Getting the Right Size: Everything You Need to Know

Getting the right size in a Hermès sandal purchase is more consequential 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 cannot accommodate a larger foot in the way that a thinner or cheaper hide would. Conversely, a sandal that is too big will slide, fold and crease unattractively, and age inconsistently. The conditioning period that transforms Hermès sandals from firm to perfectly fitting depends on the right initial size — the leather adapts to your personal foot anatomy within its appropriate size.

This article covers every sizing consideration for Hermès sandals: how Hermès sizing works relative to other systems, the specific fit characteristics of the Oran and Izmir, accurate foot measuring technique, and what to do when you are between sizes. It also covers particular circumstances — various foot anatomies and material variations.

How Hermès Sizes Work

Hermès sandals use European (Paris) sizing, which includes both whole and half sizes. This is a foot-length-based system using Paris point units — one Paris point is about 6.67mm. The Hermès sandal sizing typically spans from approximately EU 34 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 oran sandal = US Women’s 9–9.5 = UK 6.5. These translations are general approximations and assume a medium width.

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. A significant number of wearers find that their Izmir size and their Oran size differ by half a size, even in the same European size. This is not a quality issue — it is a result of different construction forms.

Oran-Specific Sizing: 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 safest approach is to start with your true EU size determined by measuring your foot. If your measurement sits between two Hermès sizes, choosing the larger half-size usually works better, because the leather cannot stretch into a larger length but will mold to a minimally larger shoe during the wear-in period.

For feet wider than average — specifically, for feet that are significantly wider than average for their length — the Oran sizing strategy shifts. The H-cutout vamp has a fixed width at any given size, and a significantly wide foot may be limited by it. Choosing the next half-size up may offer more space across the vamp. The downside is a slightly longer sandal, which can result in a slightly slack slingback strap even when adjusted to its tightest setting. Some owners with broad feet fix this with minor professional adjustment to the strap.

Izmir-Specific Sizing: How to Size the Izmir

The Izmir’s closed-back design introduces a different fitting situation than the Oran. Because the back is fixed rather than adjustable, the fit across the heel and back of the foot is determined entirely by the size selection. For standard heel dimensions, the Izmir fits true to size — the leather wraps snugly around the heel without tightening or slipping off. For fine heels, sizing down by half a size may provide a more secure fit. For broad heels, sizing up by half a size provides more heel space.

The how the Izmir conforms over time involves the enclosed back conforming to the heel’s specific contours, which needs five to ten uses in standard calfskin. If the enclosed back feels acutely uncomfortable rather than simply firm, it is worth reassessing the size — genuine acute discomfort, rather than the expected firmness of new leather, may indicate that the size is incorrect.

Measuring Your Foot: The Correct Method

The most reliable way to identify the right Hermès size when boutique access is not available is to take an accurate foot measurement and check against the Hermès size guide. To measure accurately: place your full weight on a piece of paper, put the paper against a wall and position your heel to the wall, and mark the tip of your longest toe with a marker. Measure the distance from the wall to the mark in millimeters — this measurement is 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 resale return on fit grounds.