Re-soling Louboutins

After I was promoted last May, I decided that I was going to drop a serious wad of cash on a pair of shoes that would give me that added bit of confidence for scary work situations (e.g., presenting in front of a group of executives).  So, a pair of Christian Louboutin black leather Simple 100's were my item of choice!  These ladies instill confidence by 1) giving me about 4 inches of additional height, 2) look fierce with their painted red soles (even people not aware of the Louboutin signature sole have remarked on how stunning the red soles are), and 3) with some minor adjustments and upkeep, may go down in history as the best pair of shoes I have ever owned. 

Now that I've taken these shoes out for a few spins, the red sole has started rubbing off and have turned my fabulous red-soled shoes into my less-than-fabulous red-scuffed shoes.  But hope arrived in the form of Wendy's post about re-soling her Louboutins (find here).  Soon after reading this post, I Googled "soles for Louboutin shoes" and up popped a link to eBay hooking me up with Red Vibram Rubber Soles for Christian Louboutin Shoes.  Once I received my purchase, I took my shoes and the soles to my trusty cobbler, and 3 days later, my little beauties were back to being completely red on the bottom. 

A few learnings from this experience (you know, to apply to the next pair of Louboutin's I buy!):
1.  Most cobblers will have the red vibram rubber soles in stock (they must use it for other shoes), so check first before you go off and spend additional $$ buying them yourself (I paid $10 for mine).
2.  Ask the cobbler to stop the sole at the point where your shoe lifts off the ground.  I personally would have preferred that the vibram sole be cut shorter so that it didn't extend into the arch of the shoe as you can see the seam when it's extended to mid-arch - see picture below.

3.  I actually feel like I have better footing now that these rubber soles are on the shoe - before, the shoes were a bit slippery because of the slick bottoms.

4.  The cobbler suggested that I keep an eye out on the heel, as the heel tacks are very hard to remove if the tips are worn down too close to the heel itself.  They also suggested that when it comes time for replacing the tips, to use rubber ones instead of the tacks provided with the shoes - as the rubber tips are easier to replace and will also make the heels more comfortable (due to greater shock absorbency).

Also, per ExtraPetite's video comparing the Louboutin's to Ann Taylor's Perfect Pump, the Louboutin's do not have as much cushioning as the Perfect Pumps.  I have therefore added a couple of shoe pads to the fronts of my shoes which not only makes them more comfortable, but also keeps the shoe on my foot as I walk and when I wear stockings.  So, with a few little adjustments and upkeep, I am now getting the most out of my precious investment!

Readers, what splurge have you taken strides to care for and get the most use out of?