John Lobb Avon vs Phillip II

[Holdfast]

Anyone have any comments on these two models?

They seem similar - both punched toecap 5 eyelet oxfords, except the Avon appears to be from the classic range and on a different last to the prestige range Phillip II. What's the difference between the two ranges? And the two lasts?

Thanks for any info!

 

[medwards]

The Prestige line has some finer detailing and a beveled waist unlike the Classic line. Some believe it also uses some superior leathers, although this may not be relevant in this instance inasmuch as I believe the Avon is only made in suedes and the Phillip II only in smooth calf. The last on which the Phillip II is constructed is JL's 7000...a somewhat elongated last that some find a bit roomy in the forefoot.

 

[TKDKid]

Borrowing from von Rothbart's shoe pictorial index thread:

Avon

The brogueing where the vamp meets the quarters looks a bit unbalanced to me - I'd like there to be brogueing around the throat area as well so that it looks more like a quarter-brogue (albeit sans heel counter). Having said that, I guess you're unlikely to notice the difference when they're on your feet and covered by your trousers.

I saw a few pairs of Avons in black and dark brown calf at the John Lobb factory shop - they were sale stock so the model (in calf at least) may be discontinued.

Philip II

There's brogueing on the sides of the throat area but it's small so the balance (to me at least) is better. This has been a dream shoe of mine for a long time but the 7000 last doesn't seem to fit me very well.

 

[Holdfast]

Thank you both.

A long shot (probably not on this site!) - does anyone have experience on how the 7000 last compares in fit to 1105. I note medwards comment re: too much roominess in the toebox. Would that be in comparison to the 1105 too?

 

[TKDKid]

Can't help you with the fit - I don't own any Lobbs (yet...). I just wanted to add that one thing I find particularly cool about the Philip II is that the quarters are made of a single piece of leather and so there's no seam at the heel:

This seems to be a regular feature of their Prestige Line models (where possible!).

 

[Cravate Royale]

I currently own both shoes, and have found no differences in fit, atleast for my feet, and have owned many of their shoes from both the classic and prestige line, and find the fit to be good. The only problem I have had is with their slip on shoes where I find myself having to go down a half size in the prestige line. Hope this helps.