There are few things more iconic than the flash of a red sole. But before you can confidently step out in a pair of Christian Louboutins, there’s one crucial step: nailing the size.
Unlike many mainstream brands, Christian Louboutin shoes are known for their luxury craftsmanship and slim fit, which often means the sizes don’t align with standard US or UK charts. This leaves many buyers—especially first-timers—confused about whether to size up, size down, or stick with their usual number.
That’s where this guide comes in. With a detailed size chart, style-specific fit advice, and insider tips, we’ll help you find your perfect Louboutin fit—so you can focus on making an entrance, not worrying about sore toes.
2. Do Christian Louboutin Run Small?
The short answer: yes, most of them do.
Christian Louboutin shoes are designed with a slimmer, more elegant silhouette than standard footwear, which means they often feel tighter on the foot. For many buyers, this translates to needing to go up ½ to 1 full size compared to their regular shoe size.
A big factor is the toe box:
- Pointed stilettos like the So Kate and Pigalle are famous for their ultra-narrow fit. They look stunning but leave very little room for the toes, so most people need to size up.
- Sandals, on the other hand, tend to fit closer to true size since they have open designs that allow more flexibility.
- Sneakers (such as the Louis Junior or Vieira) are generally more forgiving and usually fit true to size, though they still run slim compared to some athletic brands.
👉 In short: if you’re shopping for pumps or stilettos, expect to size up; if you’re choosing sandals or sneakers, you’re more likely to stick with your usual size.
3. Christian Louboutin Women’s Shoe Size Chart
When it comes to women’s Louboutins, the conversion between EU, US, and UK sizes can be confusing—especially since the shoes run narrower than most brands. Use the chart below as a guide before you buy.
Women’s Size Conversion Table
| IT | US | UK | AU | JP | KR |
| 34 | 4 | 1 | 3.5 | 21 cm | 200 |
| 34.5 | 4.5 | 1.5 | 4 | 21.5 cm | 205 |
| 35 | 5 | 2 | 4.5 | 22 cm | 210 |
| 35.5 | 5.5 | 2.5 | 5 | 22.5 cm | 215 |
| 36 | 6 | 3 | 5.5 | 23 cm | 220 |
| 36.5 | 6.5 | 3.5 | 6 | 23.5 cm | 225 |
| 37 | 7 | 4 | 6.5 | 24 cm | 230 |
| 37.5 | 7.5 | 4.5 | 7 | 24.5 cm | 235 |
| 38 | 8 | 5 | 7.5 | 25 cm | 240 |
| 38.5 | 8.5 | 5.5 | 8 | 25.5 cm | 245 |
| 39 | 9 | 6 | 8.5 | 26 cm | 250 |
| 39.5 | 9.5 | 6.5 | 9 | 26.5 cm | 255 |
| 40 | 10 | 7 | 9.5 | 27 cm | 260 |
| 40.5 | 10.5 | 7.5 | 10 | 27.5 cm | 265 |
| 41 | 11 | 8 | 10.5 | 28 cm | 270 |
| 41.5 | 11.5 | 8.5 | 11 | 28.5 cm | 275 |
| 42 | 12 | 9 | 11.5 | 29 cm | 280 |
📌 Fit Note: Since Louboutin pumps and stilettos are cut slimmer, women with wider feet often need to go up by ½ to 1 full size compared to their usual fit.
💡 Quick Tip: Most women size up half a size in pointed pumps like the So Kate or Pigalle.
4. Christian Louboutin Men’s Shoe Size Chart
Unlike women’s styles, Christian Louboutin men’s shoes tend to run closer to true size—especially sneakers and loafers. However, because many are crafted with a sleek silhouette, men with wider feet may still prefer going up by half a size.
Men’s Size Conversion Table
| IT | US | UK | AU | JP | KR |
| 39 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 24 cm | 250 |
| 39.5 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 24.5 cm | 255 |
| 40 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 25 cm | 260 |
| 40.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 25.5 cm | 266 |
| 41 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 26 cm | 270 |
| 41.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 26.5 cm | 275 |
| 42 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 27 cm | 280 |
| 42.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 27.5 cm | 285 |
| 43 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 28 cm | 290 |
| 43.5 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 28.5 cm | 295 |
| 44 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 29 cm | 300 |
| 44.5 | 11.5 | 10.5 | 10.5 | 29.5 cm | 305 |
| 45 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 30 cm | 310 |
| 45.5 | 12.5 | 11.5 | 11.5 | 30.5 cm | 315 |
| 46 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 31 cm | 320 |
| 46.5 | 13.5 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 31.5 cm | 325 |
| 47 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 32 cm | 330 |
| 47.5 | 14.5 | 13.5 | 13.5 | 32.5 cm | 335 |
| 48 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 33 cm | 340 |
📌 Fit Note: Louboutin men’s sneakers (like Louis Junior or Vieira) are usually true to size, while loafers and formal shoes may feel snug due to their structured build.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’re between sizes and plan to wear thicker socks, consider sizing up half a size in men’s Louboutins.
5. Popular Louboutin Styles & Their Fit
One of the most common questions buyers ask is: “How does this specific Louboutin style fit?” Since each design is crafted with different silhouettes and materials, the fit can vary greatly. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular styles and what you should expect:
- So Kate & Pigalle → These iconic pointed stilettos are known for their extremely narrow fit and steep arch. Most women need to size up one full size for comfort.
- Kate → Slightly more forgiving than So Kate, but still slim. Most wearers prefer to size up half a size.
- Iriza → With its d’Orsay cut (open sides), this style runs closer to true size, though some still prefer going up half a size if they have wider feet.
- Hot Chick → With its dramatic curves and pointed toe, this style fits very much like the So Kate—size up one full size is recommended.
- Sandals → Most Christian Louboutin sandals tend to run true to size, thanks to their open design. However, if the straps are rigid, going up half a size can add comfort.
- Sneakers (Louis Junior, Vieira, etc.) → Louboutin sneakers are usually true to size, offering a more standard fit compared to the brand’s stilettos.
📌 Style Fit Cheat Sheet:
- Pointed Pumps (So Kate, Pigalle, Hot Chick) → Size up 1 full size.
- Classic Kate → Size up ½ size.
- Iriza → True to size (½ size up for wide feet).
- Sandals → True to size.
- Sneakers → True to size.
✨ Pro Tip: Always check the material—patent leather feels stiffer and less forgiving, while nappa leather stretches slightly with wear.
6. Tips for Choosing the Right Size
Buying Christian Louboutins can feel intimidating, especially when you’re investing in such a luxury piece. To make sure you choose the right fit, here are some practical tips every shopper should keep in mind:
- Always check the official size guide → Each Louboutin product page includes a sizing reference. Use it as your first point of comparison.
- Measure your feet → Use a tape measure or ruler to find your exact foot length, then match it with the EU size in Louboutin’s chart.
- Factor in the material →
- Nappa leather: Softer, tends to stretch with wear.
- Patent leather: Much stiffer, stretches very little, so you may need extra room.
- Nappa leather: Softer, tends to stretch with wear.
- Consider the break-in period → Pointed pumps and stilettos often need a few wears before they mold to your feet, while sneakers and loafers are usually comfortable from day one.
- If you have wide feet, size up → Many Louboutin pumps have narrow toe boxes. Going up half to one full size can prevent discomfort.
- Think about heel height → The higher the heel, the more pressure on the toes. Sizing up slightly can make a big difference in comfort.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’re between two sizes, it’s usually safer to go for the larger size, especially in pointed-toe pumps.
7. FAQs on Louboutin Shoe Sizes
Here are some of the most common questions shoppers ask about Christian Louboutin sizing:
Q1. Do Louboutins run small or true to size?
Most Christian Louboutin pumps and heels run ½ to 1 full size small due to their slim, narrow design. Sneakers and loafers, however, tend to run closer to true size.
Q2. Should I size up in Christian Louboutin pumps?
Yes. For pointed-toe pumps like So Kate or Pigalle, it’s recommended to size up at least ½ to 1 full size for a comfortable fit.
Q3. Are Louboutin sneakers true to size?
Generally, yes. Sneakers such as the Louis Junior or Vieira are designed with a more standard fit and are often true to size.
Q4. Can Louboutin shoes be stretched if too tight?
Yes, but only slightly. Leather Louboutins can stretch with wear or professional shoe stretching. Patent leather, however, is much less forgiving and may remain snug.
Q5. How do I know my exact Louboutin size online?
Measure your foot length and compare it with the official Louboutin size chart. Also, read product-specific reviews, since sizing may vary by style. If possible, try them in-store before purchasing online.
8. Conclusion
Finding the perfect pair of Christian Louboutins isn’t just about picking a beautiful design—it’s about ensuring the fit is right. Because these luxury shoes are known for their slimmer build and style-specific variations, getting the size wrong can lead to discomfort.
With the right size chart, style-specific fit notes, and a few practical tips, you’ll be much better prepared to choose the pair that feels as good as it looks.
Final tip: Always double-check the size guide on the official Louboutin website or, if possible, try your desired style in-store before buying.