Half of the sneaker game is knowing what kicks are out when, and which shops have them. Our Shelf Space column looks at what shops around the country are stocking in a given week, and gives a quick glimpse into the mind of the buyer/manager/owner who put them there.
This week's column stops in at Blends, the go-to sneaker spot in San Diego's East Village neighborhood. Manager Edwin Negado takes us through 10 of the store's hottest kicks after the jump, and gives some insight on each pair from the shelf. Click below to see all of Edwin's picks, and if your in the area make sure to stop in Blends, located at 726 Market St. blendsus.com
Nike SB - Blazer CS, $75
"Nike SB team rider, Brian Anderson, reworked the iconic Blazer to his liking. Growing up in the 80's, he used to chop down his hi-tops and rebind them with duct tape. Luckily, he won't have to do that with these. For added durability, this version of the Blazer utilizes a cup sole in place of the traditional vulcanized sole."
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Vans Vault - Authentic LX "Surf Shaka", $55
"I don't think that there's a better hand gesture to welcome the warmer months to come. It's been unusually grey these last two months in Southern California, so I'm definitely feeling these colors just in time for summer."
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Converse - Chuck Taylor All Star, $45
"A versatile, affordable, and timeless classic. This is America in a shoe. Truth is, these will look much better the more you wear them. A footwear essential."
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Nike - Toki ND, $75
"I'm a big fan of these. Nike took the classic chukka silhouette and created a new classic of its own. Goes well with canvas shorts."
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Vans Vault - Chukka Del Barco LX, $85
"In a sea of nautical inspired shoes, I would say that this is probably my favorite one of the season. Vans hit it right on the button by choosing contrasting textures of brown leather and gray canvas. We get a lot of phone calls about these."
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Vans — Old Skool LX "Padres", $500
"I'm a huge fan of the (1st place) Padres. It was an honor to be part of the Vans x MLB Opening Day Collection. Only 12 pairs were made using the Padres' military-saluting Dessert Camo, and each pair comes with a matching jersey by Majestic. Each jersey is individually numbered."
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PF Flyers — Center Hi "Sandlot", $50
"Posture Foundation is one of those companies that seems to be embedded within American culture. Synonymous with Benny Rodriguez, of the 1993 film, The Sandlot, these Center His are guaranteed to make you 'run faster and jump higher."
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New Balance — 998GNR, $130
"New Balance is one of the few footwear companies that still manufactures products domestically here in the US. Pretty much anything that New Balance makes in gray suede looks awesome. I'd like to say that they pretty much run the gray game."
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Nike SB — Eric Koston Dunk High Premium, $115
"Eric Koston was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and through this shoe, he pays homage to his roots. This updated version of the Nike Dunk SB comes with a grippier outsole for better board traction. Only one per customer!"
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Jordan Brand — Air Jordan VI Retro, $150
"Michael Jordan won his first NBA Championship wearing Jordan VIs, so for a lot of Jordan heads, this particular model holds a sentimental place within the Air Jordan Retro series. These should get people warmed up for the Infrared Pack release this weekend."
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