(StatePoint) As children all over the country count down the last days of summer, parents are checking off their to-do lists to make sure everyone is ready to head back to school. While binders, calculators and combination locks may be required, new shoes are almost always at the top of the list to accommodate growing feet and new fashion trends.

According to Laryssa Grant, women’s buyer for national family footwear retailer Rack Room Shoes, this season’s sneaker styles give nod to classic designs and are sure to complement any school wardrobe.

Here, Grant shares how back-to-school fashion trends can translate to different age groups:

• Preschool: Key factors in finding footwear for preschoolers are comfort and function.

Shoe to Try: Adidas Baseline sneakers are available for the tiniest of feet -- in infant sizes and up -- and also have Velcro fasteners for easy-on and easy-off. The traditional design, white with three black signature stripes, has been updated with new accent colors, from metallic gold to mint green. Styles are available in children’s and adult sizes so Mom and Dad can match their mini me.

• Elementary School:

Children entering elementary school tend to start expressing their preferences through clothing and footwear. And many are keen to sport their favorite color through accessories and outfits.

Shoe to Try: The Nike Tanjun offers a plethora of kids-only colors, from coral to navy, in this popular and functional style. With many options to choose from, children will be able to coordinate favorite outfits with ease, while allowing their personalities to shine.

• Middle School:

Middle school students may not be ready to embrace adult styles, but many may have grown out of character designs. So, jeans and denim accessories are always a great fashion choice, offering lots of versatility.

Shoe to Try: Classic sneaker styles from PUMA and Converse can help pull together a fashion-forward athletic look that might include a favorite pair of jeans or a denim jacket layered over a jersey top.

• High School: By high school, many teens are eager to incorporate the latest pop culture trends, such as bold and bright hues, metallic accents and ice cream pastels.

Shoe to Try: For those seeking an effortlessly cool style, Vans is a great go-to brand. The iconic Sidestripe features a variety of fresh colors for fall, like burgundy, blush and olive, as well as the hugely popular black and white checkerboard pattern. Whether attending school in pinstripes or plaid, Vans can enhance cutting-edge fashion choices for high schoolers.

“This season’s athletic shoe styles embrace everything we love about classic designs,” says Grant. “And with updated colors, textures and materials, they leave plenty of room for students to express their individualities -- making heading back to school an exciting adventure.”

For more options, the Athletic Shop at Rack Room Shoes in stores or online offers one-stop-shopping.

Be sure to take both practicality and your child’s wishes into consideration when shoe shopping this back-to-school season. With smart shopping strategies, you can prioritize both comfort and style.