Shelf Space: Sneakers For Sale At NJ Skateshop (New Brunswick, NJ)

Image via Complex Original

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.

As we continue our mission of bringing you the insides of the best sneaker spots from around the U.S., we headed to Jersey and stopped in at NJ Skateshop, located in New Brunswick, NJ. The shop employee and food connoisseur, Luca Sumberac, gave us a look at 10 of the newest sneakers currently sitting on the store shelves. Hit the thumbnails and arrows above to see their picks, and to read what Luca has to say about each one.

Vans Chukka Low, $55

Luca Says: "The Chukka Low has that nice puffy tongue that protects the top of your foot and a Vulc sole for lots of board control. The Chukka’s puffiness makes me reminisce about my youth spent at Catholic Boy Scouts camp, sitting at campfires roasting fluffy marshmallows and making s’mores with my shirt off."

Vans Syndicate Old Skool Rodney Smith, $70

Luca Says: "By taking the classic Vans Old Skool Low shoe and adding some Syndicate features, materials and an awesome color and a collab with a New York legend, the Rodney Smith Old Skool is a sure summer classic – just like a dirty water hot dog on the streets of NYC, piled high with Sabrett red onions."

Vans Old Skool, $50

Luca Says: "This is a great example of a classic Vans model that stands the test of time. Simple lines, classic waffle grip and great colorways make this a must in any sneaker arsenal. I had a pair of these bad boys back in sixth grade, coincidently I used to eat waffle and cheese sandwiches for lunch any day I wore these to school."

Vans Era Pro Jeff Grossos, $52

Luca Says: "The Era Pro is a beefed up version of the Vans Era. It is an awesomely simple shoe, with a better Duracap sole, stronger suede and thicker insoles to make it one of the best skating shoes I’ve skated in a while. The Jeff Grosso model also happens to be the same color as my favorite condiment, ketchup. Speaking of which, the new Herr’s ketchup flavor potato chips are banging."

adidas Campus Vulc, $65

Luca Says: "I love this shoe for the pure fact that it doesn’t have the shell toe but retains similar stylings as the adidas Superstar. It’s got a Vulc sole for added board control and the absence of a shell means better board-feel on those flip tricks. Whenever I think of Adidas, I think of Run-DMC, which then makes me think of Jamaica, Queens, which then makes me think of Jamaican beef patties – at this point my mouth starts to water."

Cons CTS Low, $60

Luca Says: "The great thing about all the shoes on this list are their simple yet classic shapes. The CTS is essentially a beefed up Chuck Taylor, it holds its shape way better, and in my opinion, looks way cooler than an old-fashion floppy Chuck. The girl that used to give me her leftover chocolate milk at lunch in elementary school always wore Chucks, so Converse shoes hold a special place in my heart, hopefully doing their part in helping to unclog arteries."

Emerica Westgate, $65

Luca Says: "The reason this shoe is great is because it is an Emerica Half-Cab, and what makes it better than the other Emerica Half-Cab (The Hsu) is that it is Brandon Westgate’s pro model – seeing as he is probably the best pro out there right now, it is mandatory that we include this shoe on this list. Westgate is from Massachusetts, where they have great seafood. My favorite part about eating lobster is all the free melted butter they give you. Sometimes I order extra just to drink with my meal."

Nike SB Dunk Low, $85

Luca Says: "The new Dunk Low Pro sole is a lot softer, with a ton more grip for awesome board control while retaining the classic Dunk shape. Orange and Blue are actually contrasting colors on the color wheel. Sometimes I wonder what the color wheel would taste like if someone baked a pie using it as the blueprint. Imagine all those glorious sweetened fruits together in one pie. I can only dream."

Nike SB Zoom Koston One, $85

Luca Says: "The new Koston has a lot of hi-tech features in a discrete package. The shoe looks great and functions even better. Eric Koston (the shoe’s designer and Nike pro skateboarder) is from Thailand. Thailand happens to be the birthplace of my second favorite condiment, Sriracha. I put it on everything and hope to put some on this shoe when I get a pair to eat."

Nike SB Stefan Janoski Premium QS, $90

Luca Says: "The Janoski has become an instant classic; it skates great, has a super-sexy profile and looks good at yacht parties, too. I went to the Hamptons this weekend and everyone was wearing boat shoes. Luckily, I had my Janoski’s on so I totally fit in. I ended up eating a lot in these shoes over the weekend and I have to say, they make eating that much better. They really allow you to get in the zone and devour whatever is in your sight. I managed to finish 5 pounds of pasta that my aunt cooked in one sitting by wearing these shoes."