Sizing Hermès Sandals: The Complete Sizing Guide
Finding the correct size in a set of Hermès sandals is more significant than in many other types of footwear. Because Hermès uses full-thickness, structured calfskin leather, a sandal that is slightly undersized will not stretch in the way that less substantial leather could. On the other hand, a sandal that is too large will slip, compress the material awkwardly, and wear unevenly. The conditioning period that makes Hermès sandals progressively more comfortable requires the proper starting size — the leather conforms to your specific foot within its right size.
This article covers every sizing consideration for Hermès sandals: how Hermès sizing works relative to other systems, the specific fit characteristics of the Oran and Izmir, how to measure your foot correctly, and options for between-size situations. It also covers particular circumstances — wide footwidth, narrow heel fit, leather-specific differences.
Understanding the Hermès Sizing System
Hermès sandals use Paris point sizing, which runs in full and half sizes. This is a numerical system based on foot length in Paris points — a Paris point measures roughly 6.67 millimeters. The Hermès size range for sandals typically spans from approximately EU 34 to EU 42. Here are the conversions from EU to other sizing systems: 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 equivalents are not exact and work best for standard foot widths.
One significant detail of Hermès sizing is that it changes somewhat across designs. The Oran and Izmir are made on different lasts, and the equivalent EU number may feel different in each. Many buyers report that their Izmir and Oran sizes are a half-step apart, even in the same European size. This oran sandal is not an error — it is a result of different construction forms.
Oran-Specific Sizing: Key Sizing Rules
The Hermès Oran usually runs true to EU size for average foot widths. For a first purchase without the ability to try in a boutique, the wisest option is to use your actual European size determined by measuring your foot. If your foot length falls in the middle of two sizes, sizing up by half a size is typically the better choice, because the leather cannot stretch into a larger length but will adapt to a slightly roomy fit through the break-in process.
For broader feet — specifically, for feet that are significantly wider than average for their length — the Oran sizing strategy shifts. The H-cutout vamp has a fixed width at any given size, and a quite broad foot can feel restricted by it. Choosing the next half-size up may offer more space through the cutout area. The downside is a slightly longer sandal, which can cause the back strap to feel insufficiently taut even when set to its snuggest position. Some wide-footed buyers address this by having a cobbler make minor modifications to the strap.
Getting the Right Izmir Size: How to Size the Izmir
The Izmir’s closed-back design introduces a different fitting situation than the Oran. Because the back is permanent rather than variable, the how the sandal sits on the back of the heel is wholly a function of the size picked. For average heel widths, the Izmir fits true to size — the leather wraps snugly around the heel without pinching and without slipping. For slim heel bones, choosing a half-size smaller can offer a better hold. For wide heels, going a half-size larger gives the enclosed back additional room.
The Izmir’s softening process requires the closed heel conforming to the heel’s specific contours, which takes 5–10 wears in Epsom leather. If the closed heel causes real pain rather than merely stiff and new, it is worth reassessing the size — real pain, rather than the normal stiffness of new hide, may indicate that the size is incorrect.
How to Measure Your Foot: The Correct Method
The most dependable approach to identify the right Hermès size when boutique access is not available is to measure your foot precisely and compare against Hermès’s published size chart. To measure correctly: stand on a piece of paper with your full weight on the foot, place the paper against a wall with your heel touching the wall, and mark the end of your longest toe with a writing instrument. Measure the distance from the wall to the mark in millimeters — this is your foot length. Check your measurement against the Hermès chart. According to sizing experts at The RealReal, foot measurement is the single most reliable predictor of fit success for online purchases.
| EU Size | US Women’s (approx.) | UK (approx.) | Foot Length (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 6 | 3 | 225–230 |
| 37 | 7 | 4 | 231–237 |
| 38 | 7.5–8 | 5 | 238–243 |
| 39 | 8.5 | 6 | 244–250 |
| 40 | 9–9.5 | 6.5 | 251–256 |
| 41 | 10 | 7.5 | 257–263 |
| 42 | 11 | 8 | 264–270 |