Sizing Hermès Sandals: The Complete Sizing Guide
Getting the right size in a Hermès sandal purchase is more consequential than in most other footwear categories. Because Hermès uses full-thickness, structured calfskin leather, a sandal that is half a size below your correct fit 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 deteriorate asymmetrically. The break-in process that makes Hermès sandals progressively more comfortable depends on the right initial size — the leather molds to your individual foot shape within its right 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 addresses some specific scenarios — various foot anatomies and material variations.
Understanding the Hermès Sizing System
Hermès sandals use European (Paris) sizing, which runs in full and half sizes. This is a numerical system based on foot length in Paris points — one Paris point is about 6.67mm. The Hermès size range for sandals usually runs from EU 34 up to 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 equivalents are not exact and apply to medium-width feet.
One important nuance of Hermès sizing is that it differs modestly between models. The Oran and Izmir are built on different foot-shaped frames, and the same EU size may fit slightly differently in each. Many buyers report that their Izmir size and their Oran size differ by half a size, even in the same numerical hermes men sandals size. This is not a quality issue — it is a result of different construction forms.
Oran-Specific Sizing: Specific Guidance
The Hermès Oran usually runs true to EU size for medium-width feet. For a remote buy without a try-on, the safest approach is to start with your true EU size based on foot length measurement. If your measurement sits between two Hermès sizes, sizing up by half a size is typically the better choice, because the Oran’s leather will not stretch to accommodate excess length but will conform comfortably to a slightly generous fit as the leather softens.
For feet wider than average — specifically, for feet that are significantly wider than average for their length — the sizing approach changes. The H-shaped upper has a set width at any given size, and a quite broad foot can feel restricted by it. Going half a size larger may offer more space in the upper. The trade-off is that the sandal may be slightly long, which can result in a slightly slack slingback strap even when set at maximum tension. Some buyers with wider feet resolve this through minor cobbler work to the strap.
Sizing the Hermès Izmir: How to Size the Izmir
The Izmir’s sealed heel produces a distinct sizing need than the Oran. Because the heel is closed and non-adjustable, the fit across the heel and back of the foot is wholly a function of the size picked. For average heel widths, the Izmir fits true to size — the leather sits securely against the heel without squeezing or sliding. For narrow heels, choosing a half-size smaller can offer a better hold. For broad heels, sizing up by half a size gives the enclosed back additional room.
The Izmir’s softening process means the back leather conforming to the heel’s specific contours, which needs five to ten uses in standard calfskin. If the closed heel causes real pain rather than merely stiff and new, it is important to reconsider the size — true discomfort, rather than the normal stiffness of new hide, could suggest incorrect sizing.
Measuring Your Foot: Step-by-Step Guide
The most dependable approach to identify the right Hermès size if you cannot visit a store is to measure your foot accurately and check against the Hermès size guide. 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 tip of your longest toe with a marker. Calculate the distance from wall to mark in millimetres — this is your foot length. Compare your measured foot length to the Hermès size chart. According to sizing experts at The RealReal, foot measurement is the single most reliable predictor of resale return on fit grounds.
| 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 |