AE Parliament vs Van Ness vs Lombard

[facet]

I was looking at getting a new pair of shoes for work (I need something with rubber soles) and had my eye on three but am having trouble deciding between them.

The Parliament in Saddle


The Van Ness in Burgundy


The Lombard in Burgundy


My workplace attire is relatively casual, just a dress shirt and pants. I kind of like them all for different reasons but can only afford one at the time. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[rennavate]

Depends on what your other shoes are, and which of these three would be least like your other pairs.

I just bought a pair of Lombards, and as bluchers they're a bit more casual than the closed laced Parliaments and Van Nesses. If you wanted something you could dress up and wear with a suit, the Van Ness is a good choice. I do like my Lombards so far.

 

[hohneokc]

I have the Parliament and Lombard - I do not have the Van Ness.

If you are wanting a wingtip - easy choice, but you knew that.

I really like both shoes I have and I like the looks of the Van Ness. The Lombard is on a last that is slightly more narrow than the Parliament. I believe the Van Ness is on the same last as the Lombard. So if your feet don't like the longer/narrower lasts, that might not be best for you. If you have anything on the Allen Edmonds 5 last, the Lombard and Van Ness will be similar in fit.

The Parliament is a much more comfortable shoe. It has the orthotic insert that really cushions your feet well. It also has a bit more room in the toe box area. So as far as comfort, the Parliament wins hands down.

As far as style, I really like my Lombards. The blucher wingtip is a great combination in my opinion. The balmoral cap toe is also a nice combination. Between the Van Ness and Parliament, appearances only, I prefer the perfing on the toe of the Parliament.

Hopefully this information will help you make a good decision. If you can try them all on, I would recommend doing that and see which shoe is more comfortable.

Chris

 

[Unregistered]

I have a pair of Van Ness and Fifth Avenues. I'm an 8D in the FA and 8E in the VN.

I find the VN more versatile - then again, I don't really wear jeans.

But for business use, I'd say the VN would be the best choice, followed closely by the Parliament. I do like the Lombards, but derby shoes shouldn't be worn with suits should the need ever arise.

 

[facet]

I should have probably included more information in my original post. I currently have the PA's in merlot and Augusta; but I can't wear those to work because of the leather soles (the cause too much slipping which prevents me from doing my job and, for some reason, I'm just not keen on the idea of topys). So, right now, I'm just wearing a cheap pair of black cap toes and brown square toes to work (I know, this was before I came on style forum, Rome wasn't built in a day).

So, as I mentioned, I like the different shoes for different reasons. The Lombards, because I like the look of it and the idea of a wingtip really intrigues me since it would be good to get something different; but it is a blucher which is, apparently, not ideal for suits if I wish to go that route. The Van Ness, because I happen to like cap toes and it's quite versatile; but it's quite similar to my PA's. The Parliatment, because it's probably the most comfortable, and it's similar to the Strand, which I've always liked. And it's the cheapest by a bit.

Decisions. At this point, I think I'm leaning towards either the Parliament or Lombard, I may end up having to flip a coin. Thanks for the responses so far; anymore are, of course, welcome.

 

[Louis XIV]

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[facet]

So I ended up going with the Parliaments (they were only $145, all told) and have been very happy with the purchase so far. They are a very comfortable shoe, which was important for me as I can sometimes be on my feet quite a bit and I really like the look of them with the broguing and perforations. Thanks again for all the feedback and advice.

 

[hohneokc]

Good choice - I have that exact shoe and really like it. They look good with those slacks also.

Chris

 

[dieselman89]



Good choice - I have that exact shoe and really like it. They look good with those slacks also.

Chris

How do you think the black parliments will look with charcoal suit?

 

[dieselman89]



So I ended up going with the Parliaments (they were only $145, all told) and have been very happy with the purchase so far. They are a very comfortable shoe, which was important for me as I can sometimes be on my feet quite a bit and I really like the look of them with the broguing and perforations. Thanks again for all the feedback and advice.

Where did you get these for $145?

 

[stevent]



Where did you get these for $145?

They are on sale at Endless right now

 

[facet]



Where did you get these for $145?

I bought mine off of Amazon. I just double checked and they're now only $120; but the size selection has reduced quite a bit, although they still have a fair selection in black.

In regards to your other question, I think they would look just fine with a charcoal suit.

Edit:

Good choice - I have that exact shoe and really like it. They look good with those slacks also.

Chris

Thanks very much.

 

[ryewo[i dmfsOZI490w]

Can someone critique the socks? I thought you usually wear the same colour socks as your pants. Unless you fancy yourself really stylish and go with some strange combinations.

 

[dieselman89]

Can you recraft parliments or any of these shoes?

 

[hohneokc]



How do you think the black parliments will look with charcoal suit?

I think they would go well with charcoal.

Chris