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Comparison Designer heels

Christian Louboutin Kate 85 vs Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90: which one should you buy?

Quick answer

Buy the Christian Louboutin Kate 85 if you want the red sole in a heel you can actually walk in. Buy the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90 instead if you want one perfect black pump for work and evenings.

By Opulique Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

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Christian Louboutin Kate 85
Buy

Christian Louboutin Kate 85

Best for Wearable Louboutin

Typically $750–$850

Check Price on Amazon Paid link
Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90
Buy

Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90

Best for Most comfortable pump

Typically $795–$895

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureChristian Louboutin Kate 85Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90
VerdictBuyBuy
Typical price$750–$850$795–$895
Best forWearable LouboutinMost comfortable pump
Key featureThe So Kate silhouette with a lower 85 mm heelClassic pointed pump on a famously well-balanced last
MaterialCalfskinSuede or patent
SoleRed lacquered leatherLeather
FitNarrow, size up halfTrue to size
Made inItalyItaly
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Main differences

Material

Christian Louboutin Kate 85: Calfskin; Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90: Suede or patent.

Sole

Christian Louboutin Kate 85: Red lacquered leather; Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90: Leather.

Fit

Christian Louboutin Kate 85: Narrow, size up half; Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90: True to size.

Made in

Christian Louboutin Kate 85: Italy; Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90: Italy.

Why buy it

Christian Louboutin Kate 85: the So Kate silhouette with a lower 85 mm heel; Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90: classic pointed pump on a famously well-balanced last.

Made for

Christian Louboutin Kate 85: wearable Louboutin; Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90: most comfortable pump.

Usual price

Christian Louboutin Kate 85: $750–$850; Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90: $795–$895.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Christian Louboutin Kate 85 if you

  • you want the red sole in a heel you can actually walk in
  • value wearable height
Check Price Paid link

Choose the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90 if you

  • you want one perfect black pump for work and evenings
  • value excellent balance
Check Price Paid link

If neither feels right

Neither is the only answer. See every piece we would buy (and the ones we would skip) in our list of the best designer heels.

Not sure about either? Consider these

Gianvito Rossi Gianvito 85

Gianvito Rossi · Designer heels

Gianvito Rossi Gianvito 85

Buy it if you want the most comfortable designer pump.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Comfort pick
Typical price
$845–$945

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Clean design

Cons

  • Pricey for a plain pump
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105

Manolo Blahnik · Designer heels

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105

Buy it if you want the definitive bridal or gala shoe.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Bridal favorite
Typical price
$1,195–$1,395

Pros

  • Iconic buckle
  • Comfortable for its height

Cons

  • Satin marks
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

Christian Louboutin Kate 85 or Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90: which should I buy?

Buy the Christian Louboutin Kate 85 if you want the red sole in a heel you can actually walk in. Buy the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90 instead if you want one perfect black pump for work and evenings.

Is the price difference worth it?

The Christian Louboutin Kate 85 usually costs $750–$850 and the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90 $795–$895. Pay more only if the differences above matter to you.

Opulique Editorial Team

Part of the Opulique research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

Christian Louboutin Kate 85 or Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90: the full reasoning

Christian Louboutin Kate 85 or Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90? Both are strong designer heels, which is exactly why the choice is hard. The short version first: buy the Christian Louboutin Kate 85 if you want the red sole in a heel you can actually walk in, and buy the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90 if you want one perfect black pump for work and evenings. The rest of this page explains why, with usual US prices.

Where they differ

The Christian Louboutin Kate 85 wins on the So Kate silhouette with a lower 85 mm heel. The Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90 answers with classic pointed pump on a famously well-balanced last. Material: Calfskin on the Christian Louboutin Kate 85, Suede or patent on the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90. Sole: Red lacquered leather on the Christian Louboutin Kate 85, Leather on the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90. Fit: Narrow, size up half on the Christian Louboutin Kate 85, True to size on the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90. Made in: Italy on the Christian Louboutin Kate 85, Italy on the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90.

Reasons to buy the Christian Louboutin Kate 85

Wearable height, Iconic red sole, Classic shape. What to accept: narrow toe box, red sole scuffs. Usual price: $750–$850. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Christian Louboutin Kate 85 review.

Reasons to buy the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90

Excellent balance, Timeless, Many leathers. What to accept: plain to some, pointed toe. Usual price: $795–$895. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90 review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best designer heels has every other piece with its own call. Heel height: 100 mm and above are for short wear; 70 to 85 mm is where most people can walk and stand for hours.

Also consider the Gianvito Rossi Gianvito 85 ($845–$945): sleek pointed pump with soft cushioning and a kind last. Buy it if you want the most comfortable designer pump.

Also consider the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 ($1,195–$1,395): satin pump with a crystal buckle, famous from film and weddings. Buy it if you want the definitive bridal or gala shoe.

Buyer tip

Add rubber half-soles from a cobbler before the first wear: it protects the leather sole, adds grip and costs little compared with the shoes.

Buying in Europe: Italian and French sizes are used on most designer shoes, and they differ from US sizes by brand. Check the house’s own size chart, and remember that many Italian brands run about half a size small.

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.