April 5, 2025, 9:26 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The Oran sandals from Hermès are among the most popular products from the French fashion house — despite their price tag of over 600 euros. No wonder that lovers of the timeless sandal are also looking for cheaper alternatives. We present a few models.
A Kelly or Birkin bag from Hermès is at the top of the list for many designer fans. However, everyone knows that you can’t just walk into a store and choose one of the aforementioned “quota bags.” Not only is there a waiting list, but you also have to have spent several hundred euros to get on it. So, of course, it makes sense to invest in a pair of Hermès Oran sandals first.
Overview
The History of Hermès Oran Sandals
The Oran sandals by Hermès are one of the luxury brand’s best-known and most coveted sandals. They were designed in 1997 by Pierre Hardy, Hermès’ shoe designer at the time.
The inspiration for the Oran sandals came about because the designer wanted to create a sandal that was so elegant that it could be seamlessly integrated into everyday life and on vacation. The design is influenced by the Hermès tradition of fine saddlery, particularly in the precise workmanship of the leather details.
What Makes Hermès Sandals So Special
Hermès makes the Oran sandals from high-quality leather, including calfskin, lizard leather, ostrich leather, and crocodile leather. The colors vary from classic shades such as black, the classic Hermès gold (a warm cognac brown), and white to seasonal trend colors.
The Orans’ trademark is the H-shaped leather strap on the top — a minimalist yet instantly recognizable design that perfectly embodies the elegance of Hermès. The sandals are flat and simple yet luxurious, making them a coveted accessory. Thanks to its minimalist look, the shoe can be styled in both sporty-casual and elegant ways.
How Much Do the Oran Sandals from Hermès Cost?
Hermès is known for constantly raising its prices. This usually happens once a year in January or February. The company pursues a strategy of controlled demand in order to ensure that the value of its products remains stable. This increases the exclusivity of the products through limited availability and regular price adjustments. The increases vary depending on the product and material. For handbags, the price increases are mainly between three and ten percent. The price increases can be significantly higher, especially for iconic models such as the Birkin Bag or Kelly Bag. Sandals such as the Oran or belts also often see price adjustments of between five and eight percent.
The classic Oran sandals currently cost 610 Euro. Depending on the design and material, however, prices can also be significantly higher.
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Alternatives to Hermès Sandals
Due to the demand and popularity of the sandals, many brands have similar models in their range that are based on the Oran sandals. Especially in the classic colors black, cognac, or cream, the sandals, which cost only a fraction of the Hermès price, are a good alternative.
Models made from woven raffia material are perfect for summer. For instance, you can pair these with a matching handbag in a basket design. Sandals in vibrant colors like orange are also a perfect match for summery outfits.
If you’re seeking a standout model that will capture all eyes, then metallic-look sandals might be just what you need. They complement nearly any outfit and color palette. You can also coordinate the metallic sandals with your jewelry, elevating an all-black ensemble with gold sandals and matching accessories.