There are certain fashion purchases you think about for a long time before finally taking the plunge, and for me, Christian Louboutin shoes definitely fall into that category.
They’re iconic. They’re instantly recognizable. And whether you’ve dreamed about owning those famous red soles for years or you’re considering adding another pair to your collection, there’s one question that almost everyone seems to have before buying:
How do Christian Louboutin shoes actually fit?
Because when you’re making this kind of investment in a pair of shoes, choosing the wrong size is not a mistake you want to make.
After owning and wearing multiple pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes over the years, one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that Louboutin sizing isn’t quite as simple as saying, “They run small, so size up.”
In fact, that’s one of the biggest misconceptions I see surrounding the brand.
The real answer is a little more complicated — because how a Christian Louboutin shoe fits can depend heavily on the particular style you’re buying.
So, if you’re considering your first pair of red bottoms (or adding another pair to your collection), here is everything I wish I had known about Christian Louboutin sizing before buying my first pair.
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Do Christian Louboutin Shoes Run Small?
Let’s start with probably the most-Googled question about Louboutin sizing: Do Christian Louboutins run small?
The answer is: some do, but not all of them.
Christian Louboutin actually states in its official fit and sizing guidance that its shoes generally run true to size, while also acknowledging that everyone’s fit can be different. More importantly, the brand provides specific sizing recommendations for individual styles.
And those recommendations can vary.
For example, the iconic So Kate 120 is currently identified by Christian Louboutin as running small, with the brand recommending going up half a size for a more comfortable fit.
On the other hand, there are Louboutin styles that the brand identifies as true to size — and there are even styles that run large and come with a recommendation to size down.
That means I would never approach Louboutin shopping with one blanket rule like “always buy half a size larger.”
Instead, think of your normal shoe size as your starting point and then look at the fit recommendations for the exact style you’re considering.
Are Christian Louboutins True to Size?
Generally speaking, Christian Louboutin says yes — but there’s an important asterisk attached to that answer.
The brand uses European sizing, and its current women’s size chart converts sizes pretty straightforwardly. For example:
- Louboutin/EU 36 = US 6
- Louboutin/EU 36.5 = US 6.5
- Louboutin/EU 37 = US 7
- Louboutin/EU 37.5 = US 7.5
- Louboutin/EU 38 = US 8
- Louboutin/EU 38.5 = US 8.5
- Louboutin/EU 39 = US 9
- Louboutin/EU 39.5 = US 9.5
- Louboutin/EU 40 = US 10
- Louboutin/EU 40.5 = US 10.5
- Louboutin/EU 41 = US 11
- Louboutin/EU 41.5 = US 11.5
- Louboutin/EU 42 = US 12
But knowing your European size is only part of the equation.
Two Louboutin shoes labeled the exact same size can feel different on your foot because the construction of the shoe is different.
Think about the difference between slipping your foot into a rounded-toe shoe versus a dramatically pointed pump. Add in heel height, the shape of the toe box, the cut of the shoe and the material, and suddenly “What size are you?” isn’t the only question that matters.
This is exactly why I think buying Louboutins based solely on a conversion chart can be tricky.
Should I Size Up in Christian Louboutin Shoes?
Not automatically.
This was one of the most interesting things I learned while digging deeper into Christian Louboutin’s own sizing recommendations.
If the particular style you want is identified as running small, then yes, sizing up may be appropriate. The So Kate 120, for example, currently carries a recommendation from Louboutin to go up half a size.
But another style might be true to size or even require sizing down.
Always check the product page for the exact shoe you’re considering before deciding what size to order.
And if you’re shopping secondhand, where the original product listing may no longer be available, I would research that specific style rather than relying solely on general advice about Louboutin sizing.
Does Sizing Up Make Louboutins Wider?
This might be the most important thing in this entire guide.
If a pair of Louboutins feels tight across your toes, it can seem logical to simply go up a size.
But according to Christian Louboutin, going up in size changes the length of the shoe — it does not increase the width of the toe box.
That’s a really important distinction.
If the problem is genuinely that a particular shoe is too narrow for your foot, simply buying a longer shoe may leave you with additional room behind your heel without actually solving the problem that made the original size uncomfortable.
This is another reason why I highly recommend trying on multiple sizes whenever you have the opportunity.
Don’t just ask yourself, “Can I get my foot into this?”
Walk around. Pay attention to where your heel sits. Notice where your toes fall. And think about whether the shoe feels snug because it’s new or whether the actual shape of the shoe simply isn’t right for your foot.
Do Christian Louboutin Shoes Stretch?
This is another important consideration, especially with a new pair that feels snug.
Christian Louboutin says its shoes are not pre-stretched and that most of its materials will loosen over time. With multiple wears, many materials will begin to stretch and conform to the shape of your foot.
However, I wouldn’t interpret that as a reason to purchase a painfully small pair of shoes with the expectation that you’ll eventually break them in.
There is a difference between snug and doesn’t fit.
Material matters here, too.
A soft leather that has some ability to mold to your foot isn’t going to behave exactly like a structured patent leather shoe. So when you’re researching the sizing of a particular pair, don’t look only at the style name and size — look at the material as well.
Why Does Louboutin Sizing Vary So Much Between Styles?
This is where shopping for designer shoes becomes very different from ordering your usual pair of sneakers.
A shoe is essentially architecture for your foot.
Change the toe shape, vamp, heel height, pitch or material and you change the way your foot sits inside it.
Christian Louboutin itself demonstrates just how different its sizing can be from one design to another. Some current styles are labeled true to size. The So Kate 120 is labeled as running small. Other styles, including certain Miss Z designs, are labeled as running large.
So if you own one pair of Louboutins in a particular size, don’t automatically assume every future pair should be that same size.
Your first Louboutin size is a helpful reference point — not a universal rule.
How Should Christian Louboutin Heels Fit?
For me, the goal with a luxury heel is a secure, close fit without feeling like your foot is being tortured.
Your heel shouldn’t constantly slip out of the back of a pump when you’re walking, but your toes also shouldn’t be painfully compressed simply because you’re hoping the shoes eventually stretch.
Pointed-toe pumps can especially complicate things because the shoe itself extends beyond where your toes actually end.
That’s another reason I wouldn’t judge fit simply by looking at how much “room” appears to be at the front of a pointed shoe.
How the shoe holds your foot matters much more.
If you can shop in person, walk in them before making your decision. If you’re ordering online, check the individual style’s sizing recommendation before choosing your size and be especially cautious about wearing the shoes outside until you’re certain they’re the right fit.
What Size Christian Louboutin Should I Buy?
If you’re buying your first pair, here’s the process I would use:
Start with your normal US size and convert it to Louboutin’s European sizing.
Then check the product listing for the specific style you’re buying.
Does Christian Louboutin say it runs true to size? Small? Large?
Next, consider the silhouette and material.
Is it an extremely pointed pump? Patent leather? A softer leather? A sandal? A boot?
Finally, if possible, try your usual size plus a half size above or below depending on the style recommendation.
And most importantly: don’t get hung up on the number printed inside the shoe.
The goal isn’t to be your “usual size.”
The goal is to buy the size that actually fits.
A Few Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Pair of Louboutins
If I could go back and give myself a little Louboutin shopping advice before buying my first pair, it would be this:
Don’t assume every Louboutin runs small.
Research the specific style.
Don’t size up just because the toe box feels narrow.
A larger size gives you more length, not necessarily more width.
Pay attention to the material.
Many materials will loosen and conform to your foot with wear, but different materials behave differently.
Don’t assume your size in one Louboutin style will automatically be your size in another.
And finally:
Fit matters more than the number.
These shoes are an investment. Take the extra time to find the pair — and size — that you’ll actually want to wear.
So, How Do Christian Louboutin Shoes Actually Fit?
The simplest answer is this:
Christian Louboutin shoes generally run true to size, but sizing can vary significantly by style.
Some styles may require going up half a size. Others may fit perfectly in your normal size. And some may actually require sizing down.
That’s why, after owning and wearing Louboutins myself, my biggest piece of advice is to stop searching for one universal “Louboutin size.”
There really isn’t one.
Instead, research the exact style you’re considering, pay attention to its construction and material, and use your normal shoe size as a starting point rather than an absolute rule.
Because those red soles are a pretty big investment.
And if you’re finally buying the pair you’ve been dreaming about, they should be shoes you can actually enjoy wearing — not just admiring from inside your closet.
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