Hermes sandals Fit Guide: the short answer
Hermes sandals often feel like wardrobe upgrades rather than just footwear, but fit matters more than you think. Most Hermes slide-style sandals (Oran, Izmir, Oasis) are sold in EU sizing and generally run true to size for most feet, yet strap width, leather stiffness, and foot shape change the equation. This guide gives precise measuring steps, common fit problems with fixes, a quick conversion table, and practical, experience-based tips so you can buy the right Hermes sandal without guesswork.
Do Hermes sandals run true to size?
Yes—usually, but with important caveats. Hermes sandals are produced in European sizes and many customers find the length matches standard EU/US conversions; however, the leather straps and footbed shape create variable fit experiences across models. Oran sandals have a single wide strap that sits across the forefoot and can feel snug on high insteps or wide feet; Izmir straps are lower and tend to allow more forefoot spread. Leather choice—calfskin vs. textured leather—affects break-in time: stiff leathers need a few wears and will soften and widen slightly. The practical rule: size for your foot length first, then adjust for width and strap placement—if you are between sizes and have a higher instep, consider the larger size for long-term comfort.
How should you measure your foot for Hermes sandals?
Measure standing, at the end of the day, with the sock thickness you’ll typically wear—this captures natural swelling and arch flattening. Place a sheet of paper against a wall, stand with heel touching the wall, mark the longest toe, then measure from wall to mark in centimeters; repeat for the other foot and use the larger measurement. Measure forefoot width across the ball of the foot and note arch height visually or by pressing the insole footprint—higher arches need more strap clearance. Compare your foot length in cm to Hermes/EU sizing rather than relying only on US conversions because centimeters are the least ambiguous. Keep a note of any asymmetry (one foot longer or wider) and choose the size that fits the larger foot; minor insole adjustments can compensate for the smaller foot.
Common fit problems and practical fixes
Heel slip happens when the strap sits too far forward or the footbed is slightly long; small slip can be fixed with a thin heel pad under the back of the foot, thicker padding may cause crowding so choose a low-profile pad. Tight strap across the forefoot is the most common complaint—if the leather is new and stiff, allow several wears at home on carpet to speed softening; if strap pressure persists, a cobbler can stretch the strap or add microscopic perforations to increase flex. Toe overhang indicates the sandal is too small in length and cannot be fixed without exchanging; always prioritize length over slightly looser straps. Blisters are typically from initial friction—use blister patches or a leather conditioner sparingly to accelerate break-in, but test conditioner on an inconspicuous area first. Insoles with cut-to-fit arch support can transform an otherwise borderline fit into a comfortable daily-wear sandal; choose low-profile support to avoid pushing the toes forward.
Expert Tip — Avoid the common mistake of buying Hermes Oran in your street shoe size without checking strap placement: if the Oran strap hits the widest part of your toes rather than the base of the toes, size up. That single change often turns a painful hour into a comfortable day.
Little-known fact: Hermes uses slightly denser footbeds in some seasonal models to preserve silhouette, which can make the same size feel firmer than usual for the first few wears.
Little-known fact: Hermes gilt-edge finishing on straps reduces initial stretching compared with untreated edges; that’s why some pairs barely change shape unless professionally stretched.
Little-known fact: Some Hermes sandals are cut on gender-neutral lasts—women buying certain unisex styles may need one size down in length compared with women-only lasts.
Sizing comparison and quick reference table
Use foot length in centimeters as the definitive guide, then check model notes for strap behavior. The table below gives commonly used conversions and short fit notes for slide-style Hermes sandals; if your measurement sits on a boundary, pick the larger size for high insteps or wide feet and the smaller size for narrow feet.
| Hermes (EU) | Approx US Women’s | Foot length (cm) | Fit note (Oran / Izmir / Oasis) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 6 | 23.0 | True length; Oran strap may feel snug on wide forefeet. |
| 37 | 6.5–7 | 23.6 | Safe for medium-width feet; Izmir feels roomier than Oran. |
| 38 | 7.5–8 | 24.3 | Most common choice for average US 8; good balance of length and strap coverage. |
| 39 | 8.5–9 | 25.0 | Recommended if between sizes with high instep or wide ball width. |
| 40 | 9.5–10 | 25.6 | Roomier; consider if you prefer a looser slide or will use thin socks/inserts. |
Remember that hermes shoes sizes are standardized but models change year to year; use the table as a baseline and prioritize your measured foot length. If shopping online, compare the product’s listed footbed length (if provided) against your measurement rather than relying solely on EU-to-US conversion charts. If returns are possible, order two adjacent sizes and test at home on carpet, starting with short walks and progressively longer wear to check strap behavior and blister risk.