Best Kids’ Shoes for Out-Toeing – Improve Your Child’s Foot Posture and Walking Gait
Have you noticed your child’s feet turning outward when they walk or run, rather than pointing straight ahead? Or perhaps you’ve seen uneven wear on the bottoms of their shoes? These can be signs of out-toeing, a condition where the feet rotate outward during movement. While many children with out-toeing don’t experience pain, they’re often more prone to tripping and falling. It’s important to know that out-toeing can gradually improve as your child grows, but progress is often slow and subtle. As a shoe fitter with years of experience helping families navigate foot concerns, I’m here to guide you toward the best kids’ shoes for out-toeing—footwear designed to promote better alignment, enhance stability, and keep your child comfortable and confident with every step.
Is This Condition Going to Correct Itself?
In many cases, out-toeing naturally improves as children grow. However, if it continues beyond age 3 or starts to affect your child’s balance, coordination, or walking ability, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. The good news is that wearing the right supportive shoes can make a big difference—they can help improve alignment, enhance stability, and even reduce the risk of tripping as your child moves through daily activities.
Can Shoes Help Treat and Prevent Out-Toeing?
The right shoes can absolutely help improve a child’s walking gait and foot posture—especially when out-toeing is linked to conditions like flat feet, external tibial torsion, or hip rotation contractures. However, if the cause is neurological, footwear alone may not make a significant difference.
When flat feet are the underlying issue, supportive shoes can make a noticeable impact. As a passionate children’s shoe fitter, I’ve seen firsthand how the right pair of shoes can be life-changing. Since kids’ feet are still developing, the support they receive now plays a key role in shaping their future posture and movement.
Before and After: The Impact of Supportive Shoes
Before investing in supportive shoes, parents often wonder if they truly make a difference. Here is a comparison of children with out-toeing standing barefoot versus wearing supportive shoes:
It’s amazing how the right pair of shoes can completely transform a child’s comfort and confidence!
What Shoes Work Best for Out-Toeing? – Look for These 3 Features!
Feature One: Straight Lasts. Shoes with straight lasts ensure that the sole is flat, providing a straight line from heel to toe. This design helps in maintaining proper foot alignment, which is crucial for children with out-toeing.
Feature Two: Substantial Outsoles. A substantial outsole offers excellent support and stability, helping to guide the foot in the correct position. This feature is vital for enhancing your child’s walking gait and preventing unnecessary strain on the feet.
Feature Three: Firm Heel Counters. A firm heel counter provides essential support to the heel, promoting proper alignment and reducing the outward rotation of the foot. This feature is particularly beneficial for children with out-toeing, as it aids in maintaining a more natural walking pattern.
Remember, what works wonders for one child might not be the perfect solution for another. Every child’s feet and gait are unique! The right shoes can be incredibly effective in helping manage out-toeing—but only if they provide the right level of support and fit properly. Finding that perfect match can make all the difference in your child’s comfort and stability.
What Are the Best Kids’ Shoes for Out-Toeing? – My Specific Shoe Recommendations
When it comes to selecting the best kids’ shoes for out-toeing, here are my top recommendations for 2025. Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, helping us create free resources at no extra cost to you.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the best shoes for out-toeing as the robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available in pink, black, and navy blue
- There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These orthopedic shoes for out-toeing are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing foot problems.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
These high-top supportive sneakers for out-toeing offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with poor posture habits.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
These New Balance sneakers for out-toeing combine style with functionality. They offer solid support and cushioning, making them suitable for kids with foot problems.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These Saucony shoes for out-toeing are ideal for treating foot conditions such as flat feet, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
These versatile New Balance shoes provide a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s flat feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for out-toeing are another great option at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
These Adidas basketball shoes for out-toeing offer great support for kids. The versatility of these shoes make them suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
These Asics are good running shoes for out-toeing and are ideal for kids with foot problems who have a narrower foot shape.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow or medium feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
The Importance of Providing Your Child with the Correct Shoe Size
Choosing the right shoe size is just as important as selecting shoes with the right features. Ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate foot problems and cause discomfort. To ensure you’re getting the correct size, use my virtual guide, which offers step-by-step instructions on measuring your child’s feet accurately.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re still unsure about which shoes are best for your child, feel free to contact me for personalized recommendations.
A personalized consultation allows for a tailored approach to selecting the right footwear. By understanding your child’s specific needs, I can recommend shoes that offer the best support and fit. This individualized service ensures optimal results for managing out-toeing.
Are Shoes with Shoelaces Better than Shoes with Velcro Closure?
Children with foot conditions can greatly benefit from wearing shoes with shoelaces rather than Velcro closures. Laced shoes offer superior support and stability, helping keep little feet properly aligned and secure. Plus, they’re versatile enough to fit a wide range of foot shapes, ensuring a more customized and comfortable fit for every child.
Should You Provide Your Child with a Pair of Orthotics?
If your child’s out-toeing is caused by flat feet, the right combination of supportive footwear and orthotics can make a big difference. These solutions help adjust foot alignment and reduce the outward turning of the feet. Certain orthotics are specially designed to stabilize the heels and improve overall posture, giving your child better balance and comfort with every step.
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
Natural Correction Over Time
Most children experience natural improvement in their gait as their bodies develop. The alignment issues often correct themselves by the age of eight, as bones and muscles strengthen. However, monitoring the progress is essential to ensure timely intervention if needed.
