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Comparison Designer heels

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 vs Christian Louboutin Kate 85: which one should you buy?

Quick answer

Buy the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 if you want the definitive bridal or gala shoe. Buy the Christian Louboutin Kate 85 instead if you want the red sole in a heel you can actually walk in.

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Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105
Buy

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105

Best for Bridal favorite

Typically $1,195–$1,395

Check Price on Amazon Paid link
Christian Louboutin Kate 85
Buy

Christian Louboutin Kate 85

Best for Wearable Louboutin

Typically $750–$850

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureManolo Blahnik Hangisi 105Christian Louboutin Kate 85
VerdictBuyBuy
Typical price$1,195–$1,395$750–$850
Best forBridal favoriteWearable Louboutin
Key featureSatin pump with a crystal buckle, famous from film and weddingsThe So Kate silhouette with a lower 85 mm heel
MaterialSatin with crystal buckleCalfskin
SoleLeatherRed lacquered leather
FitTrue to sizeNarrow, size up half
Made inItalyItaly
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Main differences

Material

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105: Satin with crystal buckle; Christian Louboutin Kate 85: Calfskin.

Sole

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105: Leather; Christian Louboutin Kate 85: Red lacquered leather.

Fit

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105: True to size; Christian Louboutin Kate 85: Narrow, size up half.

Made in

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105: Italy; Christian Louboutin Kate 85: Italy.

Why buy it

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105: satin pump with a crystal buckle, famous from film and weddings; Christian Louboutin Kate 85: the So Kate silhouette with a lower 85 mm heel.

Made for

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105: bridal favorite; Christian Louboutin Kate 85: wearable Louboutin.

Usual price

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105: $1,195–$1,395; Christian Louboutin Kate 85: $750–$850.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 if you

  • you want the definitive bridal or gala shoe
  • value iconic buckle
Check Price Paid link

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

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

Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90

Manolo Blahnik · Designer heels

Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90

Buy it if you want one perfect black pump for work and evenings.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Most comfortable pump
Typical price
$795–$895

Pros

  • Excellent balance
  • Timeless

Cons

  • Plain to some
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

Frequently asked questions

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 or Christian Louboutin Kate 85: which should I buy?

Buy the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 if you want the definitive bridal or gala shoe. Buy the Christian Louboutin Kate 85 instead if you want the red sole in a heel you can actually walk in.

Is the price difference worth it?

The Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 usually costs $1,195–$1,395 and the Christian Louboutin Kate 85 $750–$850. 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.

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 or Christian Louboutin Kate 85: the full reasoning

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 or Christian Louboutin Kate 85? Both are strong designer heels, which is exactly why the choice is hard. The short version first: buy the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 if you want the definitive bridal or gala shoe, and buy the Christian Louboutin Kate 85 if you want the red sole in a heel you can actually walk in. The rest of this page explains why, with usual US prices.

Where they differ

The Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 wins on satin pump with a crystal buckle, famous from film and weddings. The Christian Louboutin Kate 85 answers with the So Kate silhouette with a lower 85 mm heel. Material: Satin with crystal buckle on the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105, Calfskin on the Christian Louboutin Kate 85. Sole: Leather on the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105, Red lacquered leather on the Christian Louboutin Kate 85. Fit: True to size on the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105, Narrow, size up half on the Christian Louboutin Kate 85. Made in: Italy on the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105, Italy on the Christian Louboutin Kate 85.

Reasons to buy the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105

Iconic buckle, Comfortable for its height, Many colors. What to accept: satin marks, pricey. Usual price: $1,195–$1,395. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 review.

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.

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 Manolo Blahnik BB Pump 90 ($795–$895): classic pointed pump on a famously well-balanced last. Buy it if you want one perfect black pump for work and evenings.

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.

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.