For many fashion lovers, it is the Achilles heel of their favourite shoes.
But Christian Louboutin has admitted he doesn't care whether women feel pain wearing his sought-after heels.
Instead, the designer claims most women have a "quasi-masochistic experience" with their stilettos - and anyone struggling to walk in his creations should ditch them altogether.
"I really have not so much sympathy," the 46-year-old said.
"If Tina Turner and Prince's back-up band can perform on stage in them for three hours, you can't tell me they are impossible to walk in.
"High heels are pleasure with pain.
