Hermes Chypre Sandal Men Techno-sandal Suede Goatskin Bleu Celeste

Sky blue suede is the sort of choice that looks impulsive in a shop and sensible by the second summer. In pale daylight the colour stays soft rather than bright, and because the lining is turquin blue leather, the interior carries the same blue inside, so the sandal never looks like two different objects.

The suede goatskin upper is soft from the start, and the anatomical rubber sole is contoured through the middle of the foot so the arch has something to work against. One strap over the instep, adjustable, and the whole thing is made in Italy in sizes 40 to 46 with a low black rubber base.

I wear these mostly on trips where the light is strong and the days are long. Against white trousers they look clean, with faded denim they look easy, and at the end of a hot day the suede never feels clammy the way a coated leather can. The turquin blue footbed is a detail nobody sees but me.

Being straight about the upkeep: light suede stains first and shows last, meaning a mark may only appear once it has dried. Rain is the enemy, water rings are permanent unless caught immediately, and salt from a beach walk will dull the nap. Brush after every wear, protect them monthly, and never wear them in a storm. Handled that way, the blue has stayed surprisingly even, and after a summer the suede has taken the shape of my arch instead of flattening into a plain slide.