Which French footwear designer is famous for luxury shoes with glossy red soles?

The French footwear designer famous for luxury shoes with glossy red soles is Christian Louboutin.

Louboutin introduced his signature red sole in 1992 after painting the sole of a prototype shoe with red nail polish. The striking color became the defining feature of his designs and was later protected as a trademark in several jurisdictions, though the scope of that protection has varied by country.

Christian Louboutin founded his namesake company in Paris in 1991. His shoes are known for dramatic silhouettes, high heels, jeweled details, and luxury materials. The red sole is visible as a flash of color when the wearer walks, helping distinguish the brand from competitors such as Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik.

The red sole does not mean every red-soled shoe is made by Louboutin; counterfeit products and unrelated shoes can look similar. The brand’s official name is often shortened to “Louboutin,” while “Christian” refers to the designer and founder.