This much I know: Christian Louboutin did not invent the pointed-toe pump. It’s been around since god knows when, and it will be until the end of time, regardless of trends or styles. With the Christian Louboutin Pigalle Pump, though, Louboutin may well have perfected the shape.

I’ve heard that these shoes are uncomfortable, but I can’t see how any similar pump would be any different. The heel is incredibly high with no platform for relief, the toe juts in to squish all your little piggies, and there’s not much in the way of orthopedic support. But holy crap, are they sexy or what?

It’s almost hard to “review” these shoes because they’re so prototypical and straightforward, but if you need a shoe in your closet that is not only guaranteed to knock men on their asses but also classic and neutral, you won’t find anything better than Pigalles. Even if most women prefer to wear them only when sitting down, a pair of these are still worth having in your closet. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $595.