Best Kids’ Shoes for Out-Toeing – Improve Your Child’s Foot Posture and Walking Gait

Have you noticed that your child’s feet point outward when walking or running instead of straight ahead? Did you check the bottom of your child’s shoes and noticed uneven wear in the outsole? Most children who have out-toeing don’t complain of any foot or leg pain, but they are more prone to trip and fall. Keep in mind that your child’s out-toeing condition might get better over time, but progress is slow and can be hard to notice. I will show you a selection of the best kids’ shoes for out-toeing based on my 10 years of shoe fitting experience.

Most parents are told by their medical professionals that their child’s out-toeing will correct itself over time as the child grows. Children who are 3 years old and their out-toeing keeps getting worse instead of getting better should be evaluated to make sure that their out-toeing condition is not related to a more serious medical condition. Unfortunately, some children might have to end up getting surgery to correct the problems with their feet and legs and straighten the toes.

Can Shoes Help Treat and Prevent Out-Toeing?

I have noticed that providing children with the correct types of shoes can help improve their foot posture and walking gait, as long as the child’s out-toeing is related to a neuromuscular condition. If your child’s out-toeing is related to a neurological condition then the shoes won’t make much of a difference.

Some of the most common causes of out-toeing are:

• Flat feet
• External tibial torsion
• External rotation contracture of the hip

If your child’s out-toeing is caused by having flat feet, then providing your child with the correct pair of shoes can make a world of difference.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes

My name is Juan Valenzuela and I work for a specialized children’s shoe store that focuses on helping children with “complicated” foot shapes as well as foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. I have been fitting children’s shoes and orthotics for the last 10 years, and I handle approximately one hundred shoe fittings/try ons per week.

I am passionate about fitting children’s shoes as I truly believe that the correct type of shoes can be life changing. Children’s feet are constantly developing, and what happens to their feet during their childhood will affect their physique as they grow older. 

Did you know that persistent out-toeing can place extra stress on your child’s knee joint and lead to other foot, leg, and lower back problems in the future?

What Shoes Work Best for Out-Toeing?

I have noticed throughout the years that to help improve foot posture and prevent the child’s feet from pointing outwards the shoes must provide 3 key features:

1️⃣ Straight Lasts: This feature helps prevent the forefoot from pushing out. You need to stay away from shoes that have a curved or semi-curved last as they lack heel stability. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes. I will provide you with a link to the shoe below shortly.

2️⃣ Substantial Outsole: This feature helps realign the child’s feet by preventing them from pointing outwards. Let me show you the difference in support between one of the shoes that I recommend and a different style:

3️⃣ Firm Heel Counter: The heel counter is the back part of the shoe that provides ankle and heel support. Always make sure that the heel counter of your kids’ shoes feels firm and sturdy. Let’s take a look at the difference between a shoe with a soft heel counter, and one with a firmer one:

Children with Out-Toeing – What a Difference These Shoes Can Make!

Let’s take a look at an image of a child who has out-toeing due to flat feet standing barefoot. Do you notice how the child’s feet are pointing outwards?

Now let’s see what happens when we fit that same child in a pair of the supportive shoes that I recommend. Do you notice how the child’s feet are a lot straighter? The straight last of the shoe, substantial outsole, and firm heel counter are improving the child’s foot posture:

Wow! What a difference the correct pair of shoes can make!

Keep in mind that what might work really well for one child might not work as well for another. Shoes can be very effective when it comes to helping treat out-toeing as long as they provide the correct amount of support and they are fitted properly.

The Importance of Providing Your Child with the Correct Shoe Size

If you don’t provide your child with the correct shoe size, your child won’t get any of the benefits that the shoes have to offer. What’s even worse, you might end up creating several foot issues to your child’s feet such as blisters, calluses, corn, or ingrown toenails.

If you don’t have a specialized children’s shoe store in your area I suggest that you take a look at a resource I created where I help parents determine their child’s exact foot length and shape from home:

How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width

Once you have determined your child’s exact foot length and shape —narrow, medium, wide extra wide, high instep— you will be ready to start looking for the correct types of shoes. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.

What are the Best Kids’ Shoes for Out-Toeing?

Take a look at the information below each shoe to determine:

• The foot shape the shoe can accommodate (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide)
• The best size to order allowing for growing room
• Other important information such as material

Are There Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

Do not hesitate to contact me directly by e-mail if you are having a hard time finding a different type of shoe to help treat your child’s out-toeing condition. My e-mail address is: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Are Shoes with Shoelaces Better than Shoes with Velcro Closure?

Children who have foot conditions can strongly benefit from wearing shoes that come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure. Shoes with shoelaces provide better support and stability, and they are capable of fitting a variety of foot shapes.

Should I Provide My Child with a Pair of Orthotics?

If the cause of your child’s out-toeing is from having flat feet, orthotics and supportive footwear can be used to adjust and improve the foot alignment, and hence the appearance of out-turned feet. 

There are certain orthotics that may help stabilize your child’s heels and improve alignment. If you believe that your child might benefit from wearing a pair of orthotics I suggest that you take a look at the article below:

Orthotics for Kids with Out-Toeing – Let’s Improve Your Child’s Foot Posture and Prevent Foot Pain

Treating and Preventing Your Child’s Out-Toeing – Be Proactive!

If you notice that it is difficult for your child to stand and move normally please have your child evaluated by your medical professional.

Walking with the feet turned outwards can lead to short and long-term problems that involve:

• An unbalanced gait.
• Reduced athletic ability.
• Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet.
• General foot and leg pain.

Help me make this resource even better by adding your shoe recommendations as well! I am sure that other families will benefit from reading about your experiences.