Hermes Chypre Sandal Men Techno-sandal Epsom Calfskin Dark Blue Black

Midnight and nearly-black navy are the two most useful dark colours in a man’s wardrobe, and this Chypre sits somewhere between them. Dark blue Epsom calfskin with black detailing on the strap and sole means the sandal reads navy in daylight and black after sunset, which is exactly the trick I want from holiday footwear.

Structurally it is the same dependable formula: Epsom’s heat-embossed grain for the upper, an adjustable strap crossing the instep, and the anatomical rubber sole that rises under the arch for support over long distances. It is made in Italy, sizes 40 to 46.

I wore these through a week of evening terraces and morning walks, and what I appreciated most was how little they asked of an outfit. Navy works with stone linen, grey cotton and denim without a thought, and with black trousers the sandal simply vanishes into the look.

The honest caveat is visibility of dust. Dark blue shows pale street dust and sand more clearly than true black does, and the anatomical footbed will collect a grey film after a few days of city walking. A wipe after each wear keeps it clean. If you want the sandal that needs the least looking after, choose black; if you want the one that flatters more outfits, this is it. A season on, the Epsom has kept its shape across the vamp and the strap has not stretched at the hole I use most. It has become the pair I pack first for any trip that mixes city and coast.