I am never going to be that girl with all the shoes. I like shoes (sometimes I even LOVE shoes). I own a reasonable amount of them, but almost every pair I own either remains pristine or gets worn ’til they fall apart (sometimes while I’m actually wearing them).
For some styles (like a platform espadrille, which I only ever want in a neutral pink), I’ll own just one pair at a time and replace them every few seasons.
I was a client of Hermès for 20 years before I purchased any of their shoes; although, to be fair, in the 90s, they didn’t have many tempting choices. My first pair was the Oasis sandal, which I bought in a pretty pink (of course). The first time I wore them, I fell down my stairs, and that was that for the Oasis; it was another two years before I returned to Hermès’ shoe department.
That second time, I bought the Oran in vintage metallic gold. It was a revelation: a flat that was comfortable1 enough for hours of walking and could work with most of my wardrobe, from super-casual to evening dresses. Next, I purchased a pair of metallic rose gold Orans and wore them daily until it was time to replace them.
Since then, I’ve enjoyed their sneakers (shearling-lined Dare sneakers, Hermès, please make these again!), riding boots (Jumping), winter shoes (Hemisphere), and a weird pair that looks like a mashup of a winter boot, a pair of high-top Chucks, and figure skates (the Flocon Ankle Boot, which, by the way, also goes with everything).
Beyond the classic, perennial styles, Hermès cycles in and out of new designs every season. Some hang on for a while, perhaps even becoming New Classics (like the Chypre), while others are phased out of production. Building on its continued success in this metièr, Hermès’ options for this season offer many tempting choices. Here are a few of my new (and old) favorites:
Flat Sandals
Classic: Santorini Sandal in Rose Porcelain Epsom, Ref No.H182138Z 27350, $890.
Like other popular sandal styles, such as the Oran and the Oasis, the Santorini has the H cut-out detail across the top of the foot. It also has an ankle strap, which not only keeps the shoe more secure on foot (great for those of us who tend to grip our shoes with our toes), it also appears slightly dressier, impart just a bit more elegance to the wearer (also currently available in Suede, $890, Denim and Calfskin, $1,025, Lizard and Calfskin, $2,550, Alligator and Calfskin, $4,225).
New: June Sandal in Noir Calfskin, Ref No. H242104Z 02360, $1400.
With straps delicately wrapping around the foot and ankle and the Kelly Buckle across the top, this newer design provides a surprisingly elegant silhouette for a black sandal.
Block Heel Sandals
Classic: Gigi 50 Sandal in Beige Albinos and Blanc Calfskin, Ref No. H231063Z BA350, $1275.
This is a simple, classic sandal style with the iconic Kelly buckle and 2″ block heel. Produced with either a single color for the upper and buckle strap or contrasting colors, it is an easy choice for a versatile sandal style.
New: Ivresse 65 Sandal in Gold Calfskin, Ref No H241152Z 20350, $1,350.
I first noticed the Ivresse last week when my incredibly elegant and stylish friend wore them on our lunch date. This is one of those styles that I might have otherwise overlooked, but it was so perfect on her.
Embellished with Medor Studs and straps and featuring an angled 2.6″ block heel, it’s versatile for day or night. Even better: She swears they’re so comfortable she could run in them. I plan to pick up a pair and find out for myself!
Flatforms
Classic: Chypre Sandal in Ombre Lizard and Noir Calfskin, Ref No H241255Z OM360, $3,975.
Am I the only longtime Hermès client who doesn’t own a pair of these? The Chypre is one of those “New Classic” Hermès shoe styles that made this metièr worth its own visit. Bearing the H cut-out and an adjustable strap over what Hermès calls an “anatomical” rubber sole, this shoe is (I’m told) very comfortable. It is also a great match for modern styles (also currently available in Calfskin, $910; Suede, $910; Fringed Canvas and Calfskin, $1,025; Shearling, $1,225; and Alligator, $6,700).
New: Intuition Sandal in Noir Calfskin, Ref No. H241149Z 02360, $1600
I almost didn’t include the Intuition because I want to keep it to myself – a flatform I can even love. Adorned with Medor studs – big enough to be a design focal point (rather than a delicate accent, like on the Ivresse) – and thick straps, the Intuition gives just enough of that Rock and Roll/S&M vibe without being de trop.
Mules
Classic: Oz Mule in Vert Forêt Suede with Permabrass Kelly Buckle, Ref No. H241066Z 4N350, $1275.
Hermès has been making an increasing number of mule styles, which, to me, is basically a sandal for colder weather (or for those who want to keep their toes covered). Another of those deceptively simple styles that just seems to go everywhere, and with everything, the Oz keeps it understated and seasonless.
Keeping basically the same sole and heel as the Oran/Oasis/Santorini, with a loftier-style upper that glides over the foot and curves down towards the heel (also currently available in Calfskin or Suede with Permabrass, $1,275, Goatskin with Permabrass or PHW $1,275, RGHW $1,375, Heritage Calfskin $1,350, Calfskin and Fringed H Canvas $1,550, and Suede with Shearling Lining $1,625).
New: Carlotta Mule in Bleu Clair Denim and Naturel Calfskin with Wool Lining, Ref No H231289Z CB350, $1,425.
When Hermès first produced this clog several seasons ago, it sold out almost immediately and was very difficult to find for months. Well on its way to becoming a “New Classic,” with the familiar Kelly buckle and traditional studs, a platform of just under 1″ and a 1.4″ heel, this style is produced in multiple variations each season (also currently available in Printed H Canvas and Calfskin, $1,275).
Espadrilles/Wedges
Classic: Legend Sandal in Gold Calfskin, Ref No. H172196Z 03340, $990.
It’s called “Legend” for a reason: day to night, casual or formal, this wedge with a 2.8″ heel can go pretty much anywhere.
New: Eze 30 Sandal in Blanc Calfskin, Ref No H221026Z 90360, $780.
Back in the early 80s, I loved my Kork-Ease2 cork platform shoes: the only “heels” my mom would let me wear; I was thrilled to be a few inches taller and as comfortable as I was when I wore sneakers. Ever since Eric Javits stopped making his more grown-up version3 of those old favorites, I’ve been looking for something to fill that void on my shoe shelves. I was absolutely tickled when Hermès started making this perfect, easy (pun intended) pair of cork platforms, with a 1.4″ platform sloping to a 2.6” heel.
Evening Shoes
Classic: Glamour 95 Sandal in Rose Porcelaine Suede with Rose Gold Kelly Buckle, Ref No H231058Z 27355, $1,275.
The epitome of a simple yet feminine evening shoe, the Glamour keeps the foot secure with a combination of slingback strap and Kelly buckle across the foot. The Glamour 95 has a 3.7” heel, while the similarly priced Glamour 75 has a 3″ heel (also available in Calfskin, $1,225, Shiny Lizard, $3,450, and Shiny and Natura Ombrè Lizard, $3,850).
New: Image 100 Sandal in Bleu Ocean Suede, Ref No. H241086Z V9360, $2,050.
The Image 100 is definitely a counterpoint to the Glamour: a festive and fun style with its long straps and oblong, 3.9″ high Chaine d’Ancre heel. The Image is a bit more complicated and a lot more look-at-me.
Sneakers
Classic: Deep Sneaker in Blanc Calfskin with Orange Synthètique Shiny Lizard Detail, Ref No H231242Z 91350, $1,000.
The Deep is the classic, everyday Hermès sneaker with a substantial sole, stitch detailing, and traditional styling. It’s produced in numerous variations every season and may have a contrasting H and/or other contrasting details and lining (also currently available in Knit with Calfskin).
New: Day Sneaker in Beige Sable Suede Goatskin with Rose Gold Kelly Buckle, Ref No. H241187Z C9345, $1,475.
A relatively newer style that has become more popular over the past few seasons, the Day sneaker bears a traditional sneaker profile (with a silhouette similar to the Deep but with a lower ankle cut-out) but with modern details, like the Kelly buckle strap (also currently available in Calfskin and Canvas, $1,325, Calfskin and Denim, $1,375, all Calfskin with PHW, $1,400, all Calfskin with RGHW or PVD, $1,475, and Calfskin with Woven Print, $1525).
Hermès makes such a wide variety of sneakers I am including these additional style options:
Sporty: Héros Sneaker in Rose Technical Knit and Blanc Suede, Ref No. H232103Z 2W360, $1,150.
Mid-rise sneakers with gripping soles and shock absorption are no longer limited to the track. Sporty sneakers are perfect for errands or coffee runs, regardless of whether you’re heading to/from the gym. The Héros is produced in a variety of colors, some with contrasting design points (such as the toe box, center stripe, heel, and tongue pull tabs, and parts of the sole), and the signature H detail on the heel and 1.6″ high sole.
High Top: Hip-Hop Sneaker in Blanc Sport Suede and Goatskin Suede, Ref No H232099Z 90360, €840.
The Hip-Hop is a high-top version of the Bouncing sneaker, a clean, visually appealing style. A classic high-top silhouette with modern details like the 1.6″ high graphic sole with contrasting H details; each shoe has two Hs on the sole, in either the same or different colors (also available in Satin Technical Jersey, and Goatskin Suede, Graphic Mesh, and Goatskin Suede).
- N.B. There are differing opinions on how comfortable Hermès’ flat-soled sandals (such as the Oran and Oasis) are. It seems that people find them either incredibly comfortable or incredibly uncomfortable; my theory, based on discussions with others, is that this may have to do with the arch of one’s foot. For those with high arches, this may be an issue. ↩︎
- I had to check: they still make them! Kork-Ease ↩︎
- By the way, it was the Eric Javits shoes that fell apart while I was wearing them: the sole broke in half while I was crossing a street. Perhaps that’s why they stopped making them? ↩︎
