Hermes Santorini sandals Leather Types Compared
What leathers are used in Hermes Santorini sandals?
Hermes Santorini sandals most commonly appear in Epsom, Swift, Togo, Box calf and Chevre leathers; Barénia and other full‑grain finishes are rare on this sandal but appear occasionally. These five leathers cover the spectrum from structured/embossed (Epsom) to soft/matte (Swift), grained and shape‑retaining (Togo), glossy/smooth (Box calf), and pebbled/durable (Chevre).
Hermes chooses leather for sandals based on durability, weight and how the leather wears against skin and salt/sweat. Epsom is embossed calfskin with a stamped grain that resists scratches and holds color, making it a frequent choice for everyday sandals. Swift is a fine‑grained, soft calf leather that feels broken‑in from day one but shows light surface marks. Togo is a thicker, pebbled calf that tolerates rougher wear while keeping its shape. Box calf is highly finished and glossy; it looks pristine but shows surface scratches more obviously. Chevre (goat) offers a natural pebble grain and a tactile, slightly firmer feel with good moisture tolerance. Each leather changes how the Santorini sits on the foot, how it creases, and how quickly it shows wear, so the material selection directly affects use and lifespan.
How do different Hermes leathers feel and age?
Each Hermes leather has a distinct hand and aging profile: Epsom stays rigid and cosmetically stable; Swift softens and picks up micro‑marks; Togo keeps structure and develops gentle sheen; Box calf scratches but can be polished; Chevre remains textured and durable. This summary predicts real‑world performance for a sandal you’ll wear often.
Epsom feels lightweight and slightly plastic‑like because of its embossed finish; it resists deep scratches and rarely darkens, so color remains vivid for seasons. Swift feels plush and luxurious; it takes scuffs that can blur into the nap and often looks better hermes santorini sandals with gentle wear, but it won’t gain a “patina” the way full‑grain oilier leathers do. Togo delivers a substantial feel under the foot, resists scratching thanks to its natural pebble, and often shows small surface marks that blend into the grain. Box calf has a smoother, sometimes glossy surface; scuffs are more visible but respond well to careful polishing. Chevre keeps a tactile pebbled grain, resists stretching, and manages moisture better than some smooth leathers, so it can be practical for warm climates. For sandals, where straps rub and soles contact various surfaces, those differences determine whether marks stay small or accumulate into a worn look.
Leather comparison table
Easily compare the five common Hermes leathers for Santorini sandals by grain, durability, scratch resistance, patina behavior and daily practicality.
| Leather | Texture / Grain | Scratch Resistance | Patina / Color Change | Practicality for Sandals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epsom | Embossed fine grain, rigid | High | Minimal; colors stay bright | Excellent for daily wear; easy to clean |
| Swift | Smooth, soft nap | Low–medium (shows micro‑marks) | Lightens slightly; no deep patina | Great for dressy looks; needs careful handling |
| Togo | Large pebbled grain, supple | Medium–high | Develops gentle sheen | Balanced choice: durable and comfortable |
| Box calf | Smooth, often glossy | Medium (scratches visible) | Can be polished back; not heavy patina | Polished aesthetic, needs maintenance |
| Chevre (goat) | Pronounced pebble, firm | High | Subtle change; retains grain | Durable for outdoors and humid use |
Which leather should you choose for daily wear vs special occasions?
If you need low‑maintenance daily sandals, pick Epsom or Togo; for polished, occasional wear choose Box calf or Swift depending on how carefully you’ll treat them. Chevre sits in the middle as a durable, tactile alternative for mixed use.
Epsom is the simplest daily choice: lightweight, colorfast and forgiving under knocks that happen on sidewalks and public transport. Togo is slightly more substantial and comfortable if you prioritize foot support and a resilient strap that won’t twist or sag. Box calf gives the cleanest, dressiest finish and suits situations where looks trump rough handling, but it requires more attention to keep scratches from showing. Swift produces an elegant, soft aesthetic for evening or low‑impact use; it will show tiny marks but ages in a way many wearers find attractive. Chevre performs well in warm, humid conditions and resists the worst of commuter wear; choose it when you want texture and resilience without daily polishing. Match the leather to how often you’ll wear the sandals, the environment (city streets, beaches, humid climates), and whether appearance or longevity is your priority.
How to care for each leather type on a Santorini sandal
Different Hermes leathers demand different care: clean gently, avoid soaking, and use leather‑specific products appropriate to the finish—do less rather than more. A small routine keeps sandals functional and preserves their look.
For Epsom, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap if needed; avoid oils or heavy conditioners that can darken the embossed finish. Swift should be brushed gently with a soft brush or microfibre to lift the nap; spot‑clean with a tiny amount of saddle soap and let air dry. Togo benefits from occasional neutral cream; apply sparingly and buff with a soft cloth to maintain grain and sheen. Box calf responds well to light cream polish and gentle buffing; use a horsehair brush to restore shine and hide micro‑scratches. Chevre accepts mild conditioners to prevent drying but resists water; dry naturally if it gets wet and reshape straps while damp to avoid misshaping. Across all types, store sandals flat or with tissue to maintain strap shape, keep them in a dust bag away from direct sunlight, and rotate footwear to let oils in leather redistribute instead of concentrating wear in one pair.
Little-known facts about Hermes Santorini sandals
Hermes often adapts leathers used for bags to footwear, but the finishing and lining are modified so straps don’t stiffen uncomfortably against skin. Hermes sometimes selects Epsom for seasonal color releases because the embossed surface shows color truer and resists dye transfer. Togo was developed to combine grain and suppleness, which makes it particularly suited to strap construction that must flex. Swift’s fine nap makes minor scuffs blend visually after a few wears, so an initially “marked” pair can look intentionally lived‑in quite quickly. Chevre goat leather is frequently chosen for hot climates because its natural grain tolerates sweat better than buttery smooth skins.
Expert tip
\”Expert Tip: Don’t reach for heavy all‑purpose leather oils on Epsom or Swift—those products can darken, flatten or change the finish permanently; instead use a barely damp cloth for cleaning and a product recommended for that specific Hermes leather if needed.\”