Welcome to The Director’s Cut, an interactive column featuring fashion, beauty and career advice from RGNN Director and Founder, @isabelevabohrer.
Are Christian Louboutin’s So Kate pumps really the most uncomfortable shoes ever? If I had to answer with a simple yes or no, it would be a yes. Would I buy another pair? Yes. Would I recommend them to others. Also yes.
The So Kate allure…
From the 120 mm heel and the dramatic arch, to the low cut vamp with that quintessential Louboutin toe cleavage, all paired with that famous red sole… the allure of the So Kate pumps is unmistaken. Named after Kate Moss, this Christian Louboutin classic is not made for everyone. It is THE red carpet shoe to say the least; the limo to dinner heel that Melania Trump took all the way to the White House on so many occasions.
When I got my first pair many years ago, the So Kate’s definitely took some time to get used to. But I also have to say that, over time, it has shown NOT to be my most uncomfortable shoe. Every now and then, I buy a pair of ballerinas, or even a pair of sneakers, that turns out to give me blisters for much longer than I would consider “breaking them in.” Perhaps that’s because with 120 mm pumps, you know it’s not going to be a walk in the park, whereas with ballerinas and sneakers you naturally think that you can walk miles and then realize that was not the case.
To get back to the iconic So Kate’s, however, yes, I would recommend them to my friends and followers. If you have not had the chance to try a pair, you will understand – they are the sexiest shoe on Earth (and I try and buy quite a lot of shoes).
What size should you buy?
Before you go out to buy your regular size, beware! Despite what some websites say, they do not run “true to size.”
- I normally wear a EU 39/US 9/UK 6 (e.g. in Nike sneakers or even Christian Louboutin boots and booties). In the So Kates, I had to size down to a EU 37.5/US 7.5/UK 4.5 (yes, I have never gone that small). That’s because of the 120 mm heel and the dramatic arch – your foot will slide forward more than you would imagine.
- Buy them too big and you will find yourself slipping out of them. And trust me, even though buying shoes half or even a complete size too big is a celeb thing (hello, Meghan Markle – see this article in Harper’s Bazaar), you can’t really wear the So Kate’s if they are too big.
- Store associates may tell you the sizing may vary depending on the type of leather (e.g. nappa and suede may expand as time goes by, whereas patent will likely remain the same), I have always gone for the EU 37.5 across all leathers.
- If you have wide feet, just forget about the So Kate’s…they are extremely narrow. I have narrow feet and they are still narrow. Enough said.
If you’re not sure about the So Kate’s…
Yes, I love the So Kate’s. But I understand they are not an option for everyone. If you still want to go for a red sole, here are some other options:
- Kate 100 mm. I have seen this on more and more influencers these days (see @kateebartlett in a Tiffany & Co. collab and @isobellorna_ in the new Odd Muse resort collection). Louboutin has also come out with more colorways and leather options over the years. The perfect alternative if you still want a dramatic arch, red sole and high heel. The 100 mm instead of 120 mm does make a difference, and the vamp is not as low cut, which means you can walk a lot easier. If I had to choose a single pair of Louboutin’s to get, it would be the Kate 100 mm in black patent leather, such a classic.
- Pigalle Follies or Hot Chicks 100 mm. I am adding these together because the Hot Chicks are the exact same cut as the Pigalle Follies, just with a scalloped heel. I wore a pair of Hot Chicks in patent white leather for my pandemic wedding, then bought a second pair in black patent leather for office days, and most recently, couldn’t pass up on a nude pair for work and date nights. Again, the 100 mm heel makes a difference. Compared to the Kate, you will get more toe cleavage with the Pigalle Follies/Hot Chicks. (I am not mentioning the regular Pigalles here because I think the Pigalle Follies are much more delicate).
- If both these options are still too high, go for a lower heel, e.g. 85 mm, lower, or even a flat.
- The most comfortable Louboutin’s of all I own are definitely boots and booties. Here, you can size up (meaning in my case, just get my regular size 39) and have plenty of toe wiggle room. Sandals from Louboutin are also an option, but if the heel is high, you make find the level of comfort is compromised as well.
Beyond the red sole
- If you really want to go for a pump with a considerable heel, go for Aquazzura instead. The Deneuve bow pump, for example, has a 105 mm pump and you won’t even think it’s so.
- As a runner-up, I’d choose the Jimmy Choo Romys, also in 100 mm. I was initially going to get a custom pair of Romys in patent white for my wedding, but then Louboutin came out with the Hot Chicks in white for that season, and I just couldn’t pass up the chance.
And, if despite that, you’re still thinking about the So Kate’s…
The classic colors (black, nude, red, white) never go on sale. In fact, Louboutin just issued a recent price increase for the So Kate’s, they are now €695 / $795 / 645 GBP. That’s a lot for a shoe that you might find too painful to wear, so here’s a last tip: I’ve seen tons of So Kate’s on the resale market for less. It appears that there are many people who have bought entirely new pairs and just couldn’t bear to wear them. So, if you know your size (check the type of leather before you commit, too), you might get lucky on a trusted resale platform.
My friends say I could talk (or write about) shoes for days…that’s it for now. Let me know if you end up buying a pair, or if you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them as well! Happy shopping!
Questions or comments? Follow me on IG @isabelevabohrer or TikTok and say hi! See you soon!
