Hermès Sandal Sizing: The Complete Sizing Guide
Getting the right size in a pair of Hermès sandals is more consequential than in many other types of footwear. Because Hermès uses full-thickness, structured calfskin leather, a sandal that is even half a size too small will not stretch in the way that a thinner or cheaper hide would. Conversely, a sandal that is too big will slide, bunch the leather in unflattering ways, and wear unevenly. The conditioning period that transforms Hermès sandals from firm to perfectly fitting assumes a correct starting size — the leather molds to your individual foot shape 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, how to measure your foot correctly, and guidance for half-size ambiguity. It also covers particular circumstances — wide footwidth, narrow heel fit, leather-specific differences.
How Hermès Sizes Work
Hermès sandals use the European sizing system, which runs in full and half sizes. This is a measurement system tracking foot length in Paris units — each Paris point equals approximately 6.67mm. 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 key distinction 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. Numerous owners note that their size in the Izmir versus the Oran differs by one half-size, even in the same EU number. This is not an error — it is a result of www.oransandals.com/ different construction forms.
How to Size the Oran: The Oran Sizing Guide
The Hermès Oran generally fits true to European size for average foot widths. For a remote buy without a try-on, the safest approach is to use your actual European size based on foot length measurement. If your measurement sits between two Hermès sizes, choosing the larger half-size usually works better, because the Oran’s hide cannot expand to fit a longer foot but will mold to a minimally larger shoe through the break-in process.
For wide feet — particularly for feet substantially wider than the norm — the sizing approach changes. 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 can provide additional room through the cutout area. The cost is a marginally elongated fit, which can make the heel strap feel loose 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: Key Izmir Sizing Rules
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 determined entirely by the size selection. For average heel widths, the Izmir runs true — the leather fits closely around the back without tightening or slipping off. For slim heel bones, choosing a half-size smaller could give a more stable feel. For substantial heel bones, choosing the next half-size up gives the enclosed back additional room.
The break-in process for the Izmir involves the enclosed back adapting to the individual heel form, which requires 5 to 10 wears in Epsom. If the enclosed back feels acutely uncomfortable rather than just firm and new, it is important to reconsider the size — real pain, rather than the normal stiffness of new hide, may indicate that the size is incorrect.
How to Measure Your Foot: Step-by-Step Guide
The most dependable approach to find your correct Hermès fitting without an in-person try-on is to measure your foot precisely and match to the official Hermès size chart. To measure correctly: place your full weight on a piece of paper, align the paper to the wall and press your heel against it, and mark the tip of your longest toe with a pencil or pen. 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 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 |