Sizing Hermès Sandals: The Complete Sizing Guide
Getting the right size in a Hermès sandal purchase 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 not stretch in the way that softer, cheaper leather might. On the other hand, a sandal that is too big will slide, fold and crease unattractively, and age inconsistently. The conditioning period that makes Hermès sandals progressively more comfortable depends on the right initial size — the leather adapts to your personal foot anatomy within its right size.
This article covers every sizing consideration for Hermès sandals: Hermès size equivalents in other systems, the how the Oran and Izmir each fit, how to measure your foot correctly, and what to do when you are between sizes. It also addresses some specific scenarios — wide footwidth, narrow heel fit, leather-specific differences.
Understanding the Hermès Sizing System
Hermès sandals use Paris point sizing, which includes both whole and half sizes. This is a foot-length-based system using Paris point units — a Paris point measures roughly 6.67 millimeters. The Hermès size range for sandals generally extends from EU 34 through EU 42. European sizing correlates 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 conversions are approximate and apply to medium-width feet.
One important nuance of Hermès sizing is that it differs modestly between models. The Oran and Izmir are constructed on different shoe forms, and the https://www.oransandals.com/ same numerical size may vary in each. A significant number of wearers find that their Izmir and Oran sizes are a half-step apart, even in the same European size. This is not a quality issue — it is a reflection of the different last shapes.
How to Size the Oran: The Oran Sizing Guide
The Hermès Oran typically matches standard EU sizing for average foot widths. For a purchase made without in-person fitting, the most reliable strategy is to begin with your correct EU number determined by measuring your foot. If your foot is on the boundary between sizes, choosing the larger half-size usually works better, because the Oran’s leather will not stretch to accommodate excess length but will adapt to a slightly roomy fit through the break-in process.
For feet wider than average — especially for feet noticeably broader than standard — the sizing approach changes. The H-cutout vamp has a fixed 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 cost is a marginally elongated fit, which can make the heel strap feel loose even when adjusted to its tightest setting. Some wide-footed buyers address this by having a cobbler make minor modifications to the strap.
Sizing the Hermès Izmir: Key Izmir Sizing Rules
The Izmir’s sealed heel produces a distinct sizing need 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 fits closely around the back without squeezing or sliding. For fine heels, choosing a half-size smaller can offer a better hold. For wide heels, sizing up by half a size provides more heel space.
The break-in process for the Izmir involves the enclosed back molding to the exact heel shape, which requires 5 to 10 wears in Epsom. If the enclosed back feels acutely uncomfortable rather than just firm and new, it is worth reassessing the size — genuine acute discomfort, rather than the normal stiffness of new hide, may indicate that the size is incorrect.
Measuring Your Foot: Step-by-Step Guide
The best method to identify the right Hermès size without an in-person try-on is to measure your foot precisely and match to the official Hermès size chart. To get the right measurement: step on paper with full body weight, align the paper to the wall and press your heel against it, and mark the tip of your longest toe with a writing instrument. Measure the distance from the wall to the mark in millimeters — this distance equals 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 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 |