Hermes Giulia Sandal Women Calfskin Silver Kelly Buckle Naturel H231056Z A3340

Natural calfskin has no coating to hide behind, which is either the appeal or the problem, depending on your temperament. On the Giulia, undyed leather over a black sole and a silver palladium buckle looks like something from a leather workshop, and I mean that as high praise.

The shape is this model’s flat one: under four-tenths of an inch of heel, a touch of forefoot drop, black leather sole and heel, natural goatskin through the insole and lining. Nothing about it tries to be more than a well-made sandal for walking.

Mine have been to markets, galleries and one memorable wedding that ended in a field. Sizes run 36 to 41. The goatskin lining on bare feet has stayed comfortable through everything, and the leather has done what natural leather does: taken on the exact map of my summer.

The honest note is exposure. Sun darkens the leather unevenly if you leave them out, water leaves edges, and scuffs on a pale surface are legible. A neutral cream, a dry cloth and a little patience are the whole maintenance list; the tan they gather is something you cannot buy.

Two seasons in, the colour has moved from oatmeal to a light caramel and the straps have moulded to the foot. Made in Italy. If you like objects that record their use, this is the sandal for you; I would buy them again without hesitating, and I rarely say that about pale shoes.