You’ve seen them flashing on every red carpet from Cannes to the Met Gala. That unmistakable, lacquered pop of scarlet on the bottom of a high heel. People usually just call them "red bottoms," but if you're looking for the official name, what are the red sole shoes called? They are Christian Louboutins.
It’s a name that carries a lot of weight.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how a simple splash of paint became the ultimate global symbol of luxury. We aren't just talking about shoes here; we're talking about a legal fortress. Christian Louboutin, the French designer who started his brand in the early 90s, has spent decades in courtrooms defending that specific shade of red. It’s not just any red. It’s a very specific, vibrant hue known as Pantone 18-1663 TPX. If you see a shoe with that exact glossy underside, it’s meant to be a Louboutin.
The "Accident" That Created an Empire
Most people think the red sole was a calculated marketing move. It wasn't. Back in 1993, Louboutin was looking at a prototype for a shoe called the "Pensée," which was inspired by Andy Warhol’s "Flowers." He felt the shoe lacked energy. It looked a bit "heavy" in black. His assistant happened to be sitting nearby painting her nails a bright, festive red.
He grabbed the bottle of nail polish.
He painted the sole.
The rest is literally fashion history. That one impulsive moment turned a regular luxury brand into a household name. He didn't plan for it to be his trademark forever, but when he noticed how women reacted to the flash of color as they walked away, he realized he’d stumbled onto a goldmine. The red sole acts as a sort of "follow me" sign. It’s subtle when you’re standing still but loud when you move.
Why the Red Sole Shoes Name Matters So Much
When you ask what are the red sole shoes called, you're usually looking for more than just a brand name. You’re looking for the status associated with them. Why does everyone care? Well, Louboutins are notoriously expensive. You’re rarely going to find a pair for under $700, and many of the more elaborate, crystal-encrusted versions can easily top $6,000.
👉 See also: Executive desk with drawers: Why your home office setup is probably failing you
There's also the pain factor.
Louboutin himself has famously said that he doesn't design for comfort. He designs for beauty and "the silhouette." This has led to a sort of "beauty is pain" badge of honor among fans. If you can walk in 120mm So Kate pumps with a needle-thin stiletto and a bright red sole, you’ve reached a certain level of fashion endurance.
The Legal War Over a Color
Can you actually own a color? That’s the question that has kept lawyers busy for years. In 2011, Louboutin sued Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) because YSL released a line of monochromatic shoes, including an all-red shoe with a red sole.
It was a mess.
The court eventually ruled that Louboutin does have the trademark for the red sole, but with a catch: he only owns it if the rest of the shoe is a different color. If the shoe is red all over, other designers can use a red sole too. This is why you might see red-on-red shoes from other high-end brands, but you won't see a black pump with a red sole from anyone but Louboutin without a massive lawsuit following shortly after.
How to Spot a Fake Louboutin (The "Red Bottom" Test)
Because these shoes are so famous, the market is flooded with fakes. Some are "super fakes" that look almost identical, while others are cheap knockoffs that fall apart in a week. If you’re buying pre-owned or from a third-party seller, you need to be careful.
First, look at the color itself.
✨ Don't miss: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
A real Louboutin sole is a vibrant, popping red with a high-gloss finish. It should look like wet nail polish. Many fakes use a duller, matte red or a plastic-looking finish. Also, the sole is made of real leather. This means it will scuff the very first time you walk on pavement. If you buy a pair of "new" shoes and the red sole feels like hard, scratchy plastic that doesn't scuff, they’re probably fake.
- The Logo: It should be deeply embossed, not just printed on. The words "Christian Louboutin," "Paris," and "Made in Italy" should be crisp.
- The Stitching: Luxury shoes have tiny, even, and perfect stitches. If you see a loose thread or crooked lines, run away.
- The Smell: Real leather has a specific scent. Fakes often smell like industrial glue or cheap plastic chemicals.
The Evolution of the Red Sole
While the classic stiletto is what made him famous, the red sole has migrated. You’ll find it on sneakers, boots, and even men’s dress shoes now. The "Louis Junior" or "Spikes" sneakers are huge in the streetwear scene. They still have that flash of red on the bottom, proving that the brand isn't just for people who want to tower in six-inch heels.
Even the men's line has a cult following. It’s a way for guys to show off a bit of flair in a suit without being too "loud" until they cross their legs and the sole is revealed. It's the ultimate "if you know, you know" signal.
Common Misconceptions About the Brand
People often think Louboutins are the only expensive shoes out there, but they’re just the most recognizable. Brands like Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, and Gianvito Rossi are in the same price bracket, but they lack that singular, identifiable "mark" like the red sole.
Another myth? That the red paint stays forever.
It doesn't.
If you walk across a parking lot in your brand-new Louboutins, the red will start to scrape off at the pressure points. This is normal! In fact, there is a whole secondary industry of cobblers who specialize in "Louboutin repair," where they apply thin red rubber protective soles (like the ones made by Topy or Vibram) to keep the color looking fresh. If you see a woman with pristine red soles after a night out, she’s either walking only on carpet or she’s had them professionally reinforced.
🔗 Read more: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
Nuance in the Luxury Market
It's worth noting that the luxury market is changing. In 2026, we're seeing a shift toward "quiet luxury"—clothes without big logos. But the red sole is the exception. It’s a logo that isn't a logo. It’s just a color. This allows it to stay relevant even when people are tired of seeing "LV" or "Gucci" plastered everywhere. The red sole is a shape and a shade, which feels more integrated into the design than a metal plaque or a printed monogram.
Real-World Tips for Your First Pair
If you’re finally ready to drop the cash on these, don’t just buy your usual size. Louboutins run notoriously small and narrow. Most people have to go up a half size or even a full size, especially in the "Pigalle" or "So Kate" models which have a very steep pitch.
Go to a store like Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue and actually try them on.
Walk on the carpeted floor.
Feel the "pitch" of the heel. If your foot is sliding forward and your toes are cramping, that shoe will be a torture device within twenty minutes. Look for the "Iriza" model if you have wider feet; it has a "d'Orsay" cut (a missing side) that gives your foot a bit more room to breathe.
What to do next
If you're serious about owning a pair of red sole shoes, your next move shouldn't be hitting "buy" on a random website. Start by visiting the official Christian Louboutin website to study the current collection and get a baseline for pricing. Then, check out reputable resale sites like The RealReal or Fashionphile, which have authenticators on staff. This allows you to get that iconic red look for a few hundred dollars less while ensuring you aren't getting scammed with a plastic imitation. Once you get them, take them to a high-end cobbler immediately to have clear or red sole protectors added—it’s the only way to keep that "red sole" look from disappearing after your first walk down the street.