By the Avantelle Authentication Team · Last updated July 2026
The Christian Louboutin So Kate has a 120mm heel, roughly 4.7 inches, and it runs about half a size small. In patent leather, the fit won't soften with wear, so we'd recommend going half a size up from your usual EU size. If you fall between sizes, take the larger. A new pair starts from around £645 at the boutique; on our pre-owned shelf, authenticated pairs sit from £274.99.
How tall is 120mm in inches?
120mm converts to 4.72 inches, or just under 12 centimetres. That places it among the steepest production pumps the house makes, second only to the Hot Chick at 130mm. For context, the Kate 100 sits at 3.9 inches, and the Pigalle 85 at 3.3 inches.
What that height actually means underfoot: the pitch angle shifts the majority of your body weight onto the ball of your foot. The narrower and more pointed the last, the more you feel it, and this pump's last is one of the narrowest in the range. In the pairs that come through us, the toe box is where we see wear concentrate first, which tells you where the pressure lives.
Is the Christian Louboutin So Kate true to size?
No. It generally runs half a size small, and in our experience sizing up is the single most important thing you can do when buying a pair. The combination of the extremely pointed toe and the 120mm pitch pushes your foot forward into the narrowest part of the shoe. That forward slide is what makes it feel tighter than a Kate or Pigalle at the same EU size.
If you normally wear an EU 38 in most shoes, we'd steer you to a 38.5 in this style. If you're already a half size (say, a 37.5), try a 38. It's a consistent pattern in the pre-owned pairs that reach us: the barely-worn ones are almost always patent bought true to size.
The broader sizing picture is worth knowing too. Most of the house's pointed-toe styles run a touch small, but this model is among the most pronounced. For a model-by-model breakdown, our full size guide covers every major style.
Does patent leather change how this heel fits?
Significantly. Patent calf leather has a lacquered finish that makes it stiffer than plain leather or suede, and that stiffness means it won't stretch to your foot over time. What you feel when you first put them on is essentially what you'll feel at wear fifty. In pre-owned pairs, patent holds its original shape almost exactly.
Suede has marginally more give. It's not a dramatic stretch, but across the toe box you'll notice the suede conform to your foot over the first few wears. In suede, some people find their true EU size works; we'd still lean toward half up if you're on the fence.
Kid leather and nappa sit between the two. They're softer than patent out of the box and will mould gently, but with this shoe's steep pitch, half a size up remains the safer bet.
How does the 120mm compare to other Louboutin heels?
This pump sits in a specific place in the Louboutin lineup, and understanding that helps you decide whether it's the right heel for you, or whether the Kate or Pigalle would serve you better.
| Model | Heel height | Inches | Sizing advice | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kate 85 | 85mm | 3.3 in. | Half size up | All-day wear, first Louboutin |
| Kate 100 | 100mm | 3.9 in. | Half size up | Evening, confident walkers |
| Pigalle 100 | 100mm | 3.9 in. | Half size up | Slightly more toe room than Kate |
| So Kate 120 | 120mm | 4.7 in. | Half size up (essential) | Events, seated occasions, collectors |
| Hot Chick 130 | 130mm | 5.1 in. | Half to full size up | Red carpet, statement moments |
The model debuted in 2013, named after Kate Moss, as the more extreme sibling of the Kate. Where the Kate comes in 70mm, 85mm, and 100mm options, this one is only offered at 120mm. It shares the same needle-point toe but sits on a steeper, longer stiletto. The Pigalle, by comparison, has a fractionally rounder toe profile and a slightly different arch, which some find more forgiving.
If you're new to the house's heels, we'd honestly steer you toward the Kate 85 or the Pigalle 85 first. The So Kate is a shoe for collectors and people who already know what 120mm asks of their feet.
How do you walk in So Kate 120mm heels?
Confidently, but realistically. The 120mm pitch means shorter strides, heel-to-toe placement, and an awareness that this is a shoe designed to be worn, not hiked in. You'll feel the difference from a 100mm heel within the first few steps: the forward pitch is noticeably steeper, and your calf muscles engage differently.
A few things that genuinely help: break them in on carpet at home first (fifteen minutes at a time), use a non-slip sole protector to add grip before wearing them out, and save them for occasions where you won't be on your feet for hours straight. Seated dinners, events with seating, cocktail parties. We go deeper on how to walk in 120mm heels, from posture to stride length.
The lacquered red sole is part of the appeal, but it does wear, especially on pavement. Knowing how to care for your Louboutin red soles will help you keep them looking sharp.
At 120mm, the So Kate puts 4.7 inches of heel on one of the house's most demanding lasts. Size half up in patent, consider half up in suede, and wear them where you can sit. Pre-owned pairs start from £274.99 versus around £645 new.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many inches is 120mm?
120mm is 4.72 inches, commonly rounded to 4.7 inches. That places this pump among the tallest in the Christian Louboutin range, just below the 130mm Hot Chick.
How many centimetres is 120mm?
120mm is 12 centimetres, or just under five inches. For comparison, the Kate 100 is 10 centimetres and the Pigalle 85 is 8.5 centimetres.
Do Louboutin So Kates run small?
Yes. This style generally runs about half a size small due to its extremely pointed toe and steep 120mm pitch, which pushes the foot forward. We'd recommend going half a size up from your usual EU size, particularly in patent leather.
Are Christian Louboutin shoes true to size?
Most Louboutin pointed-toe styles run slightly small. The degree varies by model: the Kate and Pigalle are half a size small, while this style and the Hot Chick are among the smallest-fitting. Rounder styles like the Simple Pump tend to fit closer to true size.
How much do So Kate 120mm heels cost new?
The 120mm patent pump retails from around £645 in the UK. Pre-owned authenticated pairs on Avantelle start from £274.99, depending on condition and colourway.
Is the So Kate comfortable for all-day wear?
Honestly, no. The 120mm heel and narrow last make it a shoe for events and occasions, not full workdays. Most people find two to three hours comfortable; beyond that, you'll feel the pitch. For longer wear, the Kate 85 or the Pigalle 85 are more forgiving choices.
