Nearly 8,000 customers across America weighed in on 23 designer shoes in the online Footwear News Sexy Shoes contest. The winning pair, by French footwear designer Christian Louboutin, was revealed during a special event on October 14 at the upscale New York department store Saks Fifth Avenue.

Louboutin took the grand prize for his Swarovski crystal-embellished Maralena mesh peep-toe pumps ($2445). With a towering crystal-encrusted stiletto heel measuring 5.5 inches (14 cm), the design beat out Valentino's studded snakeskin pointy-toe T-strap pumps, Roger Vivier's turquoise satin platform ankle strap sandal with velvet-lined satin rosette, and Sergio Rossi's nude suede gladiator sandal with crystals and plume among others.