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How to Spot Fake Christian Louboutin Shoes

How to Spot Fake Christian Louboutin Shoes
Ever since the first Louboutin boutique opened in 1991, the brand has been a staple of high class design. Christian Louboutin’s designs not only gave him a direct invitation to the top, but basically revived stiletto heels’ popularity singlehandedly. Not only that, but their signature red heels are backed by a trademark. If you want the iconic look, you have to get Louboutins. We can tell you though — it’s worth it! His designs are sleek and elegant, and the materials used to make his shoes are always top of the line.

So of course there are plenty of fakes.

Having one of the most searched designer brands in the world means having plenty of counterfeiters on your heels (literally!) Unfortunately, this means that plenty of well-meaning ladies get scammed out of their money. Keep reading, and we’ll keep your money in your pocket until you find a real pair of Louboutins.

Which Louboutins are “In”?

All of them.

While true, this of course isn’t what you’re looking for. As with most of the best designers, Louboutin’s line-up consists of both mainstay, classic designs and seasonal hits. We’re going to go over some of Louboutins biggest (and most counterfeited) products on the market. From the classic Pigalle and Kate to some of the newest shoes out there.

The Pigalle and Kate

When it comes to classic stiletto heels, the Pigalle and Kate designs are Louboutin staples. Of the two, the Pigalle came first. Named after Christian’s favorite neighborhood in Paris, these heels have a steep arch and pinpoint-thin heels. The heels are 4” long, and radiate a slim elegance that few other shoes can match.

The Kate is newer, and named after Kate Moss. Louboutin was helping Kate find the right shoe for her wedding, and in doing so created one of his best works. The Kate’s toe box is slightly wider than its counterparts, and the heel is thinner than the original Pigalle.

The Simple Pump

If the Kate and Pigalle are the staples of designer events, the simple pump design is a working woman’s most fashionable friend. These shoes are incredibly comfortable, sporting a smaller heel than their high-stiletto counterparts — all while maintaining the sleek curved arch that Louboutin has perfected.

Are they real or fake?

When it comes to the Pigalle, the Kate, and the simple pump, each have similar counterfeit tells:

- Shape - Fakes lose the casual elegance of the originals, often being chunky and wide.
- Overall Build Quality - Stitching on authentic shoes is absolutely precise. You won’t find rough patches or crooked lines anywhere on the shoes. If the stitching looks sketchy — the shoe is a bust!
- Logos and Lettering - High quality lettering is a must on real Louboutins, and the spacing between each letter should be even as well. If letters are slightly off-center or uneven, take a good look at the shoe. It most likely has other signs of counterfeiting that you’ve missed.

The Vicky

Funnily enough, the Vicky isn’t just one shoe — it’s two! Both Vicky’s have very similar builds, with 6” heels and a lustrous suede leather body. Combined with a tall platform, these shows give off an air of power and grace. This style is tastefully molded into a pair of thicker heels and some amazing looking boots.

Are they Real or Fake?

Vicky’s are faked less often than other Louboutin shoes, but there are still PLENTY of forgeries out there. Here are the top things to look out for before buying a pair of Vicky’s:

- Suede - This is by far the easiest way to tell if a pair of Vicky’s are fake. Fake suede may have some advantages over the real thing — but not when it comes to looks. Genuine suede tends to have a darker, richer color. Its silky smooth texture just can’t be beat. If your Vicky’s are a little light or have even a slightly shabby looking exterior — that’s cause for alarm.
- Sole - Because of the suede top, the sole of a fake Vicky boot or heel will likely be attached imperfectly. Look for rough patches around the heel and toe box in order to spot a fraudulent product.

Maryam and Nicol are In!

If you’re looking for the hottest summer shoes, the Maryam sandal and Nicol heels have designs that’ll blow you away — or keep it cool. The “Walk a Mile in my Shoes” collab with Sabrina and Idris Elba has two great designs in particular, a pastel flower combination and a more subdued line that gives serious reggae vibes.

In terms of the build, the Maryam is a pretty open sandal. It wraps around the heel and lower calf, which leaves most of the foot open, but tastefully so. The Nicol heel is pretty low for a Louboutin shoe, with its petite 85 mm heel. The vamp is layered, giving the open toed heel a lighter, summer look. Combine that with the Elba’s flower pattern and the shoe makes a perfect brunch accessory.

Are they Real or Fake?

Out of all of the shoes we’ve discussed today, the Maryam and Nicol are the least often faked. This is because they’re not in constant demand like the Kate and Pigalle, but it’s also because they’re generally harder to fake. Here are a couple easy ways to tell if your Nicol or Maryam are counterfeits:

- Straps - On the Maryam, the weaving, colorful straps are lovingly crafted to hold the foot comfortably and stylishly. Fakes are generally made from poorer, starchier materials. This causes the straps to be uncomfortable and less flexible. On the Nicol, the vamp’s layers will look clean on a real pair, and uneven/disheveled if fake.
- Red Sole - Despite the sole not being as central to the design of the Nicol and Maryam, they still have the signature red bottom. Less effort is likely to be put into the sole of a fake pair of either one of these shoes, but especially so on the Maryam sandal. If your sole looks shoddy, get those shoes out of your sight!

If you’re looking to add any one of these distinctive Louboutin shoes to your collection — Buyma has you covered! Our products are all authenticated extensively, and come with a money-back guarantee that can’t be beat. Don’t let yourself get worked up by counterfeit shoes, come over here and get your designer heel worry free.

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