Having learnt the art of shoemaking by visiting factories and talking to machine operators, Manolo Blahnik began crafting shoes in 1971 and opened his first store two years later. Now one of the world's most influential footwear designers, the talented shoemaker has loyal devotees across the globe who have fast come to appreciate his luxurious and feminine styles. Manolo Blahnik heels are truly iconic. Lavish materials, embellished adornments, sleek lines and classic shapes lend themselves to a distinctive finish while staying true to founding trademarks and unrivaled sophistication. Choose from coveted pumps and slingback sandals.
The Manolo Blahnik Heels Buying Guide
Owned by Spanish shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, the namesake label redefines femininity with a range of footwear that blends classic elegance with a contemporary edge. Manolo Blahnik’s shoes are instantly recognizable thanks to their bright jewel-tone colors, eye-catching embellishment and stiletto heel. Read on for our buying guide, which will help narrow down the Manolo Blahnik heels that suit you best, your ideal size and how to care for them properly.
The Most Wanted Manolo Blahnik Heels
Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi Pumps
Inspired by Napoleon I, Josephine and Pauline Bonaparte, the Hangisi features a crystal-embellished square buckle at the almond toe and a 4-inch stiletto heel. Handmade in Italy from silk-satin, this classic style comes in a variety of colors, from fuchsia and yellow, to red, blue and champagne. The Hangisi has also been reworked in backless and flat silhouettes.
Manolo Blahnik’s BB Pumps
Named after Brigitte Bardot, Manolo Blahnik’s BB pumps were created with the aim of being ‘a good shoe for every occasion,’ according to the designer. Crafted in Italy from a choice of premium leather or suede, these classic pointed-toe pumps feature a flattering low cut and slim 4-inch stiletto heel.
Manolo Blahnik’s Nadira Pumps
Made in Italy from sumptuous fabrics like satin and velvet, these Nadira pumps by Manolo Blahnik feature an asymmetrical crystal leaf embellishment and a high 3.5-inch stiletto heel. Lined in leather with a leather sole, this pointed-toe pair is a statement choice.
The Manolo Blahnik Sizing Guide
If you are unsure of what size to take in Manolo Blahnik heels, you can use the sizing guide below to convert the brand’s Italian sizing into your usual size.
For example, if you usually wear a UK size 5 or a US size 8, this converts to a size 38 in Manolo Blahnik/Italian sizing.
| Manolo Blahnik | 34 | 34.5 | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 |
| UK | 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 |
| Italy | 34 | 34.5 | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 |
| France | 34 | 34.5 | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 |
How To Care For Your Manolo Blahniks
All Manolo Blahnik shoes are made by hand using high-quality materials, and therefore need to be cared for correctly to ensure their longevity and durability.
• We would recommend keeping your shoes away from contact with alcohol, oils, solvents and water, including exposure to rain. If your Manolo Blahnik shoes get wet, let them dry naturally.
• Do not clean your shoes with soap or water, instead use leather care products where appropriate and ensure that you spot test in an inconspicuous area first to test colorfastness.
• We would advise storing your Manolo blahnik shoes in the dust bag and box provided, away from direct sunlight and heat.
• The shape of the shoes may change over time, either moulding to the shape of your foot or stretching with extensive wear. To maintain the shape, use a shoe tree when not in use.
- How do I maintain the soles, lining and heel tips of Manolo Blahnik shoes?
Manolo Blahnik shoes have soles that are made from smooth and delicate leather, and will get marked when first worn. We would advise not walking on any wet surfaces, as this could alter the sole structure and cause staining. It is also recommended that you do not replace the sole, as this can change the structure of the shoes.
Most of the brand’s shoes have smooth leather linings, and any surface dirt can be gently a soft suede brush to gently smooth the pile.
Heel tips of your Manolo Blahnik shoes may naturally deteriorate with extensive wear. We would recommend changing the heel tips once they start to wear down, before the inner heel begins to show.
- Are Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi shoes true to size?
Manolo Blahnik’s iconic Hangisi pumps run half a size larger, and we recommend ordering a half a size smaller than your normal shoe size. The same applies to the label’s BB pumps, Nadira pumps and many other styles.
- Are Manolo Blahnik shoes worth it?
While they are in investment, Manolo Blahnik shoes are worth it. They are all hand-made (and made to last) with high-quality materials, and come in classic styles that won’t go out of fashion. Manolo Blahnik starts every shoe as a freehand sketch created with sable brushes and watercolor ink, before the entire collection of sketches is brought to the brand’s Italian factories to work with the technicians on how to build them in three dimensions. Each pair is then expertly crafted from premium materials, and some feature intricate detailing.