Hermes Chypre Sandal Women Techno-sandal Calfskin Blanc H222100Z 90340

My first Chypre landed on a Friday, and by Sunday it had been to a market, a beach bar and dinner. That is the honest test of a flat sandal: whether you forget you are breaking it in. This white calfskin pair passed it with room to spare.

The upper is one clean sweep of leather across the instep, held by an adjustable strap, so a wide foot can be loosened and a narrow one cinched after a hot afternoon. Underneath is an anatomical rubber sole that is shaped rather than flat – black outsole, black calfskin insole, white goatskin lining, sizes 36 to 41.

The shaped footbed is what separates this from a flip-flop: there is a subtle rise under the arch and a lip at the heel, so your foot lands where it is supposed to instead of sliding. I walked several kilometres a day in them on holiday and had no sore spots at the strap line.

Against the white leather, the black sole and insole read as a graphic line that keeps the sandal from looking bridal, and the white goatskin lining is soft under bare feet. It works with linen trousers, a sundress or rolled jeans – the sort of pair you leave by the door all summer.

Honest notes: an open toe means sun cream, dust and city grime all find the leather and the pale lining, so a wipe with a damp cloth after wear matters more than usual here. The adjustable strap also marks the hole you use most – a small patina that comes with fit customisation.