Ask the Shoeblogger: Christian Louboutin Zipette

Prada Sneakers
Ask the Shoeblogger: Christian Louboutin Zipette

Prada Shoes

A recent email request to Shoeblog had me searching my memory this weekend:

I’ve searched high and low for the attached shoes and I’ve come up empty handed. I don’t know what else to try…so I’m trying you all! I joined your forum and love your blog…it’s given me several ideas to date.

Do you happen to know what makes these shoes and where I might find them?

Any help or guidance, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

Jenn

Luckily for Jenn, this shoe was tickling my memory. It is definitely similar to styles that we saw being produced by many designers last spring; blending cage and gladiator sandal styles with a zip-front and high heel. After a little bit more investigation to jog my memory, these are eerily similar to the (now out of stock) Christian Louboutin ‘Zipette’ that was available for sale last spring and the prior fall (2008-2009). That double platform has been favored by Christian Louboutin for several seasons now.

Unfortunately, these are past-season shoes which will make purchasing an original Louboutin style a challenge and test of personal patience (which can pay off, if time is not an issue for you).

On a positive note, there are several designers producing similar, zip-front, caged gladiator sandals for the upcoming spring 2010 season.

The original Louboutin Zipette has long since sold out of luxury retailers such as Saks and Neiman Marcus. So, now it’s up to Jenn. Does she wants to pursue a Louboutin aftermarket shoe-quest? Or would she prefer a to look at similar, but not identical, offerings that are currently available from several other brands?

I have rounded up several alternatives if she is looking for a style to wear this spring, since a Louboutin quest can take months or years.

Velvet Angels ‘Mondrian’ platform sandal $189.66 $294.95 at Endless.com

Jessica Simpson ‘Stelana’ $75 $87.95 at Zappos.com & Endless.com

Steve Madden ‘Hitower’ $99.95 at Zappos.com, Stevemadden.com & Endless.com

Promiscuous ‘Social’ $76.23 $100 at Zappos.com

BCBG Max Azria ‘Aceline’ $ 140.0 $250 at Endless.com & $147 at Zappos.com

Promiscuous ‘Enraptured’ $106.60 $139 at Zappos.com

We hope that his helps Jenn out in her quest for her perfect high-heeled cage gladiator.

One word of caution for Jenn if she decides to go the auction/aftermarket route: There are numerous Louboutin counterfeiters out there these days. If you find something in your size claiming to be the Louboutin Zipette at auction online, please be sure to have them authenticated, so that you can be confident in your purchase.

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