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? These are signs that your child might be dealing with a condition called out-toeing. 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.
Is This Condition Going to Correct Itself?
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?
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. 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. If you’re pressed for time here is a list of the most supportive shoes for kids with out-toeing.
What Shoes Work Best for Out-Toeing? – Look for These 3 Features!
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 are fitted properly.
What Are the Best Kids’ Shoes for Out-Toeing? – It’s Time for My Specific Shoe Recommendations
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
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Emilia by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Double velcro straps
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance Online Store
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion on Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Velcro closure
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Bootie by Timberland on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Padded collar for a comfortable fit around the ankle
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Mary Jane by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style New Balance Fresh Foam 650 on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ankle Support by Memo on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Chicago Corrective by Memo on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Own the Game 2.0 by Adidas on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Non-marking outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Oder the shoe style Kinvara LTT by Saucony on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Shadow 6000 by Saucony on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 327 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
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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.
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 You Provide Your Child with a Pair of Orthotics?
If the cause of your child’s out-toeing is due to 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.
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.
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? 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.
