Strappy Sandals – The Ultimate Choice – Style Guide

Getting the Right Size: Everything You Need to Know

Choosing the proper size in a set of Hermès sandals is more consequential than in the majority of shoe types. Because Hermès uses full-thickness, structured calfskin leather, a sandal that is slightly undersized will cannot accommodate a larger foot in the way that a thinner or cheaper hide would. Equally, a sandal that is oversized will slide, compress the material awkwardly, and age inconsistently. The conditioning period that allows Hermès leather to conform to the foot assumes a correct starting size — the leather molds to your individual foot shape within its correct size.

The following addresses all aspects of Hermès sizing for Hermès sandals: Hermès size equivalents in other systems, the fit details specific to each main style, the correct foot measurement method, and guidance for half-size ambiguity. It also covers particular circumstances — wide footwidth, narrow heel fit, leather-specific differences.

How Hermès Sizes Work

Hermès sandals use the European sizing system, which runs in full and half sizes. This is a foot-length-based system using Paris point units — one Paris point is about 6.67mm. The size options in the Hermès sandal range generally extends from EU 34 through EU 42. EU sizes convert to other systems as follows: EU 37 = US Women’s 7 = UK 4; EU 38 = US Women’s 7.5–8 = UK 5; EU 39 = US Women’s 8.5–9 = UK 6; EU 40 = US Women’s 9–9.5 = UK 6.5. These translations are general approximations and work best for standard foot widths.

One significant detail of Hermès sizing is that it differs modestly between models. The Oran and Izmir are constructed on different shoe forms, and the same numerical size may vary in each. Numerous owners note that their Izmir size and their Oran size differ by half a size, even in the same EU number. This is not an error — it is a reflection of the different last shapes.

Sizing the Hermès Oran: The Oran Sizing Guide

The Hermès Oran typically matches standard EU sizing for average foot widths. For a remote buy access without a try-on, the wisest option is to use your actual European size based on foot length measurement. If your foot is on the boundary between sizes, going up by a half-size is generally safer, because the Oran’s hide cannot expand to fit a longer foot but will conform comfortably to a slightly generous fit as the leather softens.

For wide feet — especially for feet noticeably broader than standard — the size selection logic adjusts. The H-shaped upper has a set width at any given size, and a very wide foot may feel constrained by it. Going half a size larger may offer more space across the vamp. The trade-off is that the sandal may be slightly long, which can cause the back strap to feel insufficiently taut even when set at maximum tension. Some buyers with wider feet resolve this through minor cobbler work to the strap.

Getting the Right Izmir Size: Specific Guidance

The Izmir’s closed-back design introduces a different fitting situation than the Oran. Because the back is permanent rather than variable, the fit across the heel and back of the foot is determined entirely by the size selection. For standard heel dimensions, the Izmir runs true — the leather fits closely around the back without tightening or slipping off. For fine heels, choosing a half-size smaller can offer a better hold. For substantial heel bones, choosing the next half-size up provides more heel space.

The how the Izmir conforms over time requires the closed heel adapting to the individual heel form, which takes 5–10 wears in Epsom leather. If the enclosed back feels acutely uncomfortable rather than merely stiff and new, it is sensible to check the sizing — true discomfort, rather than the typical tightness of unworn calfskin, may indicate that the size is incorrect.

Measuring Your Foot: Step-by-Step Guide

The most dependable approach to determine your Hermès size when boutique access is not available is to take an accurate foot measurement and compare against Hermès’s published size chart. To get the right measurement: step on paper with full body weight, put the paper against a wall and position your heel to the wall, and mark the end of your longest toe with a marker. Count the millimetres from the wall edge to the mark — this measurement is your foot length. Compare your measured foot length to the Hermès size chart. According to sizing experts at The RealReal, accurate foot measuring is the best indicator of resale return on fit grounds.