Pre-owned Christian Louboutin

Before you pay for a pre-owned pair of Christian Louboutin, turn the shoe over and work through these points.

• Last and size. Ask for the insole length and compare it with a pair you already wear. A used pair has taken the shape of someone else’s foot, so it can fit looser than a new pair in the same size.
• The red sole and the heel tip. Look at the lacquer along the arch and under the ball of the foot. A rubber protector fitted later shows as a raised edge along the sole. The heel tip should be sound, with no cracking where the heel meets the seat.
• The lining. Look at the heel seat and under the ball of the foot for darkening and lifted leather.
• The toe and the upper. Patent leather can pick up colour transfer from another shoe kept in the same box, so look for a dark bloom on the toe. On spiked styles, run a finger along each row. Every spike should be present, all in the same finish, none turning under your hand.

Start with the shoes. Look first at the pumps and heels, with the pointed toes and slim heels the house is known for, in patent leather, kid leather and mesh. On flats, turn the shoe over and check the sole the same way. Condition is described piece by piece, and where a laboratory document exists the page says so.

Then look at the bags. Studded and spiked clutches and totes share their hardware with the shoes. Run the same finger along each row of spikes. Then look at the base corners, where studs rub on tables, and compare their finish with the studs higher up. Open a clutch to check the lining at the seams for pen and lipstick marks.