Christian Louboutin So Kate 120mm: Heel Height and True Sizing

Quick Answer: Christian Louboutin So Kate Essentials

Last updated: January 2026

The Christian Louboutin So Kate is a sharply pointed 120mm stiletto pump, famous for its severe pitch and striking profile. It typically feels narrow and runs small, so most people size up half to one full size. Pre-owned pairs offer excellent value (many are worn once), provided you buy authenticated with clear condition grading and returns protection.

• Heel height: 120mm (sizes EU 38+), 115mm (sizes EU 35-37) to maintain proportions
• Fit reality: Runs at least half a size small, extremely narrow toe box
• Comfort level: Car-to-venue shoe, 2-3 hours maximum standing
• Pre-owned value: Typically 40-70% below retail depending on condition
• Best for: Events, red carpets, arrivals (not all-night dancing)

Quick links: Shop pre-owned So Kate | Christian Louboutin size guide | how to authenticate Christian Louboutin | Authentication guide

Few silhouettes command attention the way the Christian Louboutin So Kate does: the So Kate 120mm pointed-toe pump that people photograph first and attempt to walk in second. In the UK, the Louboutin So Kate is also one of the most searched and most mis-bought red sole icons in the market, because people regularly confuse heel heights, misjudge sizing against their own feet, and fall for counterfeits that are produced specifically to exploit that demand.

If you are searching for guidance on buying authentic pre-owned Christian Louboutin So Kate, want to understand the sizing quirks that catch so many people out, or need to authenticate a pre-owned pair before you commit to it, this guide covers all of it in detail.

Why Are Louboutins Called So Kate?

The So Kate was named after Kate Moss. Christian Louboutin created the silhouette in direct response to her influence on the fitting room: her consistent requests for a narrower toe box, a sharper pitch, and a heel that felt uncompromisingly elongated rather than merely high. The result was a shoe built around her specific aesthetic instinct, and it was named in her honour.

The name has since become inseparable from the style itself. When Louboutin designed the earlier Kate pump, the So Kate was the evolution of that same principle taken further. The So was an intensifier, reflecting a more extreme version of an already pared-back silhouette. That directional sharpness is what continues to define it, and what makes it one of the most immediately recognisable heels in the brand's archive.

Key Takeaways

• The Christian Louboutin So Kate is a severe pointed toe pump with a stiletto heel and extreme heel pitch (typically 120mm/115mm depending on size).
• Sizing runs small and narrow; most people size up, especially in patent leather and if your toe box is wider.
• Comfort reality: it is a statement shoe, not a comfort shoe (plan “car to venue” wear).
• Pre-owned is where the value is: many pairs are one-event shoes, so luxury resale can mean near-new condition for less.
• If you buy pre-owned or preloved, prioritise authenticated luxury sellers with clear photos, returns, and consistent condition grading.

What is the Christian Louboutin So Kate?

The Christian Louboutin So Kate is the most severe pointed-toe pump in the maison's range: long, low-cut, and perched on a 120mm stiletto heel that creates an unapologetically dramatic arch. The silhouette is known for its extreme pitch, which places your foot high and forward over the ball, and for its narrow toe box that does not accommodate optimism about fit. The result is spectacular in photographs and genuinely demanding if you approach it expecting an all-night walking shoe.

The style was introduced in the Autumn/Winter 2013 collection as a considered evolution of the classic Pigalle, developed with Kate Moss as the reference point. The request from those fittings was consistently for thinner heels and sharper, more elongated toes, and Louboutin eventually distilled those modifications into a production model that bears her name. The "So Kate" is both a tribute and an honest description: this is the shoe for those who place silhouette above all other considerations.

If one honest sentence is what you need: the Christian Louboutin So Kate is the shoe you wear for the entrance, and then quietly slip off under the dinner table when no one is looking.

Shop pre-owned So Kate if you want the silhouette without paying retail pricing.

Is Christian Louboutin So Kate Always 120mm?

In pump form, the Christian Louboutin So Kate is defined as a 120mm heel. That measurement is how the maison presents it, and it is the characteristic that distinguishes the style from everything else in the range. If you encounter a listing for a "So Kate 100mm" or "So Kate 85mm," you are almost certainly looking at a mislabelled Kate pump, which is the lower-heeled sister style, or at a counterfeit.

Authenticity check: If the listing says "So Kate" but the heel height is not specified as 120mm (or 115mm for smaller sizes), treat it as "needs verification" and request the exact style name, clear side profile photos, and sole stamp images before paying.

The Sizing Secret: Heel Height Scales by Shoe Size

What most guides overlook: the Christian Louboutin So Kate heel height varies slightly by shoe size, specifically to maintain consistent leg-lengthening proportions across the full range. Smaller sizes from EU 35 to EU 37 typically measure closer to 115mm, while EU 38 and above reach the full 120mm. This is entirely intentional. Louboutin scales the pitch so that the silhouette reads consistently regardless of foot length.

If you wear a smaller size and have concerns about 120mm being too extreme, you are in practice getting a marginally lower pitch, though it is worth noting it remains severe. More practically, do not allow a seller to persuade you that a 115mm measurement in a size 36 is a sign of a fake. Check the stated size first, then verify the heel height against what that size is expected to measure.

Christian Louboutin So Kate vs Kate: What's the Difference?

The Kate line was introduced in 2012 as the more wearable counterpart to the So Kate. The visual profile is nearly identical, sharing the same long pointed toe, low vamp, and clean side line, but the Kate comes in multiple heel heights including 55mm, 85mm, and 100mm. The architecture is the same; the intention behind each height is fundamentally different.

• If you want the So Kate look but plan to walk or stand for 4+ hours: start with Kate 85mm or 100mm and keep the Christian Louboutin So Kate for specific events.
• If you want the icon and accept the reality: buy Christian Louboutin So Kate 120mm and plan your night around sitting, not standing.

Browse both styles: Shop pre-owned So Kate | Kate and other pointed toe pumps

Christian Louboutin So Kate vs Pigalle: Visual Differences

The Pigalle is a different architecture, and this matters considerably when you are buying pre-owned because sellers mix the names with surprising frequency. The Louboutin So Kate tends to read longer through the toe and cleaner through the overall side profile, with a more uncompromising pitch at 120mm. The Pigalle often reads slightly fuller through the upper and can feel a degree more stable underfoot, even at the same height.

As a quick reference: the Christian Louboutin So Kate is the right choice if you are prioritising silhouette above all else. The Pigalle suits you if you need two or more hours of standing time without the extreme pitch, while keeping the pointed-toe aesthetic intact. Read our complete Pigalle guide for sizing, fit, and pre-owned buying guidance.

When assessing any listing, prioritise sellers who provide a genuine side profile shot with the shoe resting on a flat surface. That angle reveals the architecture of the last more clearly than any other photograph, and it is the one that separates authentic pairs from the well-photographed alternatives.

Who Should Buy Christian Louboutin So Kate (and Who Shouldn't)?

Christian Louboutin So Kate is ideal if you:

• Want a red carpet, gala, or event shoe for arrivals and photographs
• Have narrow to medium-width feet
• Are comfortable sizing up and accepting a "sitting shoe" reality
• Value the silhouette and understand the comfort trade-off
• Plan to wear them for 2-3 hours maximum with minimal walking

Christian Louboutin So Kate is not ideal if you:

• Need to walk or stand for 4+ hours (weddings, all-night events)
• Have wide feet, bunions, or prominent toe bones (try Pigalle Follies 100mm instead)
• Are buying your first pair of Louboutins (start with an 85mm or 100mm style to understand the fit)
• Expect "comfortable heels" (they do not exist at 120mm)

Shop pre-owned So Kate if you want the icon in a smarter (pre-owned) way.

Christian Louboutin So Kate for Weddings

So Kate wedding shoes are genuinely popular, particularly among brides who want a sharp, clean side profile in photographs and are clear-eyed about the 120mm reality. If a Christian Louboutin wedding moment is what you are planning, the most reliable colour choices are nude patent, white, ivory, and blush. They photograph beautifully, read quietly expensive against most fabrics, and work across a wide range of dress styles without competing for attention.

Two principles worth following if you want So Kate wedding shoes that you will still be wearing at the end of the evening: break them in properly beforehand across four to six short sessions at home on clean floors, and do not guess at your size. Use our Christian Louboutin size guide and buy based on what your foot actually needs rather than what you would prefer the answer to be.

Browse nude and ivory So Kate for weddings →

The So Kate is not a forgiving shoe and it does not pretend to be. That is precisely what makes it so compelling. Worn correctly, there is nothing quite like it.

Christian Louboutin So Kate Sizing: The Honest Truth

Most people find the So Kate feels at least half a size small in practice, particularly if you have a wider forefoot or a longer second toe. The shape is narrow by design, the extreme pitch pushes the foot consistently forward, and the toe box genuinely does not accommodate optimism about fit. If you are between sizes on anything else you own, this is not the shoe to take a chance on.

The heel height at 120mm, or 115mm in smaller sizes, changes how your foot sits inside the shoe relative to a more upright heel, and that shift in position affects which size feels correct. If you are working from a So Kate size chart, treat it as a starting point rather than a final answer. Then factor in the specific material of your pair, since patent leather behaves differently from kid leather or suede in terms of stretch and give, and account honestly for the shape of your own foot.

Practical Sizing Approach

• If you are usually consistent in Louboutin sizing: start there, but be prepared that the Christian Louboutin So Kate may feel tighter than your other pairs. Many people take a full size larger than their usual size.
• If you have a wider forefoot: expect more pressure at the tip and plan for a gentler break in period (or consider pre-owned pairs already softened by previous wear).
• If you have a longer second toe: the pointed shape will push that toe forward, creating pressure at the very tip. Size up and use gel toe pads if needed.
• If you are buying pre-owned: ask whether the previous owner added a sole protector, had the pair stretched, or made any modifications. These changes alter the fit.

Break-In Timeline: What to Expect

• First wear (0-2 hours): Stiff, especially in patent leather. Use blister plasters on heels, pinky toes, and any known hotspots before you leave the house.
• After 3-5 wears: Leather softens slightly at flex points (ball of foot, vamp edge). Still unforgiving at the toe box.
• 10+ wears: Marginally more tolerable, but never "comfortable" in the trainers sense. The pitch remains severe.

One of the most practical reasons to buy pre-owned Christian Louboutin So Kate, particularly in patent leather, is that the most demanding part of ownership has already been handled. The previous owner has worn the pair through those first stiff, testing outings, and the leather has begun to adapt. When the pair reaches you, it is already on its way to being broken in. For anyone who has experienced the first hour of a brand-new patent So Kate, this is not a trivial consideration.

For a deeper breakdown including patent vs suede behaviour and foot-type specific advice, read our detailed Christian Louboutin So Kate 120mm sizing guide.

View our current So Kate inventory with sizes clearly marked →

Comfort Reality and Survival Tips

The Christian Louboutin So Kate is genuinely stunning for as long as you forget you are wearing it, which is when it reminds you. The toe is narrow, the pitch is steep, and the shoe was never designed to pretend otherwise. Plan your evening with that honesty in mind and it will serve you well.

Are Christian Louboutin So Kate Comfortable?

The honest answer to whether So Kate are comfortable is no. The So Kate is a statement shoe built around the sharp silhouette: the pointed toe, the red sole impact, the near-vertical stiletto heel profile that the range is famous for. Comfort was not the primary design brief, and the shoe does not pretend otherwise. If comfort is genuinely your priority, the Kate 85mm or Pigalle 85mm gives you a very similar aesthetic with considerably more wearability underneath you.

How to Survive So Kate

• Plan your night around sitting: Arrivals, photos, dinner, then change. If you will be on your feet for 4+ hours, bring a foldable flat or lower backup pair in your bag.
• Use blister plasters early: Do not "wait and see." Apply them to known hotspots (heels, pinky toes, ball of foot) before the first twinge.
• Walk differently: Shorter steps, slower pace, deliberate foot placement. Avoid uneven paving, cobblestones, and anything that requires sudden balance shifts.
• Grip matters: Smooth leather soles look gorgeous but feel like ice on polished floors. Consider a professional sole protector (Vibram half-sole or similar) if you plan to wear them more than once.
• Bring grip pads: Small adhesive grip pads for the ball of the foot can prevent forward slide and reduce toe pressure.

If you love the silhouette but want something more forgiving for longer events, browse here: shop other Louboutin heels.

Why Buy Pre-Owned Christian Louboutin So Kate?

The Christian Louboutin So Kate follows a fairly predictable pattern in the resale market. Many pairs are acquired for a single occasion, a wedding, a gala, or a significant evening, worn with care, and then listed when the reality of what 120mm asks of a foot on a regular basis becomes apparent. If you are shopping authenticated pre-owned in the UK, that pattern creates a consistent opportunity to find exceptional pairs in near-perfect condition.

Three Reasons Pre-Owned Makes Sense

1. Better value for an "occasion shoe": Retail pricing ranges from $800-$1,200+ depending on material and finish. Authenticated pre-owned typically runs 40-60% below retail depending on condition, material, and rarity. You are paying for the line and the impact, not the fantasy of daily wear.
2. A gentler break-in: A lightly worn pair (1-3 wears) can feel marginally less stiff than a fresh-out-the-box patent pair. The previous owner has softened the leather at the flex points.
3. Access to past colours and finishes: The Christian Louboutin So Kate has been released in hundreds of seasonal prints and limited editions: Graffiti, Python, Glitter, Dégradé, Strass. Pre-owned is the only way to access these archival treasures.

Here is what people who have come to us for their pre-owned So Kate tell us:

"Bought a pair of nude patent So Kates in near-mint condition. Authentication was spot-on, and they arrived quickly. Saved significantly vs retail and the previous owner had already broken them in slightly."

- Sophie M. (verified purchase)

High-intent next step: Shop authenticated pre-owned Christian Louboutin So Kate and find your pair.

Shop authenticated pre-owned So Kate from £295 →

Pre-Owned Condition Checklist

Before you buy pre-owned Christian Louboutin So Kate, ask for clear photos of the areas that wear first: proper lighting, no filters, no flattering angles. This is where the truth about a listing lives, particularly on pre-owned and pre-owned pairs where sellers regularly overlook the toe point close-up.

What to Check

• Heel tips: Uneven wear can signal heavy use or that the wearer pronates heavily. Look for symmetrical wear patterns. Replacement heel tips are normal for worn pairs.
• Sole wear: Check wear at the ball of the foot and the toe. Heavy scuffing indicates frequent use; light surface marks can be one-event wear.
• Toe point: Chips, scuffs, and scratches at the very tip are common and easy to miss in seller photos. Ask for a close-up of the toe from multiple angles.
• Red sole condition: The signature red lacquer wears with use. Some fading is normal, but chunks of missing lacquer can look shabby.
• Insole printing: Fading or wear on the logo and size stamp is normal, but it should match the claimed wear level. Heavy fading on a "worn once" pair deserves scrutiny.
• Upper material: Patent creases at the vamp flex point (this is normal). Suede should be checked for stains, water marks, and bald patches. Kid leather should be free of deep scratches and gouges.

Tip: If a seller refuses to provide detailed condition photos or pressures you to "buy now before someone else does," walk away. Legitimate sellers understand that informed shoppers come back.

How to Authenticate Christian Louboutin So Kate

Counterfeits exist at every price point, and the Christian Louboutin So Kate is a favourite target precisely because it sells quickly. Your safest move is buying from a specialist authenticator with consistent standards, clear photography, and a returns policy. If you are assessing a listing yourself, keep the approach simple and direct: the goal is an authentic So Kate, not a costly lesson learned after the fact.

Real vs fake So Kate checks start with the basics: stamps, finishing, silhouette, and overall construction quality. If the seller cannot provide clear photos, treat it as a “no.”

Authentication Spot-Checks

• Sole stamp clarity and alignment: Authentic pairs have crisp, evenly spaced "Made in Italy" stamping with consistent spacing between letters. Blurred, uneven, or poorly aligned stamps are red flags.
• Red lacquer finish: The signature red sole should have a glossy lacquer finish that reflects light. Counterfeits often use matte red paint that looks flat and chips differently.
• Heel tip placement and finishing: Check that heel tips are symmetrically placed with clean, professional finishing. Uneven or crude placement indicates poor construction.
• Overall silhouette proportions: The Christian Louboutin So Kate silhouette is precise. Clumsy curves, a strangely thick-looking heel, or odd angles through the vamp often signal trouble.
• Stitching quality: Louboutin stitching is clean, even, and tight. Look for loose threads, uneven spacing, or visible glue marks (especially around the sole join).
• Box and dust bag (if included): Authentic packaging is high quality with crisp printing. However, many pre-owned pairs are sold without original packaging, so missing boxes are not necessarily a red flag.

The toe spring test: Place the shoe on a flat surface. An authentic Christian Louboutin So Kate 120mm should sit relatively flat with the toe point touching (or almost touching) the surface. Exaggerated "curling up" (where the toe lifts significantly) can indicate poor internal structure, though this is not definitive on its own.

For a full step-by-step authentication walkthrough with photos of authentic vs fake details, read our comprehensive guide: how to authenticate Christian Louboutin.

Every Avantelle So Kate includes a Certificate of Authenticity →

Market Insights and Pricing

Understanding the pre-owned market for Christian Louboutin So Kate helps you spot value and avoid overpriced listings. Here is what we are seeing at Avantelle right now (including UK buyer behaviour).

Current Trends

• Most in-demand colours: Black patent, nude patent (especially "Nude" and "So Kate Nude"), and classic red remain the top sellers. These are the pairs that move fastest.
• Hardest to find: Seasonal prints and limited editions (Graffiti, Python, Glitter, Dégradé, Strass). When these appear in excellent condition, they command premium prices.
• Average resale value: Expect to pay 40-60% of retail for excellent condition pairs, 30-40% for good condition with visible wear, and 25-35% for well-worn pairs needing heel tips or sole work.
• Best time to buy: January and February see a post-party season resale spike as people list event shoes they wore once over the holidays. This is when inventory is highest and competition for buyers' attention is fiercest (including in the UK).
• Sizing availability: EU 38-39 is the most common size in the resale market. Smaller sizes (EU 35-36) and larger sizes (EU 41+) are harder to find and often sell faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Christian Louboutin So Kate cost?

Retail pricing sits at $800-$1,200 and above depending on material and regional market, which in UK terms translates to a significant investment at the point of purchase. Authenticated pre-owned So Kate pairs typically come in at 40-60% below retail depending on condition, material, and how rare the colourway is. Limited edition prints in good condition can command prices closer to retail rather than significantly below it.

Does Christian Louboutin So Kate run small or large?

The So Kate runs small, and this is not a marginal difference. Most people find they need a full size above their usual measurement. If you normally wear EU 38, EU 39 is the sensible starting point. If you have a wider forefoot or a longer second toe, going up 1.5 sizes and using gel grip pads to prevent the foot sliding forward is a practical approach rather than an unusual one.

Can you actually walk in Christian Louboutin So Kate heels?

Comfortably, short distances only. The So Kate is designed for arrivals, photographs, and dinners where you are primarily seated. Discomfort tends to arrive at around the two to three hour mark for standing wear, and it does not negotiate once it arrives. If your evening involves walking distances or dancing, choose a lower heel and save the So Kate for the occasions it was built for.

How can you tell if Christian Louboutin So Kate is real or fake?

Check the sole stamp clarity first, looking for crisp "Made in Italy" text with consistent, even spacing. Assess the red lacquer finish, which should read as genuinely glossy rather than flat or matte. Look at the heel tip placement for symmetry and the overall silhouette proportions for the characteristic Louboutin precision. Counterfeits tend to fail most obviously on stitching quality and edge finishing. Buying from an authenticated specialist removes the risk of this assessment being necessary at all.

What is the difference between Kate and Christian Louboutin So Kate?

The So Kate is defined by its 120mm heel and the extreme pitch that accompanies it. The Kate range covers lower, more wearable heights at 55mm, 85mm, and 100mm, with a nearly identical pointed-toe silhouette but a significantly more manageable pitch at each step down. If the look is what draws you but walking is a practical consideration, the Kate at 85mm or 100mm is where to begin.

Is Christian Louboutin So Kate a good first pair of Louboutins?

For most first-timers, the So Kate is not the ideal starting point. It is a sharp, high, and narrow pump that challenges even experienced heel wearers in ways they do not always anticipate. If you are new to the brand, starting with a lower heel at 85mm or 100mm in a similar pointed-toe shape will give you a much clearer understanding of how your foot responds to a Louboutin last before you commit to 120mm.

Where can I buy pre-owned Christian Louboutin So Kate in the UK?

Avantelle is the UK specialist for authenticated pre-owned Christian Louboutin So Kate. Every pair is verified in detail before it is listed, backed by our authentication guarantee, and delivered free within the UK with no customs fees or import delays that come with international sourcing. If you want the So Kate bought and delivered cleanly, this is the straightforward route.

Are Christian Louboutin So Kate comfortable?

Honestly, no. The So Kate 120mm was designed for the silhouette rather than for sustained comfort, and the steep pitch and narrow toe box that create the iconic look make that trade-off very clear over the course of an evening. For a similar aesthetic with significantly better wearability, the Kate 85mm or Pigalle 100mm gives you much of the same visual impact with considerably less demand on your feet.

Can I wear So Kate to a wedding?

Yes, and it is genuinely popular for weddings, particularly in nude, white, and blush. The key practical steps are breaking them in properly before the day across four to six short sessions at home, and being realistic about keeping a pair of comfortable flats available for the reception. The entrance photographs are worth it.

Where to Buy Pre-Owned Christian Louboutin So Kate UK

If you are looking to buy pre-owned Christian Louboutin So Kate in the UK, it is worth understanding the differences between buying from a dedicated UK specialist and sourcing through international platforms. Broad marketplace inventory can be appealing, but anyone using internationally routed platforms regularly encounter inconsistent condition grading, longer delivery windows, and price surprises at the point of receipt. It is no coincidence that searches for pre-owned So Kate in the UK continue to grow: people want the Christian Louboutin So Kate handled by people who understand what they are looking at and who can stand behind what they sell.

Avantelle is built around a straightforward premise: if you want to buy So Kate without the uncertainty that follows most resale purchases, every pair is authenticated before it is listed, every condition note reflects what you will actually find when the shoes arrive, and UK-based shipping means faster delivery and simpler returns than sourcing internationally. If you are buying a pre-owned So Kate or a pre-owned Christian Louboutin So Kate pair for a specific occasion, timing and trust both matter, and we take both seriously.

Every listing at Avantelle is photographed for real people: toe point, heel tips, red sole wear, sole stamps and insole in full detail. Every pair is authenticated before it reaches a listing, and every condition grade reflects what you will find when you open the box rather than the best-case interpretation of the seller. If you are serious about finding a pre-owned or used Christian Louboutin So Kate with clear, reliable grading, this is where that search begins.

For a full buying checklist, condition grades, and the best UK sources, see our complete pre-owned buyer's guide and guide to where to buy pre-owned Louboutin in the UK.

Shop pre-owned So Kate and secure a pair that is verified, graded, and ready to wear.