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.
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.
You certainly need to break these in over a few wears but once the leather stretches to your feet, I find them comfortable enough.
Colors: These come in a wide range of colors from classic neutrals to fun bold hues. (The fun colors are often limited editions and can sell out.) My first pair was ‘gold’ (aka a classic brown tan leather) and now I own these sandals in a few different colors from neutrals to a pretty blue hue. My favorite is ‘Ecru’ which is Hermés’ beautiful grey leather.
Sizing: These run a tad small; some people order up a half size. But because of the high price, I’d recommend trying them on in person to ensure you find the right fit.
Where to buy: Of course you can buy these directly from an Hermés store or their website, but I also suggest trying to find them for a better price from a resale site. I often see them in good condition from places like The Real Real and Fashionphile (the latter being from where I’ve purchased most of mine.)
*If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly option, I love the look of this similar style from Margaux.
Nakuru Leather Sandals from Amanu - $295 — chic and unique!
I’m continually so impressed by these sandals. I have had my black pair for 4+ years and they are still in wonderful condition. I love the unique ankle strap design; it makes them feel a bit more chic than your average sandal.
Comfort notes: As I mentioned above, I think we need to manage all expectations when it comes to comfort on any flat leather sandal with no arch support (ha) but these are pretty comfortable to me. Or at least, I have never gotten blisters or anything from them.
Colors: These are available in fewer colors than the other sandals mentioned but worth considering if you’re looking for neutrals. I own a black pair and just ordered brown last week.
Sizing: I take my true shoe size (US 12) in these sandals.
Where to buy: Amanu sandals are available at Shopbop, via Moda Operandi or directly from the brand.
Sandal Care:
Beyond these three sandals, I also recommend leaning on your local cobbler.
Take them your sandals and ask them to add a rubber sole and rubber heel - this will protect the original sole from wearing down too much. Instead, you’ll wear down the rubber, which can be replaced every few seasons.
Any cobbler should be able to do this for you—no need to go somewhere fancy. When I lived in downtown Manhattan, my go-to cobbler was Hectors Shoe Repair in the West Village. I have yet to find my go-to uptown spot but have tried a few random spots and all have been fine.
*Note: I would not trust a random cobbler with a fancy handbag (for that I’d go to The Leather Spa), but I find most cobblers can handle rubber soles.
One More Thing - A Under $20 Rubber Flip Flop
In addition to a few well-made pairs of leather sandals, we of course need a simple rubber flip flop. These are my go-tos.
The under $20 price is hard to beat! However, it’s worth noting that they do wear down over time and the toe strap can break. I usually need to buy a new pair every other summer.
I hope this product review of my favorite sandals is helpful as we enter the summer season (aka sandal season!) I think I will plan to make this a semi-regular series where I share more detailed thoughts on items I own and love. Let me know in the comments if there is a topic or product category you would love me to focus on next? Perhaps we dive into the best white t-shirts or my favorite jeans?
Wait, there’s more! Here are a few recent posts you might have missed:
I must recommend my go-to uptown shoe guy! Yanz at 1427 Lexington Avenue. His work is spotless and he’s done many complicated shoe repairs for me. Plus lots of handbag stuff too (like making two worn-out straps on a designer handbag look brand-new).
Highly recommend!!!