Sneakers, flats, laces, slip-ons, high-tops, leather, canvas, solid colors, patterns — teens and tweens alike scour shoe stores looking for the perfect shoes to accent their back-to-school outfits.

Cool kicks give fashion-conscious students an option to display their personal style in an era where school uniforms are frequently the standard or dress codes may restrict clothing choices.

Kathryn Dysinger, a fifth-grader at Robinson Intermediate school, is specific about her fashion selections. She rattles off her favorite clothing lines — American Apparel, Abercrombie & Fitch, GAP and Hollister.

Carigan Suggs, 12, of West, tries on some Vans shoes at Journeys in Richland Mall on Thursday.
Duane A. Laverty/Waco Tribune-Herald

And for the shoes to complete her All-American look?

“Converse (All-Stars), that’s easy,” Kathryn said.

Her sister, 7-year-old Marissa, has a decidedly more flashy taste in shoes. She bounced happily after securing a fresh pair of Twinkle Toes — a sparkly shoe by Sketchers covered in bedazzled sequins, glitter, and flashing lights that is the current “it” shoe for girls in elementary school.

“I love them because they’re cool,” she said, raising her foot to show off the pair she already owns.

Both sisters were buying shoes to upgrade their current pair as they shopped at Academy Sports & Outdoors on New Road.

That seems to be the approach many students follow in shoe-hunting — wear what you know.

“Mostly kids are buying (Air) Jordans, Air Forces and Air Max,” said Jaime Rivera, a sales associate at Foot Action in Richland Mall. “They stick to the ones that are most popular.”

Or simply put, “Anything that has a jumpman symbol on it,” said Vick Hernandez, a sales associate at Finish Line in Richland Mall.

Hernandez said Air Jordans are the most sought after shoe for boys of all ages and one of the stores highest sellers. Finish Line gets a new shipment of the shoes each week to replenish its stock, he said.

There’s no shortage of choices for the iconic shoe, including Retro versions bearing the classic Nike check mark on the side, Fusion that have a high top and flat soles like Nike Air Force, and more classic Air Jordans similar to the shoes Michael Jordan himself wore during his on-court domination in the 1990s.

Converse All-Stars from Journeys in Richland Mall.
Duane A. Laverty/Waco Tribune-Herald

Slip-on shoes

John Nugent, manager of Journeys shoes in Richland Mall, said middle- and high school-age shoppers are drawn to the Vans and DC shoe lines, opting for slip-on or laced versions in different colors or patterns. Girls are also fond of Sperry slip-on boat shoes that come in basic tan or delicate patterns.

“It’s the convenience of being able to slip the shoe right on,” Nugent said. “Kids don’t like to tie their shoes, so they may get the slip-on ones, or I’ve even seen kids tie a knot in the lace ones so they can slide it on their foot.”

Carigan Suggs, 12, who attends West Middle School, tried on a pair of black checker Vans, shoes that start in full-color at the toe then blend into a checkerboard pattern.

“I really like (the Vans line),” Suggs said. “I already have a pair in the black and white checkerboard.”

DC Shoes line shelves in Journeys shoe store. Teenage students are seeking the right shoes for the start of school.
Duane A. Laverty/Waco Tribune-Herald

Black and white

Nugent said black and white are popular shoe colors.

“Black and white is easier and simpler, goes with everything, doesn’t really cause a lot of problems with the dress codes,” Nugent said. “The dress codes get more strict each year, so plain colors mean you don’t have to worry about whether you’re in violation.”

But even youths who stick to simpler styles or certain shoe brands still want some added flavor. Courtney Chacon, a sophomore at Gatesville High School, eyed a pair of black Air Max with neon pink and blue accents in the mall.

Faviola Fernandez, 16, browsed through Converse All-Stars at Academy Sports & Outdoors before slipping on a black high-top pair decorated in green and purple flowers and peace signs.

“I really like a lot of different colors, and these are pretty cool and colorful,” said Fernandez, a Chilton High School student.

rdennis@wacotrib.com

757-5755

Vans shoes from Journeys in Richland Mall.
Duane A. Laverty/Waco Tribune-Herald

Sperry Top-Siders from Journeys in Richland Mall.
Duane A. Laverty/Waco Tribune-Herald

Twinkle Toes shoes by Sketchers.
Stardustboutique.net photo