Hermes Oran Sandal Women Epsom Calfskin Gold H222099Z 20340

The gold pair I bought for one specific evening, a wedding in a walled garden, a long cream dress and no intention of wearing heels on grass, has since become the sandal I wear whenever an outfit needs one warm note. This is Epsom heritage calfskin with a gold lambskin insole and lining, so the warmth runs all the way inside the shoe rather than stopping at the upper.

Reference H222099Z 20340, made in Italy, sizes 36 to 41. Heel height is a single centimetre with half a centimetre of drop to the front, and the sole is natural leather with a dark natural edge. The H cut-out supplies all the ornament. Firm Epsom keeps the metallic surface smooth and flat, which matters with a finish like this.

Where they work best: evenings, warm light, dark clothing, and anything cream or ivory, where the gold picks up the fabric rather than fighting it. I have also worn them with plain white to a beach dinner and with black tailored trousers, and both looked deliberate without effort. They are also the pair I take when travelling light, because a flat that can look dressed up saves packing a second option.

Metallic leathers ask for gentleness. Avoid cream on the surface, because it dulls the shine, and keep them away from rough ground, where a scrape will lift the finish. Wipe with a soft dry cloth, store them flat in their bag, and expect the flex line across the toes to soften slightly over time. That is the nature of the material.