Allen Edmonds Park Avenue vs Strand

Hellos Gents, this is my first post. I'm looking to buy either the AE Park Avenue Walnut Grain Calf or the Strand Walnut Calf. I'd like the shoe to pull double duty between work and and dress down (slacks or jeans).

I like the texture of the Park Avenue Grain Calf but I like the traditional look of the Strand. I'm leaning towards the Park Avenue as it seems a bit more versatile. I live in Miami and there is no store here. I'm going strictly by the pictures though my previous AE purchases have been true to its representation.

I might eventually get both, but I'm limited to one purchase for now.

Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

Here for others comments...

If you want a shoe for both "suit" and "dress down" duty, definitely the Strand. Its broguing makes it more casual than the very formal Park Avenue. In fact, I am inclined to think the PA in walnut is a bit of a sartorial anomaly, anyway.

Originally Posted by JLibourel

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If you want a shoe for both "suit" and "dress down" duty, definitely the Strand. Its broguing makes it more casual than the very formal Park Avenue. In fact, I am inclined to think the PA in walnut is a bit of a sartorial anomaly, anyway.

Perfect.

Originally Posted by JLibourel

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If you want a shoe for both "suit" and "dress down" duty, definitely the Strand. Its broguing makes it more casual than the very formal Park Avenue. In fact, I am inclined to think the PA in walnut is a bit of a sartorial anomaly, anyway.

+1. I'd take a Strand over a PA any time.

I own both of these and overall the Strand is a much better shoe, it has so much more character. The PA is fine, there's nothing wrong with it, but if you're only going to get one or ther other I would definitely recommend the Strand.

I'm awaiting a pair of the strand......in the cordovan.
I'm excited about them-Lots of stuff going on on the shoe and it is not a wingtip.

The PA......seems far more for business to me.

The Strand will function well as both business casual and upscale casual.

The PA in walnut or pebble grain is just weird, don't buy it unless your sure you want that exact shoe.

However, the PA is the quintessential business shoe. In black or burgundy, you can wear that shoe with most any suit and look good. Brown too, but its slightly less formal.

You can get the Malvern instead.

I think the Strand is a better looking shoe. However, I don't think either will double up well as a casual shoe. Go for some nice penny loafers. AE makes one, I believe, called the Melrose or Belmont, that looks nice.

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

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The Strand will function well as both business casual and upscale casual.

The PA in walnut or pebble grain is just weird, don't buy it unless your sure you want that exact shoe.

However, the PA is the quintessential business shoe. In black or burgundy, you can wear that shoe with most any suit and look good. Brown too, but its slightly less formal.

You can get the Malvern instead.

Strand is the way to go for your needs.

I have the PA in burgundy and love them! For work purposes of course.

If you could, I would get the strand and then get a nice suede shoe to wear with jeans/more casual suiting. Something like this.

http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawOneShoe.asp?CategoryID=34

Originally Posted by Achilles_

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Strand is the way to go for your needs.

I have the PA in burgundy and love them! For work purposes of course.

If you could, I would get the strand and then get a nice suede shoe to wear with jeans/more casual suiting. Something like this.

http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawOneShoe.asp?CategoryID=34

+1

I vote for the strand also!

What about Fifth Avenue in brown or walnut...? Compromise between Strand and PA.

Brooks also has a nice medallion captoe in brown - C&J built, I think.

Strand in Walnut.

I own them and love them.

My cordovan Strands just arrived and they are spectacular.
Will go nicely with a suit or with slacks,khakis, or jeans.