My Favorite Leather Sandals

The three classic leather sandals I own and love. Plus: My tips to make sure they last season after season + my must-have (under $20) rubber flip flop.

I was working on a week in review Substack post and wanted to casually mention that I recently ordered a pair of my favorite leather sandals in brown.

But then, in classic Nan fashion, I thought of countless details I wanted to share about why I love those sandals… and I also wanted to mention some of my other favorites. So now this topic is getting its own dedicated post!

As someone with annoyingly large feet (women’s size 12) and as a gal living in the concrete jungle that is New York City, I feel like I know a thing or two about searching and finding good shoes. 

My criteria is that I need something comfortable enough to wear while walking multiple city blocks, and that’s constructed well enough to live up to the wear and tear of cement sidewalks and subway stairs. And then on top of all that, I need the shoes to come in my size. While offerings have improved over the years, many shoe brands stop at size 11; over time, though, I’ve found some tried and true classics that I wear summer after summer. They are on the pricer side (all $200 and up) but I think paying for quality is worth it if you want the shoe to last for more than one season.

Keep reading for links and details on my three favorite leather sandals that I’ve owned and loved for years. Also, you will find my tips on sandal care are at the end of this post.

*Update: as of May 2025, that promo code is no longer active.

Flat Sandal from Margaux - $225  — Simple & Classic 

A great timeless leather sandal that anyone is sure to love — I think this style is great for women of all ages. I could see my mom wearing these just as often as I do! Bonus points - they are comfortable! 

• Comfort notes: If I had to choose my most comfortable flat leather sandal, it would be these. Maybe it is the ‘plush foam padding’ that Margaux says is built into the foot bed or the ankle strap that makes them easy to wear for hours on end. Because of the comfort factor - these are the sandals I choose when push comes to shove…the ones I pick to bring on vacation or wear as a wedding guest. 

• Colors: I have two pairs of these sandals; a gold color that is from a few years ago (this color seems to no longer be available) and the grey python embossed color way (*gifted.) I also love the look of the olive green color they have!!

• Sizing: I take my true size (US 12/43) based on the Margaux size chart. 

• Where to buy: Margaux is mainly a direct to consumer brand, so I find it’s best to shop directly from their site.

Hermés Orans - $760 (less if you buy resale)  — Bougie but I love them! 

Please don’t judge me by how expensive these are. These sandals are painfully ‘bougie’ and overpriced. But I do love them and own them in multiple colorways. To me they are just timeless, simple and classic. 

• Comfort notes: They aren’t overly comfortable but I think it’s important to manage expectations for what is ‘comfortable’ when buying flat leather sandals.