As an expert who has evaluated countless designer heels, the Christian Louboutin Pigalle reigns supreme as one of the most coveted and iconic stilettos on the market. With its dramatically steep pitch and ultra-feminine silhouette, the Christian Louboutin Pigalle exudes sensuality and luxury in one gorgeous high fashion package.
In this comprehensive Christain Louboutin Heels review, I’ll be sharing my in-depth professional insights into everything you need to know when considering the Christian Louboutin Pigalle. From the array of style and heel height options, to critical factors regarding sizing, break-in, comfort, care and maintenance, you’ll have all the details to determine if this legendary stiletto is truly worth the substantial investment for your personal designer shoe collection.
Let’s kick things off by looking at the different Christian Louboutin Pigalle styles and key details on what makes them unique.
Christian Louboutin Pigalle Styles and Key Details on Heel Heights
One of the first things to understand about the Christian Louboutin Pigalle is that this coveted shoe comes in several different heel height options, which are measured in millimeters (mm) corresponding to the actual height of the stiletto heel itself.
The most popular and commonly seen heel heights include:
- Pigalle 100mm – This more approachable mid heel height option has a subtle and gradual pitch, perfect for achieving a leg-lengthening look. Of all the Christian Louboutin Pigalle heel styles, the 100mm is considered the most comfortable and easiest to walk in for extended wear. It offers moderate elevation without being too extreme.
- Pigalle 120mm – The original and most iconic Christian Louboutin Pigalle style, the 120mm heel provides an extreme 120mm pitch for an incredibly sultry, elegant and sensual silhouette. However, the incredibly steep angle also makes this height one of the most challenging Christian Louboutin Pigalle styles to walk in or wear for long periods of time comfortably. Definitely recommended for the shoe expert rather than a novice!
- Pigalle Plato 120mm – This popular variation combines the same sexy 120mm heel height with the addition of a platform sole. The platform works to decrease the steepness of the pitch, making this 120mm height slightly easier to balance in than the classic Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120mm without a platform.
- Pigalle 140mm – Lastly, for the true shoe daredevil, the Christian Louboutin Pigalle also comes in a sky-high 140mm heel option. Reaching a dramatic 140mm, this Christian Louboutin Pigalle style is recommended for experts only who are highly experienced in wearing and walking smoothly in ultra high heels. The average heel wearer will find this pitch intensity very difficult to master.
While the actual heel height varies quite a bit between these options, the signature pointed toe shape and overall lean, feminine silhouette remains consistent across all versions of the Christian Louboutin Pigalle stiletto. Choosing the right heel height will come down to personal factors like experience level, intended use cases, and your own height and body type.
Critical Considerations for Proper Sizing and Fit
One of the trickiest and most critical factors when evaluating and choosing a pair of Christian Louboutin Pigalle heels is making sure to select the proper shoe size for your feet. This is not a “typical” heel when it comes to sizing.
Due to the nature of its steep pitch and dramatically low-cut sidewalls, the Christian Louboutin Pigalle tends to run quite large and gap away from the foot if not sized down substantially. Most wearers will need to size down between a half size to a full size or even more compared to their regular heel size in order to achieve the proper snug Christian Louboutin Pigalle fit.
This is because the extreme incline and lack of upper support causes the foot to slide forward, which can result in slippage, gaping, and even risk of injury if the shoes are too big. Sizing down keeps the foot securely in place inside the Christian Louboutin Pigalle’s signature low-cut silhouette.
When trying on this stiletto, look for a very tight fit out of the box, where your toes just barely graze the front end of the shoe when standing. Some mild discomfort at first from snugness is normal. The leather materials will stretch and mold to your foot with repeated wears, so when in doubt, size down versus going too large.
An additional fit note – the Christian Louboutin Pigalle comes in both patent leather as well as kid leather options. Due to the inherent properties of the materials, the patent leather does have more natural stretch and give to it over time versus kid leather. So you may want to size down a touch more if opting for the glossy patent finish, which will expand slightly as it molds specifically to your foot shape.
Breaking In Process and Stretching the Materials
Speaking of molding and shaping, one of the hallmarks of the Christian Louboutin Pigalle heel is the substantial break-in period required to go from initially snug to ultimately glove-like in fit. Having patience through this transition is key to shaping the stiletto perfectly to your foot for maximum long-term comfort.
Expect the fit to feel quite constricted and narrow especially through the toe box area when first wearing the Christian Louboutin Pigalles fresh out of the box. This is perfectly normal. As you begin to walk in the shoes and wear them through multiple uses, the materials – especially the leather upper – will incrementally shape themselves to the exact contours of your unique foot.
Many wearers recommend using a sock and hairdryer to gently warm and expand the patent leather, speeding up this molding time. Lightly padded inserts can also help provide cushioning and reduce rub as your foot settles into position during the break-in phase.
For the non-patent kid leather option, the leather is firmer and less pliable initially. So the Christian Louboutin Pigalle break-in period will simply take more wears before the fit truly customizes to your foot. But the end result of a flawless, contoured fit makes the initial snugness well worth it in the end.
Caring for the Signature Red Sole Over Time
An iconic component of any Christian Louboutin shoe that contributes greatly to the aesthetic appeal is the signature glossy, lacquered red sole. However, this eye-catching pop of vibrant color does require some ongoing care and maintenance to keep it looking fresh.
An iconic component of any Christian Louboutin shoe that contributes greatly to the aesthetic appeal is the signature glossy, lacquered red sole. However, this eye-catching pop of vibrant color does require some ongoing care and maintenance to keep it looking fresh.
Through regular wear, especially during the break-in period as the materials smooth out, the bright red color will gradually fade and wear down on the sole over time. To help minimize premature fading, applying a thin, clear rubber sole guard onto the red lacquer prior to your first wears can help protect it from rubbing off.
However, take caution not to apply permanent, thick rubber soles, as this tends to diminish the beautiful silhouette shaping of the classic Christian Louboutin Pigalle arch and heel. Instead, use a red polish or touch up paint every so often as required to keep the color refreshed and vibrant to maintain that recognizable Louboutin red sole pop.
Caring for the upper leather is also important for longevity. Gently wipe down the patent leather with a damp cloth to remove dust and oils after each wear. Use a leather cleaner only when truly needed to avoid over-stripping the finish. And be sure to store the Christian Louboutin Pigalles in their dust bags after each use to prevent moisture damage or scuffs between wears.
Comparing Factors Impacting Comfort and Wearability
When reviewing a statement stiletto as dramatic as the 4-5 inch Christian Louboutin Pigalle, assessing wearability and comfort is a key consideration that cannot be overlooked. There is no question – the legendarily steep 120mm pitch lives up to its notorious reputation for being extremely challenging to smoothly walk in and balance on for extended periods of time.
At a towering 120mm, you are literally perched en pointe, requiring strong ankle stability, calf muscles, and plenty of practice in order to carry yourself with the intended grace these Christian Louboutin heels demand. Unless you are highly experienced in ultra-high heels, plan to reserve the 120mm height Christian Louboutin Pigalle for special occasions, date nights, or wear only in small doses – from the car to dinner or a cocktail event. For the average heel wearer, all-day or all-night wear will result in discomfort or fatigue.
For improved longevity and ability to walk confidently while showcasing the Christian Louboutin Pigalle’s sensual silhouette, consider opting for the lower 100mm heel or the Christian Louboutin Pigalle Plato 120mm version. The slightly lowered 100mm pitch eases tension on the calves and balls of the feet compared to the steep 120mm. And the Christian Louboutin Pigalle Plato 120mm’s integrated platform reduces the pitch dramatically, while still delivering that coveted boost in height.
Both options allow you to comfortably strut and stand for extended periods while delivering the leggy, head-turning look the Christian Louboutin Pigalle is coveted for. You still get the height and slimming silhouette with improved stability.
Final Verdict – Are the Pigalle Heels Worth the Investment?
In closing this extensive, Christian Louboutin Pigalle review, let’s discuss the key question – given the sky high price point, are the Christian Louboutin Pigalle heels truly worth the splurge?
In my educated opinion as a fashion expert who has evaluated many designer shoes, the Christian Louboutin Pigalle still reigns supreme in delivering breathtaking sensual aesthetics balanced with expert Italian craftsmanship and quality. Very few shoes manage to strike the perfect profile of feminine beauty meets luxurious appeal in the way this stiletto does.