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.
"If you can't walk in them, then don't wear them."
Louboutin spoke to Grazia magazine in the UK, revealing his shoes are to be the subject of an exhibition at the London Design Museum next month.
- DAILY MAIL