John Lobb 'City II' vs. Edward Green 'Chelsea'

[Knowledge is King]



Do any of you find the swan's neck stitching on the upper part of the Chelsea to be a little too stylistic?

You're over thinking this man. These are two of the most classic shoes you could possibly buy -- classic english design by the best english rtw producers. neither posess details that are too stylistic.

 

[Sonny58]

This is StyleForum for goodness sake. Isn't that what we do here?

 

[Patek]

My vote is for the EG but that is just because I find them comfortable and the 888 fit my foot perfectly.

 

[rikod]

Both are beautiful, but I like prefer the Lobb (in the pictures, I don't own either).

 

[EBugatti]

Im with the EGs 888s

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



Do any of you find the swan's neck stitching on the upper part of the Chelsea to be a little too stylistic?

No. The Swan's Neck has been around since the 1930's.

 

[dng992]

I like EG 202 or G&G GG06 better. I have JL City 2 and they are fairly pointy, more so than EG 82. Size 10 USD btw.

sorry to revive this post from 4/5 years ago! Im considering the EG 202 as I currently own C&Js hallam and dislike the pointedness. Alternatives to EG202 or ?

 

[Denar78]

I’m not a big fan of 202, way too round and gives the shoes an overly casual feel. I have the Chelsea in 82 (black and brown) and the City II (in black and brown suede).
Speaking black oxfords, I’d go for the Chelsea any day, they look and feel more luxurious, more satisfying overall. The City II is of course a great shoe, but it feels rather banal and doesn’t procure any particular excitement to wear. They do the job, basta. At this price point, EG Chelsea is better by a mile.
In brown suede, the City II are a totally different shoe. They have this luxurious look and feel which bring them
closer to EG Chelsea. I’d still go with EG

 

[DorianGreen]

I’m not a big fan of 202, way too round and gives the shoes an overly casual feel.

I would agree about this, I have the Southwold on the 202 last and it's pretty wide and not so elegant. The 7000 last by Lobb is sleek and balanced. Another last I'm a fan of is the GG06 by Gaziano & Girling, sleek but with a lovely round toe.

 

[Artisan Fan]

I would agree about this, I have the Southwold on the 202 last and it's pretty wide and not so elegant. The 7000 last by Lobb is sleek and balanced. Another last I'm a fan of is the GG06 by Gaziano & Girling, sleek but with a lovely round toe.

The way to solve that is to buy the Chelsea on the 915 last which is more sleek. But that said I am am fan of the 202 last. I think it looks classic.

 

[Denar78]

The way to solve that is to buy the Chelsea on the 915 last which is more sleek. But that said I am am fan of the 202 last. I think it looks classic.

I have never had the chance to try the 915 last and I must say that I’m quite curious about it. They don’t seem to offer it any more on the RTW Chelsea’s and when I last visited the store in Paris they didn’t have it and proposed me an MTO (at the same list price).

 

[DorianGreen]

The Oxford by Gaziano & Girling on the GG06 last.

 

[mandrbeck]

For me it’s EG, and it’s not close. IMO the Chelsea is the perfect oxford. I recently purchased one from Gentlemens Footwear online, and I highly recommend them. The owner personally responds to text. Extremely kind and prompt replies. Great service.

 

[dukenukem4ever]

EG 202 is the quintessential English oxford last. The Chelsea in 202 with formal suiting can do no wrong. Nevertheless, it all comes down to your taste.
I have the shoes (Hallam, Chelsea, City II) noted in the posts and I have to say, my personal preference is Chelsea, City II, Hallam. The Hallam was a spur of the moment purchase from an online retailer clearing out its C&J inventory. Thus, I wasn't as salty after the fact... needless to say I rarely reach for the Hallams, especially in this post-COVID era we currently live in.