Hermès Izmir Sandals Guide: Sizing, Fit, Price - BagUSeek

Hermès Izmir Sandals Guide: Sizing, Fit, Price

The Hermès Izmir is a men's leather slide with the iconic H cut-out. It was designed in 2004, costs $950 in the U.S. for standard leather versions, and is made in Italy. The sole is thin — about 0.5 to 0.6 inches — with a leather bottom, calfskin insole, and calfskin lining.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

The Hermès Izmir is a men's leather slide with the iconic H cut-out. It was designed in 2004, costs $950 in the U.S. for standard leather versions, and is made in Italy. The sole is thin — about 0.5 to 0.6 inches — with a leather bottom, calfskin insole, and calfskin lining.

The sizing situation is unusual: Hermès gives different advice depending on the specific Izmir variant. Some product pages say to size up a full size, while others say half a size. That means there's no single true-to-size answer — you need to check the exact product page for the version you're buying.

Quick Verdict

Buy the Izmir if you want a polished Hermès leather slide for resort wear, summer city outfits, linen, shorts, and casual tailoring. It's the most refined men's H sandal Hermès makes.

Choose the Chypre instead if comfort, walking, wide feet, or a high instep is the priority. The Chypre has an anatomical rubber sole and an adjustable strap, so it is the better Hermès sandal for long walks.

Choose the Oran instead if you want the classic women's H slide. Don't transfer Oran sizing to Izmir — they use different sizing guidance.

What Are Hermès Izmir Sandals?

Design and Materials

The Izmir is a flat slide with the Hermès H cut out of the leather upper. Current versions come in several leathers:

Hermès Izmir sandal in prunoir and noir
Izmir in prunoir/noir, showing the fixed H-cutout upper and flat slide shape.
Calfskin
Details
Standard smooth leather; straight-cut or raw-edged H detail
Epsom calfskin
Details
Textured, structured leather; holds shape well
Suede goatskin
Details
Softer, more relaxed look; more sensitive to moisture
Box calfskin
Details
Smooth, polished leather (available in UK)
Exotic leathers
Details
Matte lizard, suede alligator (available in Europe/Japan)

Construction

Sole
Details
Leather (Bisonte grey, black, or natural depending on colorway)
Insole
Details
Calfskin
Lining
Details
Calfskin or goatskin depending on version
Sole height
Details
0.5–0.6 inches (U.S.) / 1.4 cm (UK/EU)
Made in
Details
Italy
Side view of Hermès Izmir sandal in bleu brut and chocolat
Side view of an Izmir in bleu brut/chocolat, useful for seeing the thin sole and low profile.

Current Lineup (May 2026)

U.S.
Products Listed
12
Color Groups Available
Brown, black, beige/natural, blue, green, white
Japan
Products Listed
24
Color Groups Available
Beige/natural, blue, black, maroon, green, white, gray

Availability varies by size, color, and region. A live product page doesn't guarantee every size is in stock — one U.S. page showed a "desired size is no longer available" message even though the product page was still up.

Hermès Izmir Prices by Region (May 2026)

Standard Leather Prices

U.S.
Price
$950
Materials Available
Calfskin, Epsom, suede goatskin
France
Price
€665
Materials Available
Calfskin, suede goatskin
Germany
Price
€665
Materials Available
Calfskin, Epsom
UK
Price
£670–£690
Materials Available
Suede, Epsom (£670); Box calfskin (£690)
Japan
Price
¥134,200
Materials Available
Standard calfskin

Special and Exotic Prices

France
Material
Calfskin H en Ombre (printed)
Price
€715
Germany
Material
Matte lizard
Price
€3,750
Germany
Material
Suede alligator
Price
€5,700
Japan
Material
Higher standard variants
Price
¥145,200
Japan
Material
Exotic tier
Price
¥759,000
Japan
Material
Highest exotic tier
Price
¥1,155,000

The jump from €665 to €5,700 is entirely about material. The shape and construction are the same.

Hermès Izmir Sizing: Do They Run True to Size?

The Short Answer

No. Hermès doesn't give one sizing rule for all Izmir variants. Current product pages say different things:

  • Noir calfskin (U.S.) — size up a full size; size up if between sizes
  • Suede goatskin (U.S.) — size up a half size
  • Some calfskin variants — size up a half size

That means the right approach is to check the exact product page for the version you're buying. Don't assume all Izmir sandals follow the same rule.

The difference is not random enough to ignore. Smooth calfskin, suede goatskin, Epsom calfskin, and special-material Izmir pages can publish different fit notes even when the sandal looks similar from a distance. If you are buying resale, ask the seller for the exact SKU or original product-page sizing note when possible. If they cannot provide it, measure against a slide you already own instead of relying on a generic EU conversion.

Sizing by Foot Type

Narrow to standard
Starting Size
Follow the product page (half or full size up)
Notes
Close heel placement looks more refined
Wide forefoot
Starting Size
Risky — try in person or try Chypre
Notes
Fixed H strap doesn't accommodate width
High instep
Starting Size
Risky — Chypre is safer
Notes
No adjustable upper on the Izmir
Between sizes
Starting Size
Size up (Hermès says this explicitly)
Notes
Lean larger rather than smaller

EU to U.S. Size Conversion

Izmir uses European sizing. Approximate conversions:

39
Approximate U.S. Men's
6.5
40
Approximate U.S. Men's
7.5
41
Approximate U.S. Men's
8
42
Approximate U.S. Men's
9
43
Approximate U.S. Men's
10
44
Approximate U.S. Men's
11
45
Approximate U.S. Men's
12

These are approximate. Owner discussions on PurseForum recommend measuring the insole of a slide that fits you well and comparing it to the prospective Izmir rather than relying on conversion charts.

Where Your Heel Should Sit

Your heel should not hang off the back of the sandal. Some owners prefer a close, dressy heel-to-back fit, while others like a bit more room. Overhang is a sign the size is too small.

Too much extra room is also a problem. The Izmir has no ankle strap, no buckle, and no adjustable upper. If you size up so far that the H strap no longer holds the foot, the sandal will slap and shift while you walk.

Are Hermès Izmir Sandals Comfortable?

For Moderate Wear

The Izmir can be comfortable for resort wear, dinners, city walks, and casual outings. One Reddit owner said the Izmir felt comfortable after hours at a resort. But the thin leather sole provides less cushioning than a rubber-soled sandal, and there's no arch support.

For Long Walks

The Izmir is not a walking sandal. It's a flat leather slide with a thin sole and no adjustable strap. For walking-heavy days — sightseeing, airports, cobblestones — the Chypre is the better Hermès choice because of its anatomical rubber sole and adjustable strap.

Thin Leather Sole Trade-Off

The thin leather sole is what makes the Izmir look cleaner than a rubber designer slide. It is also the reason the sandal has limits. You feel more of the ground, the sole marks quickly, and wet pavement or pool decks are a bad fit. Treat it like a leather summer shoe, not like a beach slide.

Break-In

Expect the leather to be stiff at first. A 2025 owner review described the leather as hard, with mild fatigue during the first week and improvement after about two weeks. Community reports range from comfortable immediately to stiff and uncomfortable. The leather relaxes over time but won't stretch dramatically — don't buy a tight pair expecting it to break in a full size.

Who Should Skip Izmir?

Skip the Izmir if you need adjustable width, strong arch support, a rubber sole, or a sandal for long walking days. Try Chypre for a more practical Hermès sandal, Empire if you want a more supportive anatomical sole with Kelly hardware, or a non-Hermès rubber slide if you need something for wet surfaces.

Comfort Compared to Chypre

Sole
Izmir
Thin leather
Chypre
Anatomical rubber
Arch support
Izmir
None
Chypre
Built into the anatomical sole
Strap
Izmir
Fixed H cut-out
Chypre
Adjustable
Walking comfort
Izmir
Limited — resort and moderate use
Chypre
Better — designed for more activity
U.S. price
Izmir
$950
Chypre
$1,125

Izmir vs Chypre

Price (U.S.)
Izmir
$950
Chypre
$1,125
Practical verdict
Chypre costs more but buys adjustability and rubber sole comfort.
Design
Izmir
Flat H-cut leather slide
Chypre
Techno-sandal with adjustable strap
Practical verdict
Izmir is cleaner and dressier; Chypre is sportier.
Sole
Izmir
Leather, thin (0.5–0.6 in)
Chypre
Anatomical rubber
Practical verdict
Chypre is the better walking choice.
Fit adjustability
Izmir
None — fixed H strap
Chypre
Adjustable strap
Practical verdict
Chypre is safer for wide feet and high insteps.
Sizing guidance
Izmir
Half to full size up (varies by SKU)
Chypre
Usual size or half up for high instep
Practical verdict
Do not transfer Chypre sizing directly to Izmir.
Best for
Izmir
Resort, dressy casual, summer city
Chypre
Walking, wide feet, high insteps
Practical verdict
Izmir is the leather-slide pick; Chypre is the practical sandal.

Choose Izmir for a refined leather look. Choose Chypre for comfort and fit flexibility. This is the most important Izmir comparison because the two sandals answer different needs: Izmir is a fixed leather H slide, while Chypre gives you an adjustable strap and a more forgiving sole.

Izmir vs Oran

Price (U.S.)
Izmir
$950
Oran
$900
Practical verdict
Izmir costs slightly more in the current U.S. price check.
Category
Izmir
Men's H slide
Oran
Women's H slide
Practical verdict
They are shopper comparisons, not interchangeable sizes.
Design history
Izmir
Designed in 2004
Oran
Created in 1997 by Pierre Hardy
Practical verdict
Oran is older and more broadly searched; Izmir is the men's H-slide reference.
Sizing guidance
Izmir
Half to full size up (varies)
Oran
Usual size or half up for high instep
Practical verdict
Do not transfer Oran sizing directly to Izmir.
Best for
Izmir
Men wanting a polished H slide
Oran
Women wanting the classic H sandal
Practical verdict
Start with the model designed for your sizing range and foot shape.

Don't transfer Oran sizing to Izmir. They have different sizing guidance, different lasts, and different category assumptions. Use Oran as a visual reference for the H-slide idea, not as a sizing reference.

Izmir vs Empire

Price (U.S.)
Izmir
$950
Empire
$1,450
Design
Izmir
Flat H-cut leather slide
Empire
Anatomical sole with Kelly buckle
Sole
Izmir
Leather, thin
Empire
Anatomical
Visual detail
Izmir
Understated H cut-out
Empire
Kelly buckle — more of a statement
Best for
Izmir
Minimal, refined look
Empire
More support and bolder hardware

Izmir vs Eze

Price (U.S.)
Izmir
$950
Eze 30
$1,000
Design
Izmir
Flat leather slide
Eze 30
Cork platform H sandal
Heel height
Izmir
0.5–0.6 inches
Eze 30
2.6 inches (with 1.4-inch platform)
Category
Izmir
Men's
Eze 30
Women's
Best for
Izmir
Flat, minimal men's slide
Eze 30
Platform height and summer impact

Izmir vs Santorini

Price (U.S.)
Izmir
$950
Santorini
$1,075
Practical verdict
Santorini costs more in the current U.S. example.
Closure
Izmir
Slip-on, fixed H strap
Santorini
Adjustable ankle strap
Practical verdict
Santorini gives more foot retention.
Security
Izmir
Relies on H strap holding the foot
Santorini
Ankle strap adds hold
Practical verdict
Choose Santorini if slide movement bothers you.
Category
Izmir
Men's
Santorini
Women's
Practical verdict
Compare the structure, not the size label.
Best for
Izmir
Easy slip-on men's slide
Santorini
More secure ankle fit
Practical verdict
Izmir is easier; Santorini is more secure.

Izmir vs Other Luxury Men's Slides

Gucci men's slides
Price Range
$510–$820
How It Compares to Izmir
More casual, logo-driven, rubber/canvas options
Prada men's sandals
Price Range
$775–$1,250
How It Compares to Izmir
Rubber, leather, and suede; chunkier and sportier
Hermès Izmir
Price Range
$950
How It Compares to Izmir
Refined leather H slide, thin sole
Loro Piana men's sandals
Price Range
$1,025–$1,155
How It Compares to Izmir
Quiet luxury calfskin; less logo, similar refinement
Dior Aqua / men's sandals
Price Range
$900–$1,150
How It Compares to Izmir
Adjustable straps, jacquard/suede, more rugged soles

Izmir is the most polished leather slide in this group. Gucci and Prada are more casual or sportier. Loro Piana is similarly quiet but without the H detail. Dior offers more adjustability and thicker soles.

Care and Cleaning

What Hermès Says

Leather is sensitive to water, oil, heat, light, humidity, and dryness. If leather contacts water, wipe it immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth. Store in a warm, dry place away from light.

Practical Rules

  • Don't wear in rain or on wet pool decks — the leather sole has no water resistance
  • Suede variants are more vulnerable to moisture and staining than smooth calfskin
  • Leather sole will show marks quickly — try new pairs on carpeted surfaces only (Hermès warns that marked soles may prevent returns)
  • Footbed will darken with bare-foot wear from sweat and oils
  • H-strap edges can show creasing at flex points over time
  • Repairs — Hermès workshops can examine items for repair or refurbishment through a store visit

Styling

The Izmir works best with warm-weather casual and smart-casual outfits:

  • Black — dark linen, monochrome resort looks, evening summer outfits, tailored shorts
  • Brown / gold / neutral — the most versatile first pair; works with cream, white, denim, olive, tan, and linen
  • Blue / green / seasonal — better as a second pair once black or brown is covered
  • Suede versions — softer, more relaxed resort feel; avoid wet surfaces

The leather sole and H strap make the Izmir look more polished than rubber designer slides, which is why it works with linen trousers, camp-collar shirts, and relaxed tailoring. It's less convincing with athletic wear or streetwear.

Resale

External resale examples from May 2026 show a wide spread:

  • Near retail — never-worn pairs in current colors on Vestiaire Collective (e.g., $919 for a size 42 EU)
  • Below retail — used pairs on The RealReal at $196–$636 depending on condition and markdowns
  • Wide range — eBay listings from low hundreds to above retail, depending on condition and seller

Before buying resale, check whether the exact colorway and size is in stock on hermes.com. For resale purchases, inspect: sole wear, footbed darkening, H-strap creasing, edge scuffs, and whether box and dust bags are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Hermès Izmir sandals run true to size?
No. Current Hermès product pages recommend sizing up either half a size or a full size, depending on the variant. Check the exact product page.
Should I size up in Izmir?
Usually yes — either half a size or a full size, depending on which Izmir you're buying. If you're between sizes, Hermès says to size up.
Are Izmir sandals comfortable?
They can be comfortable for moderate wear — resort, city walking, dinners. But the thin leather sole provides less cushioning than Chypre, and the leather can feel stiff at first.
Do Izmir sandals need break-in?
Yes. The leather is hard at first and typically softens over one to two weeks of wear.
Do they stretch?
The leather relaxes slightly but won't stretch dramatically. Don't buy a tight pair expecting it to stretch a full size.
Are they good for wide feet?
Risky. The H strap is fixed and doesn't adjust. A wide-foot shopper on Reddit tried sizing up but ended up choosing Chypre instead.
Are they good for high insteps?
Also risky. No adjustable strap means the H cut-out must fit your instep as-is. Chypre is safer for high insteps.
How much do Izmir sandals cost?
$950 in the U.S. for standard leather (May 2026). €665 in France/Germany, £670–£690 in the UK, ¥134,200 in Japan. Exotic leathers range from €3,750 to €5,700 in Germany and up to ¥1,155,000 in Japan.
What materials are available?
Calfskin, Epsom calfskin, suede goatskin, and Box calfskin in standard versions. Exotic options include matte lizard and suede alligator in some regions.
Are the soles leather?
Yes. Current Izmir variants have leather soles, which means no water resistance and less cushioning than rubber.
Can you walk all day in them?
Some owners report comfort over several hours. But for all-day city walking, Chypre is the better choice.
Are they waterproof?
No. Hermès says leather is sensitive to water. Don't wear them in rain or on wet surfaces.
Izmir or Chypre?
Izmir for a dressier leather look. Chypre for comfort, walking, and fit adjustability. Chypre costs $175 more but has a rubber sole and adjustable strap.
Izmir or Oran?
Izmir is the men's H slide. Oran is the women's version. Don't transfer Oran sizing to Izmir — they use different guidance.
What's the best first color?
Black or brown/gold neutral. These work with the widest range of summer wardrobes.
Where are they made?
Italy.
Can Izmir sandals be repaired?
Hermès says its workshops can examine items for repair and refurbishment through a store visit.
How do you clean them?
Wipe gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. Keep away from water, oil, heat, and direct sunlight. For serious issues, take them to an Hermès store.
Can I return them after trying on?
Yes, if the soles are unmarked. Hermès warns that shoes tried on abrasive surfaces may not be returnable.
Should women buy Izmir sandals?
Some women buy the men's Izmir for a wider H-slide look, but men's and women's sizing are not identical. Try them on rather than guessing the conversion.
Are they worth $950?
They're worth it if you want a refined Hermès leather slide and will wear it for resort, summer, and dressy casual occasions. They're not worth it if you need a walking sandal — you can get better support from Chypre for $175 more, or from non-Hermès alternatives for less.