The Christian Louboutin Miss Z is the house's first pump with a built-in padded insole, offered in four heights: 60, 80, 100 and 120 mm. It fits closer to true size than the So Kate thanks to a wider toe box and softer pitch, though we'd still go up a half size if you're between sizes. The TPU-injected Everlasting Red sole is noticeably more scratch-resistant than the lacquered leather on earlier models.
Related reading
By the Avantelle Authentication Team · Last updated 16 July 2026
When Christian Louboutin debuted the Miss Z at the Spring/Summer 2025 show in Paris, the house was making a quiet admission: its pumps could be more comfortable. The Miss Z is the result, and it's genuinely different from anything the brand has released before. We've been authenticating both the Miss Z and its 120 mm predecessor since the new model first hit shelves in January 2025, and the construction differences are obvious the moment you pick them up.
What makes the Miss Z different from other Louboutins?
Three things set the Miss Z apart, and they're all structural rather than cosmetic.
The padded insole is the headline. Every Louboutin pump before the Miss Z used an unpadded leather insole, which is part of why models like the Pigalle and the classic 120 mm stiletto have a reputation for punishing all-day wear. The Miss Z's insole has built-in cushioning under the ball of the foot, and you can feel it immediately when you step in.
The Everlasting Red sole is Louboutin's answer to a well-known frustration with the brand: the traditional lacquered finish wears through. The Miss Z's sole is injected with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), giving it a polished red finish that's significantly more resistant to scratching and slipping. If you've ever nursed a pair of Louboutins through a cobbled street, you'll understand what that means in practice.
The wider toe box gives your forefoot noticeably more room than earlier pointed-toe models like the Pigalle. The Miss Z still comes to a sharp point, but the volume inside is more generous, and the pitch (the angle from heel to toe) is softer at each height. The cutaway stiletto, where the heel exposes the signature lacquer running up the back, is a visual signature unique to this model.
How does the Miss Z compare to the So Kate?
The 120 mm stiletto is still one of the most recognisable pumps in the world, but it's a different proposition entirely. Here's how the two sit side by side.
| Miss Z | So Kate | |
|---|---|---|
| Heights available | 60, 80, 100, 120 mm | 120 mm only |
| Insole | Padded (cushioned ball) | Unpadded leather |
| Toe box | Wider, more forgiving | Narrow, snug |
| Sole | Everlasting Red (TPU-injected) | Lacquered red leather |
| Pitch | Softer angle at each height | Steep (120 mm fixed) |
| Stiletto design | Cutaway (signature lacquer visible from behind) | Standard |
| Sizing | Closer to true size | Runs small; half size up |
| Boutique price (UK) | From approx. £795 | Approx. £695 |
The practical difference comes down to this: Louboutin's classic 120 mm is a stiletto that demands commitment. It's gorgeous and iconic, but it's not a shoe most people can wear for more than a few hours. The Miss Z at 100 mm, with its padding and wider toe box, is a pump you could realistically wear through an evening without planning your exit. At 60 mm, it's an entirely different category, closer to a kitten style that happens to carry the signature sole.
Price-wise, the Miss Z sits about £100 above the 120 mm at boutique. Pre-owned, a So Kate 120 in good condition starts from around £250 on Avantelle, which makes it a different calculation if you're weighing the two.
How does the Miss Z fit?
The Miss Z runs closer to true European size than most Louboutin pointed-toe pumps. The wider toe box and padded insole mean your foot isn't being compressed into the same tight envelope as the Pigalle or an older 120 mm pump.
That said, it's still a pointed-toe stiletto with Italian sizing. If you're between sizes, we'd go up a half. A UK 5 (EU 38) in most shoes typically translates to an EU 38 in the Miss Z, whereas the same person might need an EU 38.5 in the classic 120 mm. For a detailed breakdown of how each model maps, our Christian Louboutin size guide covers every major style.
The Miss Z is more forgiving for wider forefeet than earlier models, but it's not a wide-fit shoe. If you have a genuinely wide foot, trying on in store is still the safest approach. The 60 mm and 80 mm heights are generally more forgiving, because a lower pitch puts less pressure on the ball of the foot regardless of padding.
What heights does the Miss Z come in?
Four, which is unusually broad for a single Louboutin model. The heights guide covers the full house range, but here's what the Miss Z offers.
- 60 mm is a genuine kitten option, and one of the strongest answers to the question 'does Christian Louboutin make a kitten style?' It's low enough for all-day wear and still carries the full Miss Z design, including the cutaway stiletto and Everlasting Red sole.
- 80 mm balances presence with comfort. This height is also available as a mule in the wider Miss Z collection.
- 100 mm is the core height and widely stocked. For most people, this is the Miss Z sweet spot: enough height to feel like a proper stiletto, with the padding making a real difference at this pitch.
- 120 mm is the statement height. At 120 mm the Miss Z is still more comfortable than Louboutin's older 120 mm pump at the same pitch, but the padding advantage narrows as the angle steepens. We'd recommend this for shorter events or seated occasions.
Materials span patent calf leather (the signature, in black, nude and white), laminated nappa in metallic finishes, suede, and limited crystal-embellished editions. The patent is the easiest to authenticate and among the most durable choices for regular wear.
Who wears the Miss Z?
The name has fuelled speculation since launch. Stylist Law Roach publicly suggested the 'Z' stands for Zendaya, echoing the Kate's long-rumoured Kate Moss connection. Christian Louboutin told Footwear News the collection was 'designed and developed with Gen Z in mind', without confirming or denying the Zendaya link. What's certain is that Zendaya wore the Miss Z prominently during her Spider-Man: Brand New Day press tour in June 2026, and the pump has appeared on Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, Doja Cat and Kate Hudson at the Oscars.
For a deeper look at the overlap between Zendaya and the house, we covered Zendaya's Louboutin story earlier this year.
Is the Miss Z worth the extra over a So Kate?
It depends on what you're after. If you want the iconic 120 mm silhouette at the best pre-owned price, a pair from Avantelle starts at around £250 and still turns heads. If comfort and longevity matter more, the Miss Z's padding, wider toe box and scratch-resistant sole genuinely justify the premium, particularly at the 80 or 100 mm heights where the comfort gap is widest.
The honest answer on Louboutin comfort is that no pointed-toe stiletto is built for a full day on your feet, but the Miss Z is among the more comfortable pumps in the current range. If you're new to Christian Louboutin entirely, our beginner's guide is worth a read before committing. And if you're weighing pre-owned Louboutins more broadly, our value breakdown covers what to expect.
Shop the Edit
Pre-owned Christian Louboutin styles, authenticated and in stock now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall are Miss Z pumps?
The Miss Z comes in four heights: 60, 80, 100 and 120 mm. The 100 mm is widely stocked and generally considered the best balance of height and comfort.
Is the Miss Z more comfortable than the So Kate?
Yes. The Miss Z has a padded insole, a wider toe box and a softer pitch. The comfort difference is most noticeable at 80 and 100 mm, where the cushioning under the ball of the foot makes a real difference over several hours.
Does Christian Louboutin make a kitten style?
The Miss Z 60 mm is one of the house's lower options, and it carries the full design including the Everlasting Red sole and cutaway stiletto. The heights guide covers all lower options across the range.
Do Miss Z pumps run true to size?
The Miss Z runs closer to true European size than Louboutin's older pointed-toe pumps, thanks to its wider toe box. If you're between sizes, go up a half. A UK 5 is typically an EU 38 in the Miss Z. See our full size guide for model-by-model comparisons.
What is the Everlasting Red sole?
The Everlasting Red sole is a TPU-injected (thermoplastic polyurethane) version of the signature Louboutin sole, introduced on the Miss Z. It is more scratch-resistant and provides better grip than the traditional lacquered leather used on earlier models including the Kate.
Why is the Miss Z more expensive than other Louboutin pumps?
The Miss Z's padded insole, TPU-injected Everlasting Red sole and expanded material range add to the production cost. At boutique, the Miss Z starts from around £795 in patent leather, versus approximately £695 for the 120 mm stiletto.
Browse the full Christian Louboutin collection, or learn how to authenticate Christian Louboutin shoes before you buy.
