cut out platform heels EU37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Madame Butterfly 150 nappa black bow ribbon cut out platform heels EU37.5 Reference: MELK/A00246 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Madame Butterfly 150 Material: ...
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...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Pigalili 120 black strass crystal spike stud pumps EU37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Pigalili 120 black strass crystal spike stud pumps EU37 Reference: MELK/A00256 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Pigalili 120 Material: Leather Color: Black Patte...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN multicolor 2017 DOLLY DOLA 35 PUMPS Shoes 39 fit 38.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Louboutin 2017 Dolly Dolly 35 Dragenfly block-heel pumps in multicolor brocade with a green grosgain and an orange satin bow. The design features a glittery ...
Christian Louboutin Black Patent Leather Stiletto Pumps 39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Krakow, PL
Christian Louboutin Black Patent Leather Pumps Sz.39 EU 16cm Stiletto Very Good Description: Classic Christian Louboutin black patent leather open-toe pumps with a sleek 16 cm / 6.3 ...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN black CROCODILE ROLANDO Platform Pumps Shoes 38.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Louboutin Rolando platform pumps in black alligator with almond toe shape. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Bl...
Red platform-sandals in patent calf Christian Louboutin
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red platform-sandals in patent calf. Heels height: 14 cm Platform height: 4 cm Shoe Size : 39 (It) Provided with the box and dust-bag.
$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...
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 Crosspiga 100 Jazz Calf criss cross point toe pumps EU37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Crosspiga 100 Jazz Calf black criss cross point toe pumps EU37.5 Reference: MELK/A00260 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Crosspiga 100 Jazz Calf Material: Leathe...
Christian Louboutin Blue Denim Lady Peep Spikes Heels - Size 39.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Krakow, PL
Christian Louboutin Denim Spike Heels Sz.39.5 Blue Very Good Condition Description: Striking Christian Louboutin denim heels featuring ...
Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies 100 PAT LOUBIBALLAGE Point Toe Stiletto Heel
By Christian Louboutin
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies 100 PAT LOUBIBALLAGE Point Toe Stiletto Heel Classic heels with coolest patteen, gave Galliano for Dior newspaper v...
$520Sale Price|20% Off
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN nude patent leather SIMPLE 65 Pumps Shoes 41.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Louboutin Simple 65 pumps with a round toe in tan patent leather. Have been worn once inside and are in virtually new condition. Measurements Imprinted Size 41.5 Shoe Size 41.5 Inside Sole 27cm (10.5in) Width 8cm (3.1in) Heel 6.5cm (2.5in) All our listings include only the listed item...
rare CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Marale Boot 140 Suede Vulcano crystal mesh booties EU38
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Marale Boot 140 Suede Vulcano strass crystal mesh booties EU38 Reference: MELK/A00289 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Marale Boot 140 Material: Leather, Me...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Victorina 100 Veau Velours Carmin flame topline pumps EU38
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Victorina 100 Veau Velours Carmin red suede flame topline pumps EU38 Reference: MELK/A00240 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Victorina 100 Veau Velours Carmin Ma...
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 Rabakate 100 Veau Velours suede bow stiletto pumps EU37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Rabakate 100 Veau Velours black suede bow stiletto pumps EU37 Reference: MELK/A00261 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Rabakate 100 Veau Velours Material: Suede C...
Christian Louboutin Iriza 100 Black Brown Silk Soie Leopard Sandal Heel Pump
By Christian Louboutin
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Christian Louboutin Iriza 100 Black Brown Silk Soie Leopard Sandal Heel Pump Size 39 Org price $1199 Worn once for photoshoot indoor, condition is like brand new ! Very hot, t...
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 Follies Resille 100 Tis Alveo Pierre mesh silver pump EU37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Follies Resille 100 Tis Alveo Pierre grey mesh silver pump EU37.5 Reference: MELK/A00278 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Follies Resille 100 Tis Alveo Pierre Ma...
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...
Christian Louboutin, high top trainers with spikes
By Christian Louboutin
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Christian Louboutin, suede high top trainers with spikes. The item is missing one spike on the right shoe, further in excellent condition.
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Asteroid 140 punk spike strass toe platform heels EU39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Asteroid 140 black silver punk spike strass toe platform heels EU39 Reference: VACN/A00125 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Asteroid 140 Material: Patent Leather...
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...
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 So Kate 120 blue indigo denim white heel pumps EU39.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate 120 blue indigo denim white heel pumps EU39.5 Reference: VACN/A00159 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: So Kate 120 Material: Denim Color: Blue, White Patt...
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...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Highness 160 natural scaled leather platform heels EU36.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Highness 160 natural scaled butterfly print leather platform peep heels EU36.5 Reference: TGAS/F00555 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Highness 160 Material: Lea...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Very Prive Spikes 120 leopard patent peep spikes heels EU39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Very Prive Spikes 120 brown leopard patent peep spikes heels EU39 Reference: VACN/A00160 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Very Prive Spikes 120 Material: Patent ...
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, black leather ankle boots
By Christian Louboutin
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Christian Louboutin, black leather ankle boots. The item is in good condition with a scuff on the right heel.
NEW Christian Louboutin Dolly Booty Alta 160 Platform High Heel Boots 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
NEW Christian Louboutin Dolly Booty Alta 160 Platform High Heel Boots 37.5 Color Burgundy Size 37.5EU Heel Height 160mm Suede upper Soft po...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN pearl white course glitter pointy toes stiletto pumps EU37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN pearl white course glitter pointy toes stiletto pumps EU37 Reference: MELK/A00254 Brand: Christian Louboutin Material: Leather Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure...
Christian Louboutin, Black Mademoi platform pump
By Christian Louboutin
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Christian Louboutin, Black leather Mademoi platform pump. The item is in good condition.
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 x Maison Margiela Xrismarteen 100 Knee High Boots 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Louboutin x Maison Margiela Xrismarteen 100 Knee High Boots 37.5 Color Black Size 37.5EU Heel Height 100mm Nappa leather upper Leather lined Leather sole with new Forever...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN "Okydok Lurex" Metallic Leather & Lamé Ankle Strap Sandals
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Thiensville, WI
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN "Okydok Lurex" Metallic Leather & Lamé Ankle Strap Sandals Brand / Manufacturer: Christian Louboutin Circa: 2018 Style: Sandals / Heels Color(s): Silver Unmarked...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Spikaqueen 100 PVC Strass Dorsay Pump EU36.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Spikaqueen 100 fluo yellow PVC strass degrade dorsay pump EU36.5 US6.5 Reference: TGAS/F00974 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Spikaqueen 100 Material: PVC, Lea...
$247Sale Price|25% Off
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Isabelle cream beige canvas jute bow tie wedges EU36
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Isabelle cream beige canvas jute bow tie wedges EU36 Reference: LAYU/A00103 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Isabelle Material: Canvas, Jute Color: Cream, Beige ...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Daffodile 160 silver crystal encrusted platform pumps EU37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Daffodile Strass 160 silver crystal encrusted platform pumps EU37.5 Reference: MELK/A00237 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Daffodile Strass 160 Material: Fabric...
Christian Louboutin, Neon yellow pump
By Christian Louboutin
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Christian Louboutin, So kate Neon yellow pump with glossy white heel. This piece has been been worn once or twice and is in good condition. On the ri...
Black Christian Louboutin Lace-Up Over-The-Knee Heeled Boots Size 39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in New York, NY
Black leather platform heeled over-the-knee boots by Christian Louboutin. Block heels. Elasticized gores at backs. Lace-up tie closures at tops. 14" shaft height, 0.75" platform heig...
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 ...
Patent leather, leather and suede derby " Ettora" Christian Louboutin
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Patent leather, leather and suede derby with smoky dégradé perspex heels. Shoes size= 39 ( Italian) Heel height = 11 cm Box provided.
Gold Christian Louboutin Metallic Leather Heeled Cutout Sandals Size 37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in New York, NY
Gold metallic leather heeled cutout sandals by Christian Louboutin. Zip closures at counters. 3" shaft height, 4" heel height.
Christian Louboutin 2000's Red & Black Leather pumps
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Caserta, IT
- Christian Louboutin - High heels - Black surface - Classic Loubutin Red sun - Very good condition - Made in Italy - Materials: Leather - Size: 40.5 IT Measurements Intersole: 26 c...
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Christian Louboutin Donaflor 100 Embellished Velvet Mules-Size 40.5 NEW
By Christian Louboutin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Christian Louboutin Donaflor Velvet Crystal Heel Mule Sandal Size 40.5 The retail of this shoe is $1495 and these shoes are New. These Christian Louboutin Two-Tone Cherry and Black V...
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 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...
Christian Louboutin Avio Blue Suede Sandals IT 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Open toe sandals by Christian Louboutin Suede Avio blue color Ankle strap Heel height cm 12 (4.72) With dustbag Worldwide fast shipping included in the price
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Bibi 140 Veau Velours block heel platform pumps EU37
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Bibi 140 Veau Velours ultra violet suede block heel platform pumps EU37 Reference: MELK/A00285 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Bibi 140 Veau Velours Material: S...
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...
Black Christian Louboutin Platform Peep-Toe Slingbacks Size 39
By Christian Louboutin
Located in New York, NY
Black leather knotted peep-toe platform slingbacks by Christian Louboutin. 2.5" platform height, 6.5" heel height.
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...