The Iconic Red Sole

Christian Louboutin at Garmany

Founded 1991 · Paris, France

A Party for the Eyes

In 1992, in his Parisian atelier, Christian Louboutin was staring at the prototype of a shoe called the Pensée. Something was wrong — the black sole felt dull, disrupting the silhouette's elegance. He noticed his assistant painting her nails with vibrant red polish, grabbed the bottle, and painted the sole from toe to heel. "A happy accident," he would later call it. That flash of red — Pantone 18-1663 TPX, applied through a secret lacquering process — became the most recognizable symbol in luxury fashion. More than a color: a statement of confidence, power, and joy.

Before that moment came years of obsession. As a teenager, Louboutin apprenticed at the Folies Bergère, the famed Parisian cabaret, captivated by showgirls who could remain sure-footed in towering headdresses. He trained under master shoe designer Roger Vivier and designed for Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent before launching his own house. In his first year, he sold 200 pairs. Today, every pair is still handcrafted through over 30 steps by skilled artisans — predominantly in Italy's Santa Croce sull'Arno district, near Florence — where it takes nearly 15 years of experience to become a professional leather cutter.

For Women

The Collection

01

Pumps & Heels

The Pigalle. The So Kate. The Hot Chick. The most iconic silhouettes in luxury footwear — from classic stilettos to modern pointed-toe pumps in every heel height. The red sole that needs no introduction.

02

Flats & Sandals

Ballerinas, mules, and sandals with the same artisan construction and unmistakable red sole. The elegance of Louboutin without the height — for every occasion and every mood.

03

Boots & Booties

Knee-highs, ankle boots, and over-the-knee statements in fine leather, suede, and embellished materials. The red flash at every step.

04

Sneakers

Louboutin's luxury sneakers bring the red sole into casual territory — crystal embellishments, signature spikes, and bold colorways that make even a sneaker feel like an event.

For Men

Red Soles for Gentlemen

Louboutin's men's collection brings the same audacity and craftsmanship to men's footwear — from the spike-adorned Louis Junior to classic dress shoes, every pair carries the signature red sole.

Sneakers

  • Louis Junior (signature spikes)
  • Color-blocked high-tops
  • Crystal-embellished styles
  • Low-top classics

Loafers

  • Velvet loafers
  • Leather penny loafers
  • Embroidered evening styles

Dress Shoes

  • The Greggo oxford
  • Classic lace-ups
  • Formal evening shoes

Boots

  • Leather ankle boots
  • Chelsea boots
  • Statement boots

Signature Styles

The Icons

"Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally."

Christian Louboutin

The House

By the Numbers

1991

Founded

By Christian Louboutin in Paris. From 200 pairs in his first year to the most recognized luxury shoe brand in the world.

30+

Steps Per Pair

Each shoe handcrafted by artisans predominantly in Italy's Santa Croce sull'Arno district, near Florence.

15

Years to Master

The time it takes to become a professional leather cutter at Louboutin's atelier. Craft at the highest level.

1992

The Red Sole

Born from a bottle of red nail polish and a moment of inspiration. Trademarked, iconic, unmistakable.

Why Shop Louboutin at Garmany

The Garmany Difference

Christian Louboutin at Garmany means more than a handpicked selection of the brand's finest designs. It means trying on the Pigalle, the So Kate, or the Louis Junior in one of 47 private dressing rooms with a style consultant who understands fit, occasion, and personal taste. It means pairing your Louboutins with the rest of your outfit from our women's or men's collection — Zimmermann, Veronica Beard, Kiton, Isaia — in a single visit. Complimentary beverages, a relaxed atmosphere, and the kind of personalized attention that makes choosing the perfect pair feel like an event in itself.

01

Curated Selection

A handpicked collection of Louboutin's finest styles for women and men — iconic silhouettes and seasonal pieces chosen by our buying team.

02

Personal Styling

Complimentary consultations that pair your Louboutins with the perfect outfit from our 100+ brand collection.

03

The Full Experience

47 private dressing rooms, complimentary beverages, and a 40,000-square-foot showroom where choosing shoes becomes a celebration.

Also at Garmany

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Experience Louboutin in Person

Visit Garmany

Walk-ins welcome. Appointments recommended for the full experience.
121 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ · Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm