Barefoot in Marrakech YAMIRIAM: finding your size – 2026 Guide

Because a handmade pair isn't chosen quite the same way as a factory pair.

Genuine leather sandals, Yamiriam workshop.

In a Moroccan workshop, no two pairs of sandals ever turn out exactly the same. Leather has its own thickness, its own suppleness, its own grain—and it is precisely this irregularity that makes all the difference compared to a mass-produced pair. But it poses a very concrete question when ordering online: how can you be sure to get the right size without having been able to try them on?

This is the question we are asked most often, and that's a good thing: it means you are taking your future purchase seriously. Here is how, without jargon, to measure your foot, read a size chart, and understand the little nuances of genuine leather before placing your order.

“Very good, please order one size up. I wear a 44 and it fits me just right, down to the millimeter.” — Manish, Yamiriam customer, Berlin

The measurement ritual

No need for a tailor's tape measure or an app: a sheet of paper, a pencil, and five minutes are enough.

1. Place the paper on the floor, against a wall. Place your foot on it, with your heel firmly against the wall.
2. Trace the outline. Holding the pencil vertically, mark the furthest point of your foot — often the big toe, sometimes the second one.
3. Measure the total length. From the wall to the furthest mark, in centimeters.
4. Repeat the measurement at the end of the day. Your foot swells slightly after several hours on your feet — this is the measurement, the most generous one, that you should keep.

Reading the size chart

Once you have your measurement, refer to the table corresponding to your model. EU, UK, and US systems do not follow the same numbering logic—hence the advantage of always starting from the length in centimeters rather than a "usual size," which can vary from one brand to another.

Leather has memory

A pair made of genuine leather does not behave like a synthetic pair. The leather breathes, it gradually adapts to the shape of the foot, and it stretches very slightly during the first few days of wear—especially when worn barefoot, as is often the case with summer sandals.

In practical terms, this means two things. First, that a pair that seems "snug" upon arrival will, after a few outings, be more comfortable than during the initial try-on. Second, and this is the important point: if your measurement falls exactly between two sizes, it is better to round up. A pair that is slightly loose can be managed with an adjusted strap or a thin sock; a pair that is too small, however, will never stretch enough to become comfortable.

What about closed models or ankle boots?

The rule changes slightly: for closed models, such as Berber ankle boots, we recommend on the contrary to stay as close to your exact measurement as possible, or even to stick to your exact size—the leather will stretch with use, but a closed model that is too big at the start will tend to rub at the heel before it settles.

Frequently asked questions about sizes

One last thing: if you have the slightest doubt after measuring your foot, simply write to us. It is often faster to decide together than to guess alone in front of a chart.