If there’s one thing master shoe designer Christian Louboutin specialises in, it’s classic black pumps.

Any time you see a celebrity wearing a spiky black heel these days, it’s likely to be a Louboutin. See fashion victim Victoria Beckham here, Nicole Richie here and the three skanks here for some examples.

Those vertiginous numbers Nicole Richie is sporting are a style called Alti and while it’s sold out pretty much everywhere except second-hand on eBay, I’ve found a more affordable version at Wittner. Thankfully, they’re nowhere near as high, too - if you want to get an idea of how high the originals are, check out the pictures here.

The Wittner interpretation is a style called Yvette and will set you back just $169.95 - less than a quarter of the price of the originals. Check them out here.

The Yvette pumps also come in fire-engine red if you’re feeling particularly bold.

By Caroline Warnes