90% matchJimmy Choo
Red-carpet stiletto specialist, London-founded
What changes: No trademarked sole signature; softer, less fetish-leaning glamour
Brand profile
Christian Louboutin
Parisian luxury shoe and accessories house, founded 1992, defined by its trademarked red lacquered sole and Italian-made stilettos and sneakers.
ParisOrigin
UnisexFocus
Quiet luxuryStyle
$$$$$Price
16 brands like Christian Louboutin like Jimmy Choo, Giuseppe Zanotti, Charlotte Olympia →
What to know about Christian Louboutin
The red sole is legal property
The lacquered red outsole is a registered trademark that Louboutin has defended in court in both Europe and the US, making it the house's identifying mark.
Menswear means studded sneakers
For men the house is known less for its stilettos than for studded low-tops like the Louis and Astroloubi, alongside dress shoes, all made in Italy.
Independent, with Agnelli money behind it
Exor bought roughly a 24 percent minority stake in 2021 at a €2.25 billion valuation, while Louboutin and co-founder Bruno Chambelland kept control.
How Christian Louboutin fits
Overall fit
runs small
Christian Louboutin footwear is widely described as running small and narrow, with the pointed-toe pumps being the most notorious for a tight, break-in-required fit.
Tip: Most styles run narrow and small, so consider sizing up a half to full size, especially in pointed-toe stilettos.
High confidence · based on 40 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sneakers | slightly large | regular to slightly roomy volume | Sneakers like the Louis and Astroloubi tend to run large, so consider taking a half size down from your usual sneaker size. |
| Dress shoes | runs small | narrow last, low volume, tight pointed toe box | Size up a half to full size in Pigalle, So Kate and Kate stilettos; expect a firm break-in and consider heel grips for slippage. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
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Studded pumps and bags from an Italian accessories line
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Christian Louboutin fit questions
Does Christian Louboutin run big or small?
Christian Louboutin runs small. Most styles run narrow and small, so consider sizing up a half to full size, especially in pointed-toe stilettos. Christian Louboutin footwear is widely described as running small and narrow, with the pointed-toe pumps being the most notorious for a tight, break-in-required fit.
How does Christian Louboutin fit?
Christian Louboutin footwear is widely described as running small and narrow, with the pointed-toe pumps being the most notorious for a tight, break-in-required fit. Overall shape: narrow last with a snug, tapered fit.
How do Christian Louboutin sneakers fit?
Christian Louboutin sneakers fits slightly large. Sneakers like the Louis and Astroloubi tend to run large, so consider taking a half size down from your usual sneaker size. Shape: regular to slightly roomy volume.
How do Christian Louboutin dress shoes fit?
Christian Louboutin dress shoes runs small. Size up a half to full size in Pigalle, So Kate and Kate stilettos; expect a firm break-in and consider heel grips for slippage. Shape: narrow last, low volume, tight pointed toe box.
Brand facts
Christian Louboutin is a Paris luxury footwear house founded in 1992, when the designer opened his first boutique in the city. Its signature is the lacquered red outsole, registered as a trademark and defended in courts in Europe and the US. The line runs from Pigalle, So Kate and Kate stilettos to studded Louis and Astroloubi sneakers, Cabata and Loubinthesky bags, small leather goods and a beauty range of lipsticks and nail colour. Shoes are made in Italy. Exor, the Agnelli family holding company, bought a roughly 24 percent minority stake in 2021 at a €2.25 billion valuation; Louboutin and co-founder Bruno Chambelland retain control.
- Founded
- 1992
- Origin
- Paris, France
- Made in
- Italy
- Price
- $$$$$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- September 2026
- Styles
- Quiet luxury, Streetwear, Avant-garde