Hermès Oran Sandal Guide

With summer fast approaching, my mind is already on my warm weather wardrobe. And daydreams of coastal beach outings, sunny city breaks, plus the far-off islands I’m planning on travelling to just wouldn’t be complete without one summer shoe in particular – the Hermès Oran sandal. A true house icon, I like to think of it as the Birkin of Hermès footwear. This ingeniously simple slider sandal has been around since the ‘90s and is one of brand’s most popular and classic designs, distinctive thanks to its signature H cutout strap across the front. It has garnered quite the reputation as a Hermès collector’s piece, with a new trove of colours and materials released each season. 

It’s pretty rare that a shoe is able to climb luxury fashion’s accessory ranks and earn the kind of icon status and cult popularity that we typically associate with only the most revered handbags. But the Hermès Oran has managed to do just this. First released in 1997 by Pierre Hardy, Hermès’ Creative Director of footwear, the sandal was part of the maison’s Africa-inspired collection and gets its name from the Algerian city of Oran. Its popularity and acclaim hasn’t stalled in the decades since its launch. Instead, the Hermès Oran has cemented its reputation as a lightweight and minimalist sandal with unparalleled comfort (seriously, you won’t want to take them off). 

I’m a devoted Hermès Oran collector and proud! This design manages to be the shoe of the summer, EVERY summer. So, of course, my Hermès Oran sandals are an essential luxury in my wardrobe during this time of year. In this guide, I’m going to take you through everything there is to know about Hermès Oran sandals, answering your sizing queries and divulging my top colour and material recommendations. 

Shoe sizing for some brands can be tricky so in the spirit of decoding any ambiguity about Hermès Oran sizes, let’s keep this simple. Hermès Oran sandals follow EU shoe sizing, also known as French (FR) sizing. They typically fit true to size but this can vary depending on the material. The leather options will naturally soften over time which will make them a little more roomy but this shouldn’t impact your normal shoe size. Hermès recommends sizing up if you’re in between sizes or going up half a size if you have wide feet, but, generally, it’s recommended that you stick to your typical size.

The mark of any true brand icon is how it’s reinterpreted each season. And perhaps the only designs that can rival the Oran’s collectible assortment of new colours and materials released seasonally are the Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags themselves. There are, of course, the classic Hermès leathers I love like Epsom and Box Calfskin in gorgeous neutrals. But also vivid colours that help give my looks the injection of quintessential summer style that this season calls for. From pastels that perfectly encapsulate the sunny disposition we all feel as the weather heats up (lemon yellow Jaune Impérial, mint green Vert Pomme and ballerina pink Rose Pâle shades always prove popular), to richer shades like fuchsia and emerald. 

There are also a lot of other materials to choose from that stray from the traditional Hermès leathers. Exotic options are plentiful when it comes to Hermès Orans. These definitely prove some of my favourites, particularly croc and lizard variations (ideal if you’re looking for something super elevated to add to your assortment of Orans). 

I think one of the major reasons why the Hermès Oran sandal has endured for so long with no signs of its popularity waning is the brand’s commitment to continuously updating the Oran offering with new and inventive materials. There’s quite literally been every kind of new release you can think of, from canvas and denim to suede and even fuzzy shearling and woolskin options that make a great alternative to indoor slippers during the colder months. 

We couldn’t possibly discuss a Hermès icon without mentioning rare and limited-edition versions of the style. And over the many years that the Hermès Oran has spent in luxury fashion’s limelight, this sandal has amassed a rather impressive selection of unique releases that are highly coveted. There’s even a version made from the legendary Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile skin. 

One of the things I love the most about Hermès Oran sandals is that you can never have enough. But if I have to pick a handful of favourites, here goes. In terms of a truly classic style, Epsom leather in the Étoupe colour is a great choice – it’s so timeless and easy to wear year after year. For something that feels a little more special, I love my exotic lizard and croc variations. For a pop of colour, I always reach for my vibrant coral red style (I have a gorgeous baby blue that’s also a great pick). And fuzzy options like woolskin are perfect for switching up the typical summer slider look. 

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The dresses I am wearing for spring

Hermès Shoulder Birkin Review