Hermes Chypre Sandal Men Techno-sandal Epsom Calfskin Blanc

White sandals usually look fragile, and Epsom is the reason this pair does not. The pressed grain gives the leather a crisp, almost papery texture that holds the strap’s edge sharply, so the sandal keeps its shape even when the colour starts to pick up the summer around it.

Construction is straightforward Chypre: calfskin upper, one adjustable strap over the instep, and the anatomical rubber sole that cups the arch and flattens under the ball of the foot. Sizes run 40 to 46, made in Italy, with a low rubber base that stays out of the way when you walk.

In wear, these are best in dry heat. An Aegean or Mediterranean holiday, a long lunch in a courtyard, a wedding on grass with the right trousers. The white reads sharp against tan skin and looks intentional rather than precious, which is exactly the problem with most pale sandals.

Honest note: white Epsom marks, and not only with dirt. Sunscreen transfers onto the strap, dust settles into the grooves of the grain, and rain will spot the leather if you leave it wet. Cleaning takes a minute with a soft cloth and no product. What you cannot do is reverse the colour once it yellows, so store them out of sunlight between wears. Kept that way, mine have gone through two Mediterranean summers with only the footbed showing real use, and the pressed grain has held its crisp texture rather than going flabby. The black rubber base has kept its grip on wet poolside stone.