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What’s the Difference: Christian Louboutin’s Pigalle, Pigalle Follies and So Kate Pumps

You can spot Christian Louboutin‘s red lacquered soles anywhere, but differentiating between the brand’s various classic pumps is a bit more challenging. For a footwear-focused brand like Louboutin, attention to the slightest changes in toe box, pitch (the angle at which a high heel rises) and heel is what it takes to differentiate the most popular styles and decide which is right for you. We put together a comparative guide to help you understand the subtle variations between Christian Louboutin’s Pigalle, Pigalle Follies and So Kate pumps, and you can learn all about each of the super popular, super sexy styles below.

[Editor’s Note: This post was originally published June 23, 2016. Think of it as PurseBlog Classic!]

Sizing and Heel Comparison

Sizing: As always, fit depends on the wearer’s foot structure. Many woman who wear Louboutin pumps are not the same size in all of the brand’s styles. However, due to the narrow silhouette of all three pumps, the consumer consensus for these three styles is to go up a half size if your foot is on the wider side of average.

Comparison

The So Kate and Pigalle Follies have a similar heel structure, which tapers as it nears the ground, although the Follies’ heel is slightly thicker. The Pigalle has an even thicker heel that does not taper.

The Christian Louboutin Pigalle Pump

The Pigalle is a brand classic that’s been around for over a decade. This iconic style features the shortest toe box of the group, which give the illusion of the highest arch. While the Pigalle comes in various heel heights, the most popular by far is the 120mm version. (Go big or go home, right?) The steep pitch, vertiginous heel and low sides are both sexy and extreme, which is everything Louboutin stands for

Louboutin-Pigalle-TS-Testimonial_9

Heel Heights Currently Available: 120mm/4.8 inches, 100mm/4 inches, 85mm/3.3 inches
Starting Price: $675
Shop 85mm for $675 via Net-a-Porter Shop 100mm for $675 via Net-a-Porter Shop 120mm for $675 via Bergdorf Goodman
Shop 85mm pumps for $675 via Net-a-Porter
Shop 100mm pumps for $675 via Net-a-Porter
Shop 120mm pump for $675 via Bergdorf Goodman

The Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies Pump

The Pigalle Follies design is a combination of the Pigalle and So Kate. Of the group, the Follies comes in the widest selection of heel heights, ranging from flat to stiletto. The toe box is shorter than the So Kate, but is not as short as the Pigalle. The heel of the Follies is narrow and tapered, like the So Kate. Unlike the Pigalle and the So Kate, the Follies features a cushioned insole, which makes the world of difference when it comes to long-term wear. If you’re looking for a sexy heel but are daunted by the pitch of the So Kate, then this is the pump for you.

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies Pump

Heel Heights Currently Available: 120mm/4.8 inches, 100mm/4 inches, 55mm/2.3 inches, flat
Starting Price: $595
Shop Pigalle Follies Flat for $595 via Christian Louboutin  Shop 55mm pump for $675 via Bergdorf Goodman  Shop 100mm pump for $675 via Bergdorf Goodman  Shop 120mm pump for $745 via Neiman Marcus
Shop Pigalle Follies Flat for $595 via Christian Louboutin
Shop 55mm pump for $675 via Bergdorf Goodman
Shop 100mm pump for $675 via Bergdorf Goodman
Shop 120mm pump for $745 via Neiman Marcus

The Christian Louboutin So Kate Pump

Louboutin’s So Kate pump features the steepest pitch and most severely pointed toe of the group. The toe box is longer than the famed Pigalle, and the heel is the thinnest when compared to the Pigalle and the Pigalle Follies. However, its angular silhouette makes it one of the sexiest shoes in the luxury footwear market. The So Kate is only available in a 120mm heel height, so if you’re up for the challenge, then this is the shoe for you.

So-Kate-2a

Heel Heights Currently Available: 120mm/4.8 inches
Starting Price: $675
$675 via Bergdorf Goodman
$675 via Bergdorf Goodman
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