
Gaziano & Girling St James II
Best for Bespoke-level RTW
Typically $1,900–$2,300
Check Price on Amazon Paid link
Edward Green Dover
Best for Split-toe icon
Typically $1,500–$1,700
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkQuick comparison
| Feature | Gaziano & Girling St James II | Edward Green Dover |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | $1,900–$2,300 | $1,500–$1,700 |
| Best for | Bespoke-level RTW | Split-toe icon |
| Key feature | Sharp chiselled toe oxford | Dover split-toe derby |
| Material | Calf leather | Calf leather |
| Sole | Leather, Goodyear welted | Leather, Goodyear welted |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Made in | England | England |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Main differences
Material
Gaziano & Girling St James II: Calf leather; Edward Green Dover: Calf leather.
Sole
Gaziano & Girling St James II: Leather, Goodyear welted; Edward Green Dover: Leather, Goodyear welted.
Fit
Gaziano & Girling St James II: True to size; Edward Green Dover: True to size.
Made in
Gaziano & Girling St James II: England; Edward Green Dover: England.
Why buy it
Gaziano & Girling St James II: sharp chiselled toe oxford; Edward Green Dover: dover split-toe derby.
Made for
Gaziano & Girling St James II: bespoke-level RTW; Edward Green Dover: split-toe icon.
Usual price
Gaziano & Girling St James II: $1,900–$2,300; Edward Green Dover: $1,500–$1,700.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Gaziano & Girling St James II if you
- you want near-bespoke ready-to-wear
- value exceptional finishing
If neither feels right
Neither is the only answer. See every piece we would buy (and the ones we would skip) in our list of the best men’s dress shoes.
Not sure about either? Consider these

John Lobb · Men’s dress shoes
John Lobb City II Oxford
Buy it if you want the reference formal oxford.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Benchmark oxford
- Typical price
- $1,795–$2,100
Pros
- Superb craft
- Resoleable
Cons
- Expensive

Edward Green · Men’s dress shoes
Edward Green Chelsea 202
Buy it if you want handmade English elegance.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Connoisseur pick
- Typical price
- $1,500–$1,700
Pros
- Excellent finishing
- Resoleable
Cons
- Pricey
Frequently asked questions
Gaziano & Girling St James II or Edward Green Dover: which should I buy?
Buy the Gaziano & Girling St James II if you want near-bespoke ready-to-wear. Buy the Edward Green Dover instead if you want the iconic derby.
Is the price difference worth it?
The Gaziano & Girling St James II usually costs $1,900–$2,300 and the Edward Green Dover $1,500–$1,700. Pay more only if the differences above matter to you.