No shoe is as recognizable as the signature red bottom heel. Christian Louboutin remains the ‘it’ brand for luxury shoes, even with contemporary brands like MACH & MACH and Amina Muaddi gaining mainstream attention.
Christian Louboutin once famously described how “a shoe is not a design, but a part of your body language, the way you walk.”
His skyscraper heels have become an empowering symbol for women, whether shopping from the brand’s bridal range or treating yourself to a classic black pump.
While other brands have tried to replicate the red sole aesthetic, no brand can truly rival Louboutin’s hold on the designer footwear industry. It’s the brand every shoe collector has at the top of their wish list.
We’re rounding up the Christian Louboutin shoes you should buy in 2023, focusing on newer silhouettes and the brand’s latest collections.
1. Deia 100mm Mules, $945 at Christian Louboutin
The Deia mule is part of Christian Louboutin’s collaboration with Rossy de Palma, one of Louboutin’s long-term friends, and is a limited-edition style.
This exotic mule shoe is named after Deià, a small coastal village in the Serra de Tramuntana, which forms the northern ridge of the Spanish island of Mallorca.
Crafted from macramé, the Deia mule is a limited-edition style that features a transparent fishnet-backed toe box and about 4-inch high heels
Deia’s backless silhouette is inspired by Louboutin’s best-selling Kate pump and features a transparent fishnet-backed toe box.
These showstopping heels are made using macrame, a complex ornamental technique inspired by traditional Sevillian craftsmanship, creating the appearance of knotting and weaving.
2. O Marilyn 85mm Sandals, $825 at Mytheresa
Add a touch of ‘60s glamour to your closet with the ‘O Marilyn’ sandal, inspired by the iconic American actress. These shoes have a tapered silhouette and a wearable 85mm heel.
Inspired by Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, the O Marilyn slingback sandals are made from smooth leather and sit atop 85mm stiletto heels
We recommend picking this style up in the Ole red Nappa leather for a vintage-inspired look.
The ‘O Marilyn’ shoe has a wide plunging vamp and an elasticated heel strap to show off your fresh pedicure.
3. Nicol is Back 85mm Mules, $795 at Nordstrom
Satin shoes aren’t just for special occasions. This timeless shoe staple has been given a Y2K-inspired update with the ‘Nicol is Back’ shoe.
These mule shoes feature a walkable 85mm heel and are guaranteed to land you a spot on the best-dressed list at your next wedding or poolside vacation.
These expertly crafted Nicol Is Back mules are made using silk-satin and feature two cross-over straps and sleek flared heels
The shoe features two straps that cross over at the upper to create a stylish drape, crafted with Louboutin’s meticulous savoir-fare and made using satin.
The ‘Nicol is Back’ mules are available in fuchsia pink and signature Louboutin red shades.
4. Hot Chick Sling 100mm Pumps, $845 at Mytheresa
Christian Louboutin is no stranger to giving a best-selling silhouette an update.
The iconic Hot Chick pump is one of the latest shoes to get a new look with the ‘Hot Chick Sling.’ It maintains the shoe’s iconic V-shaped notches around the ankle with an added slingback design.
The popular Christian Louboutin Hot Chick now comes in a slingback silhouette complete with the iconic V-shaped notches
These shoes are from the brand’s Fall/Winter 2023 and are the perfect nude patent leather heels to update your closet with. The pointed-toe silhouettes add a timeless feel, making them a heel you’ll reach for season after season.
5. Sporty Kate 85mm Pumps, $845 at Mytheresa
Speaking of updating iconic silhouettes, we can’t overlook the new ‘Sporty Kate’ shoe. It’s a sporty rework of the brand’s iconic Kate pump, designed for the city girl who wants to spend all day in her heels.
The shoe is layered in patent soft leather to create an ultra-comfortable, soft upper that has almost no backing. The sporty edition of the pump takes inspiration from the Maison Christian Louboutin menswear range with the metallic CL logo on the side.
The iconic Kate pumps, named after iconic supermodel Kate Moss, have been given a sporty update made with layers of soft patent leather to create an ultra-comfy, soft upper
You can buy the Sporty Kate in four colors: neutral black and nude, statement mint green, and bridal white.
The 85mm Sporty Kate is perhaps Christian Louboutin’s most wearable heel yet. Look no further if you’re shopping for Louboutins to wear to the office.
6. Adolon Woman Low-Top Sneakers, $895 at Neiman Marcus
It’s a famous misconception that buying a pair of Christian Louboutin heels means you must be uncomfortable. The brand’s latest collections feature increasingly more flat-sole shoes.
The Adolon gives the classic white sneaker the red sole treatment and is the perfect way to buy into the Louboutin brand without buying a skyscraper heel.
The Adolon is a low-top sneaker that sits on a thick Bianco white rubber sole with a striking Loubi red lacquered TPU insert and notched detail on the inside
This low-top sneaker has a thick white rubber sole and an eye-catching Louboutin red lacquered TPU insert with notched detail on the inside, a throwback to the brand’s iconic leather sole.
These sneakers are made using delicate-grained Noleather, created using different recycled materials, and add a touch of post-punk aesthetic with Louboutin’s signature topstitching for a futuristic chic look.
7. Super Mariza 130mm Espadrilles, $945 at Matches Fashion
Get ready to hit the tropics with the Louboutin ‘Super Mariza’ espadrilles. These 130mm heels are an audacious twist on the traditional espadrille with a play on architectural lines.
The perfect summer sandals, Christian Louboutin’s Super Mariza is arched on jute-wrapped block heel and platform, with the upper decked in soft nappa leather
The natural rope is hand-covered, and the shoe is crafted in Nappa leather. These platform espadrille heels are the perfect investment for any fan of resort wear. The ‘Super Mariza’ is available in black and nude.
8. CL Leather Mules, $695 at Harrods
These Christian Louboutin sandals are the perfect alternative to the Hermes’ Oran sandals. This timeless sandal is a minimalist’s dream and is made using calf leather, featuring the signature CL monogram on the upper.
A timeless mule, the CL Mule has a minimalist design crafted from Cuoio brown calf leather with an embossed CL monogram on the upper
The shoe draws inspiration from the brand’s latest ‘By My Side’ collection with a padded effect. These simple sandals are available in black, beige, and tan leather for extra versatility.
9. Lipstrass Botta Alta 100mm Boots, $3,495 at Saks Fifth Avenue
One of Louboutin’s most famous product categories is its boots. The Lipstrass Botta Alta takes the Louboutin boot to new heights with a 100mm heel crafted in black stretch satin.
A sleek over-the-knee boot, the Lipstrass Botta Alta elegantly wraps the leg with its stretch satin shaft, finished with a lipstick-shaped heel adorned with sparkling crystals
We love the graphic 100mm gold heel and hand-placed strass inspired by the brand’s iconic red lipstick that pays homage to Egyptian columns.
10. Miss Sabina 85mm Sandals, $845 at Matches Fashion
The ‘Miss Sabina’ is a metallic silver open-toe block heel you’ll wear all spring/summer. The heel features a slight curve design for a contemporary feel while giving you the signature Louboutin arch.
Christian Louboutin recommends this shoe as part of their bridal range as a timeless but sleek silhouette. The tonal square clasp and straps add a touch of sophistication to the simplistic shoe, with the red sole adding a pop of color to any bridal look.
The Miss Sabina has a timeless but sleek silhouette and comes complete with a tonal square clasp and an angular block heel
Kickstart your Christian Louboutin collection or add a new piece to your designer shoe closet with these 10 must-have Louboutin shoes for 2023.