Sizing Hermès Sandals: The Complete Sizing Guide
Getting the right size in a pair of Hermès sandals is more important than in the majority of shoe types. Because Hermès uses high-density, structured hide, 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 oversized will slip, fold and crease unattractively, and age inconsistently. The leather softening process that makes Hermès sandals progressively more comfortable depends on the right initial size — the leather adapts to your personal foot anatomy within its appropriate size.
This guide covers the complete sizing picture for Hermès sandals: the Hermès sizing system and how it converts, the how the Oran and Izmir each fit, the correct foot measurement method, and options for between-size situations. It also handles special cases — various foot anatomies and material variations.
The Hermès Size Chart
Hermès sandals use the European sizing system, which is available in full and half increments. 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. 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 equivalents are not exact and work best for standard foot widths.
One key distinction of Hermès sizing is that it differs modestly between models. The Oran and Izmir are constructed on a survey at oransandals different shoe forms, and the same numerical size may vary in each. A significant number of wearers find that their size in the Izmir versus the Oran differs by one half-size, even in the same numerical size. This is not an error — it is a reflection of the different last shapes.
Sizing the Hermès Oran: 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 most reliable strategy is to use your actual European size based on foot length measurement. If your foot length falls in the middle of two sizes, choosing the larger half-size usually works better, because the leather cannot stretch into a larger length but will conform comfortably to a slightly generous fit as the leather softens.
For feet wider than average — especially for feet noticeably broader than standard — the sizing approach changes. The H-cutout upper has a defined width at any given size, and a quite broad foot can feel restricted by it. Choosing the next half-size up could create more width across the vamp. The cost is a marginally elongated fit, which can cause the back strap to feel insufficiently taut even when adjusted to its tightest setting. Some owners with broad feet fix this with minor professional adjustment to the strap.
Getting the Right Izmir Size: Specific Guidance
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 typical heel breadth, the Izmir runs true — the leather wraps snugly around the heel without pinching and without slipping. For narrow heels, going down one half-size could give a more stable feel. For substantial heel bones, sizing up by half a size creates more room at the back.
The break-in process for the Izmir means the back leather 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 sensible to check the sizing — real pain, rather than the normal stiffness of new hide, might signal the wrong size was chosen.
How to Measure Your Foot: Getting the Right Measurement
The most reliable way to find your correct Hermès fitting when boutique access is not available is to measure your foot precisely and check against the Hermès size guide. To measure correctly: stand on a piece of paper with your full weight on the foot, put the paper against a wall and position your heel to the wall, and indicate the furthest point of your longest toe with a pencil or pen. Calculate the distance from wall to mark in millimetres — this distance equals your foot length. Match your foot length to the published Hermès sizing guide. According to sizing experts at The RealReal, correct foot length is the clearest predictor of size satisfaction and return rates.
| 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 |