Hermès are primarily known for their coveted Birkin bags, but a new product might just be taking over the show. A luxe mixture of their Oran sandals with a Birkenstock feel, the Chypre sandals were quietly launched last year – and in 2022 the world has opened their eyes and their pockets, and promptly sold out stores worldwide.

As around comes another summer, around comes a new trend, and with it – a new It-shoe. Following on from the winter clogs (which was great for us Swiss, considering we already had them in our closets) and the autumn Birkenstocks, the new comfy, homely shoe has been transformed for a sweltering summer. With a chunky sole and thick straps, you’d be forgiven for thinking, ‘How are these different from Dad Sandals?’ Well they are, although not by much – except they’ve only had a majorly luxe makeover.

With most luxury fashion brands hopping on the Birks trend (think bejewelled Manolo Blahnik’s, florally-embroidered Dior’s, supple suede Loro Piana’s, and nostalgic rubber Gucci’s) there is one brand that stands apart from all the rest. So much, in fact, that the shoe in question is now sold out around the world.

Enter: the Hermès Chypre sandal. Unlike the classic Birkenstock style, you will not see these worn by hippies, celebrities, and art teachers alike – no, these are the ugly sandal elevated so high, so luxe, that somehow they have become the non-ugly, “ugly” sandal that absolutely everybody has to have.

In classic Hermès style, the brand decided that if they were going to hop on a trend, and make something that wasn’t by nature ultra-classy and highbrow, they were going to do it with signature Hermès flair. Taking inspiration from their staple Oran sandal, they transformed it from slender and feminine, to chunky and androgynous (menswear have a very similar shoe). With a Velcro strap for support, the main toe strap has been transformed into a glamourous H, and with the variety of luxe leather finishings, you’re left with a shoe that is Hermès through and through – no doubts about it. 
After quietly launching the shoe last year, having seen the success of the slightly different menswear version and looking ahead to the Birkenstock trend, it received relative success for those in the know. Come this summer and this shoe has taken the fashion crowd by storm. In fact, it’s now only possible to attain via a waiting list (although not as stringent and arduous as the Birkin, thankfully) or by a personal shopper such as Threads or Gab Waller – mind, with a 20 percent markup.

While only starting out with simple leather or suede finishings, Hermès has branched out into shearling versions for those who prefer a cosier way of living, and the newest iteration is embossed leather with a maze-like linear pattern for extra detail. It seems although the more variations Hermès makes, the harder they are to come by – but Hermès doesn’t make shoes for just everybody; it’s all about exclusivity.

I managed to nab myself a mustard yellow suede pair last year while they still flew under the radar, and now I get stopped in the street: “Where did you get those shoes?! I can’t find them anywhere!” Although it makes me feel a little smug, I am also in the same position – I’ve decided they’re so comfortable and easy to style that I’m going to invest in another pair, and with a relatively good price point (this is Hermès, remember?), why wouldn’t you? I’ve got my name firmly on the waiting list – along with hundreds of others – ready to pounce on the ever-elusive, ever-exclusive shoe of the season.

CLAUDIA BUTTERWORTH