There is a reason why Louboutins have stood the test of time, remaining some of the most highly prized shoes in fashion history. And as much as that reason has to do with the quality of the shoes -- which certainly isn't to be dismissed -- it also has to do with branding and the creation of an undeniable identity. Louboutin shoes are more than just the shoes themselves. They are specifically "red-bottomed shoes," referred to in countless songs, films, and television shows. Becoming recognizable based on their iconic red soles alone, these shoes are the classic indulgences that one would save for years to own. They can be the ideal objects of retail therapy, being the perfect shoes for women to buy after they get divorced (as about 40% to 50% of all married Americans do).

But Louboutin shoes are certainly not the only types of footwear that we can deem iconic. Shoes are their stories, or the stories that we project onto them. With that being said, let's look into some of the more iconic shoe styles that are still keeping us dreaming of the day that we'll wear them -- as well as the story behind those red soles.

How Louboutin Got Those Red Soles

Christian Louboutin founded his famous line of footwear in 1991, but two years later, it still had yet to become the legend that it would soon be as a brand. Louboutin was inspired, at that time, by an Andy Warhol drawing called "Flowers". After having a pair of shoes designed after the drawing custom-made in Italy, Louboutin received the supposedly-finished product. Though the pink stacked heel decorated with a bright blossom was similar to Louboutin's original inspiration, it lacked the punch that he felt was conveyed by the Warhol drawing.

The shoe, like most shoes of its era, had a black sole. Noticing a nearby assistant painting her nails red, Louboutin requested the nail polish and painted over the black sole, turning it a bright red. Only then was he satisfied with the appearance of the shoe, thus inadvertently creating a calling card that stands with his brand to this day. Louboutin reasons that the red soles have an undeniable appeal to men, much like the red coats that matadors wave before fighting bulls. Indeed, the contrast between a shoe and its red sole is impossible to ignore, and furthermore was a unique detail at the time that gave Louboutin brand recognition. Now, we know that color can improve brand recognition by up to 80%, but in 1993 those red soles were revolutionary. But certainly, Louboutins are not the only shoes that became iconic years ago and remain iconic today.

Manolo Blahnik, The Carrie Bradshaw Shoe

Manolo Blahniks, often referred to as Manolos, are seen in this day and age as shoes that are fit for the young, stylish working woman. Designed by Manolo Blahnik himself, the shoes were originally inspired by his mother, a fashionable woman who designed her own shoes. Manolos became known for being light, elegant, and feminine -- and for bringing back the stiletto heel in the 1970s, an era that was otherwise dominated by clunkier wedges and clogs.

But perhaps what really made Manolos even more coveted was their frequent name-dropping on HBO's hit Sex and the City. Lead character Carrie Bradshaw was constantly seen wearing the shoes. She sank tens of thousands of dollars into her Manolo collection and even attempted to protect them while being mugged. These shoes became not only associated with her sense of style, but with the general idealization of Manolo Blahniks as the ideal stylish city girl's shoes.

How Doc Martens Became The Ideal Combat Boots

Combat boots can be worn by men and women and were celebrated by punks of the 1970s and 80s, and embraced by the grunge aesthetic of the 1990s. They remain popular to this day, and there are no other combat boots more iconic than Doc Martens. Technically, of course, they are Dr. Martens, named for Klaus Martens. A German doctor, he injured himself when skiing and discovered that his standard-issue combat boots were too uncomfortable for his injured feet. Fashioning his own adjusted boots, he focused on air-cushioned soles that would make him more comfortable as he recovered.

After going into business with a friend, Dr. Martens eventually created boots that were initially popular among British housewives due to their comfort but gradually became adopted as fashion statements among younger generations. Known for their long-lasting durability and distinctive yellow stitching around the soles, Doc Martens are definitely investment shoes. But for connoisseurs of combat boots, they're well worth the cost.

Birkenstocks, The Shoes Of A Movement

When we mention the term Birkenstocks, you may think of the types of sandals worn by the hippies and counterculturists of the 1960s and 1970s. That's because the shoes, though still popular today among a wide variety of shoe lovers, became an iconic part of a generation. Tracing their history all the way back to an 18th-century German shoemaker, Birkenstocks grew in popularity after World War II. After soldiers returned home with injuries, they needed shoes that were comfortable on an orthopedic level. Nothing was more comfortable than Birkenstock sandals, and they remain some of the most comfortable shoes in the world today.

1973 saw Birkenstock release its most famous design, the Arizona sandal. The shoes grew popular among American flower children, due to their association with a natural aesthetic and general comfort. When Kate Moss wore Birkenstocks for a photoshoot in the 1990s, they became an important part of the high fashion scene and remain popular to this day. In particular, their animal-friendly reputation makes them popular among VSCO girls and those influenced by them.

From heels to boots to sandals, there is an iconic design associated with virtually every major shoe style. The question for many is where shoes will go next. No matter what, classic designers keep pushing the limits of fashion, and new trendsetters will continue to challenge them.

Believe it or not ladies, there is something sweeter than chocolates for Valentine's Day. Behold the decadent and sultry Christian Louboutin Cora Heart Sandal, a perfect gift for your shoe-loving sweetie. This patent leather T-Sandal boasts an adorable PVC heart on the vamp, rounded open toe, adjustable ankle strap, Christian Louboutin's signature red leather sole, and a very sexy 4 1/2" leather-covered, pencil thin heel. For those who want to keep heart aflutter, grab this gorgeous sandal for $845.00 at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Nordstrom.

Some shoes were just made to be on display, and I'm not talking about a museum. Today in walking art news, we present the latest drool-worthy darling from the king of women's shoes. There are just so many facets of the Christian Louboutin Mandolina Laser-Cut Mesh Bootie to love, the subtle but dynamic metallic mesh vamp, sexy pointed toe, specchio backing, the intricate laser-cut design that creates a toe-cap, and dances its way around the shape of this gorgeous bootie even adding the look of movement to its topline. It's back zipper directs you to its seductive, 4 1/2" covered stiletto heel and signature red leather sole. I'd be incredibly jealous of anyone who snatched it up at Neiman Marcus for $1,495.00. Curses, why am I poor?

We love pumps with flair and the fourth footwear feature in our Week of Pumps certainly has a lot of feminine flair, but then again we're not surprised that it does because of who makes them. Featuring a navy and white striped canvas upper, these Christian Louboutin Just Soon 85 Pumps are perfect for all day wear, whether you're at work or hanging out with the girls for a day of shopping & fun. It boasts a gold leather-detailed bow, open almond toe, the signature red leather sole, and a comfortable 3 1/2" heel. At $795.00 on net-a-porter, they are selling out at the speed of light.

Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Woven Tartan Hi-Top

It's a bit of a nod to tradition, menswear and hip-hop all in one.  Christian Louboutin's new Rantus Orlato Woven Tartan Hi-Top takes the cool look of a classic tartan and renders it up in a high top silhouette suitable for any flossy rap star, those who want to look like one or cosmopolitan dandy with a flair for the hip.  In true luxurious style, the basket weave texture, crisp white piping and the premium leather boldly announce that discretion is not an option.  Available now at Brown's in London.

Christian Louboutin Dechaine Flat in Rouge Imperial Printed Pony

Since one sometimes needs to express oneself there's Louboutin.  Here is his new Dechaine Flat for Fall in Rouge Imperial Printed Pony.  The prince of decadence offers up a melange of materials for this shoe like pony skin, suede, patent leather and metal.  They all conspire to create a showy and solid shoe that is also quite attractive.  However, I will advise that since these shoes already some with hardware, please accessorize accordingly.  Available now and going fast at the Christian Louboutin website.

Since we started the week off with a bold transparent shoe, I figured why not continue but seriously, can you blame me? Look at these breathtaking wedges from the shoe god. The Christian Louboutin Scuba Wedges feature very modern attributes - a colored transparent PVC upper, t-strap detail over the pvc, colored leather capped heel, and a stunning metallic 4" wedge heel. Sadly these seem to be sold out but I'm sure some of you may get lucky enough to get your hands on a pair so don't give up hope.

Can Louboutin do wrong? The answer is a very obvious NO! He continues to rock our world with shoes that are beyond like with this Christian Louboutin Guerilla Slouchy Studded Suede Ankle Boot. Its as if this boot came with a prerequisite of "must be a diva to wear these" because they are uber-fabulous. This open-toe suede ankle boot features a slouchy, luxe suede upper adormed with allover edgy spikes, a 4 1/4" covered stiletto heel with 1" platform and a fashion perfection title.

Proceed to drooling

It's that time again - lovers of Christian Louboutin aka red bottoms aka shoes of the gods (or rather goddesses) pay attention. The Christian Louboutin Sample Sale is once again upon us. Unfortunately, you have to know someone to get on the list for this amazing sale so if you know someone who knows someone and so on....start dialing. YOU MUST RSVP AND BE ON THE LIST TO ATTEND. The dates and location is below

I wish you all good luck and hope you get a chance to attend and report back on the fabulous deals you got.

Christian Louboutin will hold FNO events in three cities - their two locations in New York (Horatio Street & the newly opened Washington Street Men’s Boutique), Los Angeles and Dallas, as well as the recently re-launched e-commerce boutique. Tarot Card readers will be on hand offering private readings, while guests nosh on delicious hors d'oeuvres and sip yummy cocktails and dance to the tunes of Rajni Jacques in New York, Daisy O’Dell in LA and DJ Redeye in Dallas.

During the festivities, the windows of the Christian Louboutin jewel box boutiques will be transformed into x-ray light boxes, giving the viewers a rare glimpse through the exterior to discover what lies beneath. Louboutin’s famous "red bottoms" and beautiful handbags will be seen in a brand new light and transparency. Louboutin will also reveal three exclusive, limited edition styles - a beautiful platform for the ladies, an elegant slipper for the gentlemen and an iPad case, all three tied together by an exquisite dragon embroidery

In honor of the holy grail of sample sales, I bring you the above Christian Louboutin Torero 150mm Peep Toe Studded Pumps in orange and turquoise (they also come in nude and red) from his spring/summer 2012 collection. Inspired the enchanting Bollywood, this amazing bejeweled and embroidered beauty is the "Lady Peep 150" all gussied up with an exotic twist. Featuring a 5.9" heel with a 3.9" arch and 2" platform, you just can't help but drool and stare at this gorgeous satin darlings.

Here's to surviving the sample sale (if you got an invite that is).

A slight delay in today's Shoe of the Day to highlight this awesome sample sale. According to Mizhattan, as always, an invitation is required to get into the sale so if you're connected - use it to your advantage to get into this incredible sale.



When:
Mon, May 14 at 8:30PM - Fri, May 18 at 3:00PM

Where:
Christian Louboutin Showroom
306 W 38th St

Only shoe god Christian Louboutin can gift us with gorgeously chic footwear that can also be used as a weapon. These Christian Louboutin Asteroid Spike Toe Pumps are not for the timid or shy. The very prominent metal spikes and crystals (very reminiscent of the jagged surface of an asteroid) turn this classic suede and patent calfskin styled pump into a jaw dropping and stunning creation. Since this is Louboutin, the towering 6 1/4" covered heel with 1 3/5" concealed platform naturally displays the signature red soles. Many will bow at your feet (most may for fear of being stabbed) in these gorgeous out of this world stunners - as well they should.