Louis Junior Flat | Christian Louboutin

There's no feeling quite like getting your first pair of Loubs. It's true that even the most basic models retail for close to $800, but Louboutins are a long-term investment—the kind that will last you a lifetime if you play your cards right. Made famous by their iconic red-soled stiletto heels, the brand has evolved from a women's-only boutique in Paris to a global fashion powerhouse manufacturing men's and women's dress shoes, sneakers, bags and small leather goods. I've always been a fan of minimalist leather sneakers and I wanted to find a pair that would not only upgrade my day-to-day wardrobe but also hold their own with my favorite suits without missing a beat. And there they were. The Louis Junior Men's Flat.  

While there are certainly flashier models out there (just look at the Louis On Fire or Louis Pik Pik Orlato), the Louis Junior is the perfect introduction for those just discovering the world of Christian Louboutin. From the moment you take them out of the box it's clear these shoes are of a different class. The weight of the shoe alone is a sign that its made from better materials than the rest. A crisp, perfectly contoured calfskin leather upper is stitched to an exceedingly sturdy sole—which of course features the patented red bottom. Details like an ankle tab on the heel and a cap toe offer subtle intricacies to an otherwise clean and unruffled design. Sporting the Louis Juniors with a suit is like second nature. Their solid structure and simple silhouette maintain a clean flow with the look while the red bottom adds a touch of elegance to help you stand out from the crowd.