Every Hermès Sandal, Explained
Hermès makes five sandal families that matter. They look different, feel different on the foot, and serve different parts of your life. Here's what each one actually does.
Oran
The one that started everything. Pierre Hardy designed it in 1997. A flat calfskin slide with the H cut into the front. No buckle, no strap around the back, nothing to adjust. You step in and go. The Oran comes in more colours than any other Hermès product, and the seasonal shades sell out within weeks at the boutique. If you see a colour you like, buy it. It won't be there next month.
Chypre
The Chypre is the Hermès sandal that broke waitlists. An adjustable strap, an anatomical rubber sole, and the same H cutout as the Oran but in a technical construction that you can actually walk in all day. The rubber sole is the difference: the Oran has a leather sole made for looking good, the Chypre has a rubber sole made for covering ground. Available for both men and women. If you have tried to buy a pair at the boutique and been told to wait, we probably have your size right now.
Izmir
The men's Hermès sandal that nobody outside the know talks about, which is precisely the appeal. The H cutout is wider and more masculine. Calfskin upper, leather sole, zero visible branding beyond the H itself. The Izmir is for men who want quality leather on their feet without the loudness of logo sneakers. It pairs with everything from chinos to swim shorts, and in a place where sandals are worn ten months of the year, it earns its keep.
Kazimir
The newer men's sandal with crisscross straps that form a subtle H through their interlacing. More architectural than the Izmir, more refined than the Chypre. The Kazimir sits in the space between a beach sandal and a shoe you'd wear to dinner, which makes it one of the more versatile warm weather options for men who like their footwear to do double duty.
Oasis
The heeled sandal for women. Same H crossover strap as the Oran but on a wood block heel that adds approximately 6.5cm of height. The Oasis is the Hermès sandal for evenings, weddings, and dinners where a flat slide would feel too casual. It bridges the gap between the daytime Oran and proper evening shoes.
Picking the Right One
If you want a sandal that looks effortless with a sundress, jeans, or a kaftan by the pool: Oran. If you want a sandal you can walk through a city in without your feet complaining by hour four: Chypre. If you're a man who wants the quietest luxury sandal on the market: Izmir. If you're a man who wants something with more visual interest: Kazimir. If you need height and evening versatility: Oasis. Most people who buy one Hermès sandal end up buying a second in a different model within the year. They serve different moments.
What They're Made From
Calfskin is the standard and the most versatile. Epsom calfskin is the most practical: pressed grain, scratch resistant, holds colour well. Box calfskin is smoother and more formal but scratches visibly. Suede goatskin gives a softer, matte texture that works particularly well in pastel and seasonal colours. Exotic skins (crocodile, lizard, ostrich) push the price into a different bracket entirely but produce sandals that are genuinely stunning objects. Shearling lined versions appear in cooler season drops, though in this climate they're more of a statement than a necessity.
Sizing Across Models
All Hermès sandals use European sizing. The Oran, Chypre, and Kazimir run true to size. The Izmir runs slightly narrow, so size up if you have wider feet. Hermès standardised the Chypre sizing in 2023, so your usual Hermès shoe size should work. If you've never bought Hermès footwear before and can't try on at a boutique first, going with your standard EU size is the safest bet for most models.
Every pair at Konesseur comes authenticated with the original orange box and Bolduc ribbon. Browse the sandals above, or explore our full Hermès footwear collection including Bouncing sneakers. For Hermès beyond the feet, see Birkin and Kelly bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hermès sandal should I buy first?
The Oran in Gold or Étoupe if you want maximum versatility. The Chypre if comfort matters more than elegance. The Izmir if you're a man. There is no wrong first choice, but the Oran is the classic for a reason.
How much do Hermès sandals cost?
Standard leather Oran and Izmir sandals retail from approximately AED 3,200 to AED 3,800. The Chypre retails around AED 4,500 to AED 5,000. Exotic skin versions can exceed AED 15,000. On the secondary market, pricing depends on model, colour, size, and condition. Popular Chypre configurations trade at or above retail because demand consistently exceeds supply.
Are Hermès sandals worth the money?
If you wear sandals regularly, yes. The leather is the same quality as Hermès bags. They last years, not seasons. They develop a patina that looks better with age. And they hold resale value at 70% to 85% of retail in good condition, which means your cost of ownership over three years is often lower than buying and replacing cheaper alternatives every summer.
Do Hermès sandals fit true to size?
Mostly yes. Oran, Chypre, and Kazimir run true to European size. Izmir runs narrow. Half a size up if you have wide feet or a high instep on any model. Leather softens with wear, so a slightly snug first fit is normal.
Can men wear Hermès sandals?
The Izmir and Kazimir are designed specifically for men. The Chypre comes in both men's and women's versions. In this part of the world, where sandals are year round footwear, the Izmir in particular has become a daily essential for men who care about what they put on their feet.
What is the difference between the Oran and the Chypre?
Oran: flat leather slide, leather sole, elegant, no back strap. Chypre: adjustable strap, anatomical rubber sole, sporty, built for walking. The Oran looks better. The Chypre feels better after four hours on your feet. Most people eventually own both.
Why are Hermès Chypre sandals so hard to get?
Social media drove demand far past what Hermès produces. Boutique waitlists now rival those for some leather goods. The secondary market is where most people actually acquire their Chypres. At Konesseur, we carry authenticated pairs with immediate availability.
Do Hermès sandals hold their value?
Better than any other luxury sandal. Orans hold 70% to 85% of retail. Exotic skin Orans can trade above retail. The Chypre trades at or above retail for popular sizes and colours. Seasonal colours that have left production often appreciate. If you buy smart (right colour, right size, right condition), an Hermès sandal is closer to an investment than an expense.
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