Hermes Chypre Sandal Men Techno-sandal Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Orange

Orange on a sandal is a commitment, and this Chypre makes it an enjoyable one. I expected a traffic-cone effect and got something nearer terracotta in summer light, warmer and quieter than the colour name suggests. In shade it deepens towards rust, and in full sun the scales glow a shade brighter.

The upper is matte Mississippiensis alligator, so the scales sit flat and the surface stays dusty rather than lacquered. A moulded anatomical rubber sole runs underneath with black calfskin at the footbed, and the strap over the instep tightens by a couple of notches when I want a firmer hold. The black underfoot is deliberate in a colourway like this: it grounds the orange instead of letting it float.

With sizes 40 through 46, I would follow your usual number and let the adjustment do the rest. The contoured bed gives the arch something to sit on, so my foot stops sliding forward even with the strap loosened. I have worn this pair to a beach barbecue where everyone else was in flip-flops and felt overdressed in the best possible way.

Two things to know before you commit. Orange alligator draws the eye to scuffs, so I give the strap a look over after a day at the coast. And a citrus tone argues with other strong colours, so I keep the rest of the outfit plain when these come out.

Against navy linen or plain white they are a pleasure: one jolt of colour that makes a simple summer outfit look intentional. In late light they photograph far more exotic than they feel.