Investment Slides For Spring & Summer
Last year, I practically lived in my Hermes Oran slides. I wore them in my daily life way more than I photographed them for the blog or Instagram (although they made their fair share of appearances as seen here, here and here). I’ve sang about how comfortable they are, how well they’re made and when it comes to cost per wear, they’re one of the best purchases I made. To be completely honest, I never thought I’d get that much use out of a such a simple slide. But it turns out, that’s exactly why I get so much use out of them.
I’m also fully aware that they don’t come cheap. But the good news is that there are so many pairs that look similar. If you’re looking for something that fits that bill, you can find a great alternative here and here. I will say, I have tried the similar alternatives. And while the look comes close, they’re not quite as comfortable. I guess that’s to be expected when there’s such a varying price difference.
Leading up to our vacations and summer weather, I knew I wanted to splurge on one black pair and one white, not necessarily the Hermes Oran. Last year I had this pair from Aquazzura, but they’re currently in my “to sell” pile as they are incredibly uncomfortable for walking around all day. For beach wear, they’re fine, but I was looking for a pair that I can wear for hours on end.
After going back and forth, I ended up springing for these from Saint Laurent in black.
They’re so chic, fairly comfortable and from what I’ve heard from friends, break in to feel like butter**. I already have so many outfits planned! Then, as an early Mother’s Day gift (from me to me!), I sprung on the Hermes Oran in white. Based on how much use I got out of my other pair, they’re a worthy investment and I know I’ll wear them for many years.
As far as sizing goes, I sized up 1/2 a size on both pairs.
Edited to add: I’ve heard from a few people that if your feet are very narrow, the Hermes slides might be too wide for you. I thought I had narrow feet, but I guess it’s not as narrow as I thought as they work very well for me. Some people have also mentioned that the Saint Laurent slides are way better for a narrow foot. Things to consider!
**UPDATE:
I’m posting this almost an year later, but after wearing the Saint Laurent for a few months, I do not find them as comfortable as the Hermes. If I were to pick one pair over the other, I’d definitely go with the Hermes. Again, this is just my personal experience as every foot is different!
If you’re looking for some other alternatives that don’t break the bank, I like these and these. I’ve also included some of my favorite pairs below, in varying price points:
27 comments
nat
I’d love to have a pair of these hermes sandals one day
May 1, 2018xx
http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au
Allie
Those sandals look gorgeous. I will have to get the dupes I tan (and one day the real thing). I’m looking forward to seeing all the outfits you make with the St. Laurent pair, they are stunning in the store.
May 1, 2018xAllie
http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
Michael @ Mile in My Glasses
I love all of these slides! They’re so pretty! Such a great Spring/Summer essential!
Happy Tuesday!
May 1, 2018Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Rach
I’ve heard so many great things about the Hermes sandals! I would love to invest in one!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
May 1, 2018Rena
Your slide collection is a true dream!
May 1, 2018xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Mireia
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
May 1, 2018https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Maria Eugenia
Although I’d love to own an Hermes or Saint Laurent pair someday, I’m loving all your less expensive choices!
May 1, 2018María Eugenia
http://www.thegirlonanisland.com
https://www.thegirlonanisland.com/2018/04/the-swimsuits-i-wore-on-vacation.html
Francine
Slides & mules are a trend I’m happily foregoing. I don’t find them terribly flattering. Seems like a needless expense, especially when a $30 pair of Haviana’s is way cuter! Just my 2 cents.
May 1, 2018Helena
Hi Francine, fair enough! I get where you’re coming from.
For me, I hate how flip flops look on my feet and only wear them if I’m getting a pedicure or going walking on the sand.
May 3, 2018Desi
How fun! I like wearing slides in the summer, so comfy yet chic at the same time. I love the Cactus slides option you gave by Steve Madden.
May 1, 2018Chloe
Love those Saint Laurent slides!
Chloe x
May 1, 2018http://www.softoctobernight.com
Nancy Baten
I also need a new pair but can’t find any beautiful ones! Irritating!
May 2, 2018Emily
How long will the Hermes sandals realistically last if you wear them 3-5x a week in summer (realistically years?) All my leather sandals in the past have gotten pretty smelly after one season.. any way to avoid that?
May 2, 2018Helena
Hi Emily, I’m going on year #2 on wearing my tan pair and they’ve broken in beautifully and are in great condition! I see them lasting for years. They’re made very well!
May 3, 2018Ewa Macherowska
Need them all <3
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
May 3, 2018Christina
These are the slides of dreams! I love how versatile they are!
http://www.chrissabella.co.uk
May 3, 2018Sarah
Hi Helena, love your blog!! I bought the Sam Edelman slides you listed on here- they’re amazing, so comfy and versatile! I’ll definitely be wearing them all summer.
May 3, 2018Karolina
Love the Hermes slides, they are not for people with wider feet though. I sized up and have broken them in a bit but still kind of small over the foot and I don’t have giant feet. Haven’t given up yet though, love them so much.
May 4, 2018Weekend Reading. - The Stripe
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May 5, 2018Mary H Keiger
I love so many of these slides! Hermes is definitely going to be on my wish list. Thanks for a great post.
May 7, 2018TONI
Love the ysl slides. Can’t bite the bullet yet, so I opted for this season’s Zara look alike !
June 9, 2018Katie
This may be a silly question, but can I try these on in an Hermes store? I’ve never shopped luxury before and I don’t know really know if/how they may operate differently from other stores.
July 10, 2018Anika
Do you recommend re-soling the Oran and The Tribute flats as well?
July 24, 2018Anika ong
Do you recommend re-soling the Oran and The Tribute flats as well? I know you do for your other shoes 🙂
July 24, 2018Sarah
So which ones do you prefer, Hermes or Saint Laurent? Does one wear better than the other? I’d like to get one or the other in brown or burgundy.
October 4, 2018Ellen Maguire
I completely agree with you about the Hermès Oran. I’m planning to buy a pair in white when I’m in Milan in a couple of weeks (duty free savings!)
I also just purchased the Legend sandal, a wedge with a similar H front. They are the most comfortable “high” shoe I’ve bought in years. Not inexpensive for sure but I know I will wear them to death.
May 1, 2019Bana
I agree with what your friends say, i have narrow feet and the oran sandals look awful and very uncomfortable while the ysl one are a perfect match!
May 1, 2019