Hermès Oran vs. İzmir: Which one should you buy?

The Hermès Oran Sandal and the İzmir Sandal both offer classic slip-on luxury from Hermès, but they showcase distinct aesthetics. The iconic Oran features a clean, simple "H" cutout crafted from a single piece of leather for a minimalist and instantly recognizable look. The İzmir, by contrast, presents a more intricate, artisanal feel with its meticulously woven leather "H" strap, offering a textured, understated alternative.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these classic Hermès sandals is the right investment for your wardrobe.

Hermès Oran Sandal

The Hermès Oran is arguably the most famous luxury sandal in the world. Its simple, elegant design featuring the house's initial has made it a timeless staple in warm-weather wardrobes for over two decades. Known for its incredible versatility, the Oran effortlessly elevates any outfit, from casual jeans and a t-shirt to a sophisticated summer dress.

• What it is: A flat leather slide sandal identified by its signature "H" cutout strap design.
• Key features: Minimalist slip-on style, iconic "H" cutout, leather sole, and a polished, refined finish. Made in Italy.
• Price: Starts at $760 for the classic calfskin leather versions and increases for exotic skins.
• Materials/Construction: Primarily crafted from high-quality Box or Epsom calfskin, with options in suede, metallic leathers, and precious exotic skins. The craftsmanship is precise, featuring hand-stitched details.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size but is known for being narrow. Many shoppers with regular or wider feet recommend going up a half size for optimal comfort, as the leather takes time to stretch and mold to your foot.
• Pros: Timeless and iconic design that is instantly recognizable. Incredibly versatile and easy to style. Available in a vast range of colors and materials. Holds its value well compared to other designer sandals.
• Cons: High price point. Offers minimal arch support. The leather strap can require a break-in period and may feel stiff initially. Can be uncomfortable for very wide feet.

This is the definitive choice for those seeking the quintessential, recognizable Hermès sandal that pairs classic design with unmatched versatility.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/product/oran-sandal

Hermès İzmir Sandal

Originally designed as the men's version of the Oran, the İzmir sandal has gained popularity for its handcrafted aesthetic and sturdy construction, which many find appealing. It offers a subtle twist on the classic "H" silhouette, replacing the clean cutout with an intricate woven design. This detail gives the İzmir a more textured feel and a look that feels both relaxed and profoundly luxurious.

• What it is: A flat leather slide sandal featuring a signature "H" created with a woven leather strap technique.
• Key features: Intricate woven H-strap, handcrafted detailing, slightly wider profile than the Oran typically, and a leather sole. Made in Italy.
• Price: Starts at $810 for calfskin versions, reflecting the more complex construction.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from the same premium Hermès calfskin leather, but the construction involves weaving multiple leather strands together to form the "H," showcasing a higher level of artisanal skill.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits similarly to the Oran and generally runs true to size. Due to the woven nature of the strap, some find it slightly more forgiving out of the box. Still, sizing up half a size is a common recommendation for added comfort, especially for wider feet.
• Pros: Unique and sophisticated design that's less common than the Oran. The woven leather showcases detailed craftsmanship. Feels substantial yet comfortable on the foot. Perfect for a "quiet luxury" aesthetic.
• Cons: Higher starting price point. Less iconic and recognizable than the Oran sandal. Available in a more limited range of colors compared to the vast Oran selection.

This sandal is ideal for the Hermès enthusiast who values detailed craftsmanship and prefers a unique, understated design over the brand's most recognizable piece.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/product/izmir-sandal

Hermès Oran vs. İzmir Sandal Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The primary difference between the Oran and the İzmir is visual. The Oran Sandal is the essence of minimalism. Its clean, sharp "H" cutout is modern, sleek, and unambiguous in its branding. It has a chic, polished sensibility that has made it a global phenomenon.

The İzmir Sandal, on the other hand, leans into a more artisanal, bohemian-luxe aesthetic. The woven detail adds texture, depth, and a sense of handcrafted art. It feels slightly more relaxed and is perfect for those who appreciate design subtleties over bold-face branding. While unmistakably Hermès to those in the know, it doesn't shout its name quite as loudly as the Oran.

Fit & Comfort

Both models are flat sandals with stacked leather heels and minimal arch support, so neither is designed for extensive walking. Both shoes also require a break-in period as the leather outsole and strap mold to your feet over time.

The fit is where slight differences emerge. The Oran is famously narrow, and its solid leather strap can feel restrictive initially. The İzmir’s woven strap structure, while still H-shaped, may offer a bit more flexibility and feel less stiff out of the box for some wearers. For both styles, going up half a size is the most common advice for anyone who doesn't have a narrow foot.

Price & Value

Both sandals are significant investments, aligning with Hermès' luxury positioning. The İzmir consistently starts at a slightly higher price point (around $50 more) than the classic leather Oran. This difference is justified by the more intricate, labor-intensive woven construction of its strap.

In terms of value, the Oran perhaps holds a slight edge due to its iconic status, massive popularity, and strong resale market. However, the İzmir's value lies in its unique craftsmanship and relative scarcity, appealing to collectors or buyers looking for something less ubiquitous.

Versatility & Popularity

When it comes to popularity, there's no contest: the Oran is one of the most famous fashion items period. It is a wardrobe staple for celebrities, influencers, and luxury shoppers worldwide. Its simple design makes it incredibly versatile, pairing with nearly any outfit imaginable.

The İzmir is far less common, making it an excellent choice if you prefer not to wear the same items as everyone else. It is just as versatile as the Oran but brings a more relaxed, textured look to an outfit that sophisticated dressers may prefer.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both sandals are beautiful, well-crafted pieces, but they serve slightly different style preferences.

Choose the Hermès Oran if:

• You want the iconic, instantly recognizable luxury sandal.
• Your style is minimalist, classic, and streamlined.
• This is your first significant Hermès shoe purchase and you want a timeless classic.
• You want the widest possible selection of colors, finishes, and materials.

Choose the Hermès İzmir if:

• You prefer an understated, "quiet luxury" aesthetic.
• You are drawn to artisanal details and intricate craftsmanship.
• You want a sandal that is less common but still clearly a high-end designer piece.
• You appreciate a more relaxed, bohemian-chic or textured element in your footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Hermès Oran and İzmir sandals?

The main difference is the design of the "H" strap. The Oran features a clean, single-piece leather cutout of the letter "H". The İzmir features a more complex strap where multiple leather strips are woven together to form the "H" shape, giving it a textural, handcrafted look.

Do Hermès sandals run true to size?

Hermès sandals generally run true to size, but they are designed with a narrow fit. It is very common for buyers, especially those with average or wider feet, to purchase half a size larger than their usual size for better comfort and fit across the strap.

Which sandal is more comfortable, Oran or İzmir?

Comfort is subjective and both are flat leather minimalist sandals. Neither offers significant arch support. Some people find the woven strap of the İzmir slightly softer and more flexible initially, while others are perfectly comfortable in the Oran after a brief break-in period.

Are Hermès sandals worth it?

For those who value timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and materials, Hermès sandals are considered a worthy investment. They are built to last for years, maintain their style beyond fleeting trends, and hold their resale value better than most other designer sandals on the market.

Which is more popular, the Oran or İzmir?

The Oran sandal is astronomically more popular and is a signature item for the Hermès brand. The İzmir is a much more niche choice, preferred by those seeking a more discreet option.

How do I care for my Hermès sandals?

To preserve your sandals, avoid exposure to water and excessive humidity. When not in use, store them in their provided dust bags. It is also a good idea to take them to a reputable cobbler to have a rubber sole protector (like a Vibram sole) added, which will protect the leather sole and prolong their life.

I heard İzmir is a city in Turkey. What does that have to do with the sandal?

While İzmir is a city in Turkey with an Hermès boutique, the brand also independently named this specific men's sandal model "İzmir." The name evokes a sense of Mediterranean travel and sophistication, aligning with the brand's aesthetic.

Where is the best place to buy Hermès sandals?

To guarantee authenticity and receive the best service, the only recommended places to purchase new Hermès sandals are directly from a physical Hermès boutique or on the official Hermès website.