The London Lounge

Anyone know the complete line up and the advantages of each?
TIA
UC

I don't know if this covers the entire range, but here you go:

UC,
I can only comment on the top four via experience. The 202 and 606 fit almost the same and their profile is almost the same. The 606 has a slightly squared toe which I actually prefer in some models. The same can be said of the 82 and 888. For my foot the 202/606 is more comfortable, yet the 82/888 looks marginally better. Overall, I prefer the 202/606 because the increased comfort is marked, whereas the decreased appearance is almost negligible. This is especially true if you can wear the 202 in a more narrow width such as C. My eyes like the 82, my eyes and feet like the 202.

Not marketed heavily but available on special order are the 88, 33, and 32. Those basically fit the same, the main differences being height of toe box and round/square. I do fit the 202, but those others are somewhat better shaped for my foot.

Thanks!

That's a wonderful illustrative chart.

I don't think that I've ever seen the 202 or 606...do they stock them in Jermyn St.? Nor the 88, 33, 32.

Are the 202/606 more comfortable because they are wider and deeper in the arch?

I've always felt that the standard English width of E is too wide for me and I should really be getting a D...perhaps the 202 would work in a narrower width...

Actually I rather like that 'old fashioned' look of the 202/606; is it an older last from EG?

But apart from comfort, would there be a particular last that one might prefer for certain dress, or certain tailors' silhouettes? Just curious if anyone has thought about this....

Dear UC:


Here is a link to some useful photo comparisons of the 202.
http://img25.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=eg606-eg888_sm.jpg

Personally I have grown very fond of the 202, so I may lack objectivity.

I don’t think the 202 it is any deeper in the arch, but the toe box provides a bit more room because of its “roundness.”

When Michael Alden recommends shoes from North Hampton with a round toe, I picture the 202 in my mind. Some think, perhaps viewed in isolation, it’s a bit dowdy. But I would say on a stitch cap toe (not convinced by the punch cap in the illustrations above) Chelsea oxford under cuffed, pleated trousers of a city suit, it is among the most handsome. I prefer it to my 888s, a shape which I have read some assert may have a better city suit provenance. I don't know. I admit I have monk straps also with the 202 that I wear with odd trousers. That said, for say flannel odd trousers, the 606 last on something like the Ashby monk is ideal.

The LL discussion of Feb, 14, 2007 entitled "Stock Lasts" might be helpful.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6758&hilit=stock+lasts

This is the thread in question. Quite interesting, if you are in the RTW market.