The Best Shoes for Kids with Duck Feet – Let’s Improve your Child’s Walking Gait and Posture!
Have you noticed your child walking with their feet turned outward? This condition, known as out-toeing—or more commonly, duck feet—can be hereditary, but it may also develop from poor posture, muscle weakness, or injury compensation. The early years (especially before age 7) are critical for healthy foot development, and the right footwear can make a big difference. As a dedicated shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I’ve found that the best shoes for kids with duck feet offer firm heel counters, supportive outsoles, and straight lasts to help improve alignment and walking gait.
What Is Duck Feet or Out-Toeing?
Walking with feet turned outward—commonly known as out-toeing—can affect more than just posture. Left untreated, it may lead to both short- and long-term issues, including:
- An unbalanced or awkward walking pattern.
- Decreased coordination and athletic performance.
- Increased risk of developing foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet.
- Ongoing foot, leg, or even lower back pain.
Be Proactive and Don’t Take the “Wait and See Approach”
Many medical professionals may advise a “wait and see” approach for out-toeing, but I always encourage parents to be proactive. Even if your child isn’t in pain, noticeable gait issues shouldn’t be ignored. I’ve heard from families worldwide whose doctors said their child would outgrow it—yet the walking concerns remained. Taking early action can help correct out-toeing and significantly improve your child’s posture and movement.
Treating Your Child’s Out-Toeing
The most effective—and least invasive—way I’ve found to help treat and prevent out-toeing is by wearing the right pair of supportive shoes. In more pronounced cases, orthotics can provide the extra stability and alignment needed. I always recommend starting with properly fitted supportive shoes, and if there’s no noticeable improvement after a few months, adding orthotics can be the next game-changing step.
Before and After Images: See the Difference!
I often use this analogy to help parents understand out-toeing: Imagine your child’s feet like the tires on a car. If one tire is flat or misaligned, the whole car feels off—you’ll notice bumps, uneven wear, and poor performance. The same goes for your child’s body. When the feet are turned outward, it throws off alignment and can impact the knees, hips, and lower back. Just like you wouldn’t ignore a flat tire, you shouldn’t ignore foot misalignment—it affects the whole system.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Kids with Duck Feet?
Below, you’ll find a handpicked list of shoes that offer these essential features—sturdy outsoles and firm heel counters—while comfortably fitting a variety of foot shapes. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Shoes for Kids with Duck Feet – Supportive Outsoles and Firm Heel Counters
With the vast array of children’s shoes available, finding the right pair can be overwhelming. Based on years of hands-on experience, here are my top shoe recommendations for kids with duck feet.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the absolute best New Balance shoes for duck feet. The robust outsoles help distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce 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 corrective shoes for duck feet 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 conditions.
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 booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with duck feet.
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
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with foot conditions such as duck feet. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
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 Tracks by Timberland
The sturdy design ensures that children can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These shoes are ideal for kids with foot problems, 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
7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s foot conditions. 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
8. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for duck feet 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
9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for kids with duck feet. The versatility of the shoe makes it 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
10. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
The GT-1000 by Asics is a popular choice for kids who require extra stability and support. This specific shoe is capable of fitting children with narrow feet.
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
Reach Out for Personalized Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s feet are unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If you’re uncertain about the best shoes for your child with duck feet, consider reaching out for personalized shoe recommendations. As a passionate shoe fitter, I can provide tailored advice based on your child’s specific needs and foot condition. Together, we can ensure your child steps into a world of comfort and support.
How to Find Out Your Child’s Shoe Size
Not sure of your child’s exact foot size? I created a virtual shoe fitting service that helps you accurately measure your child’s feet from home. This tool will reveal whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet—and whether they have a high instep. Getting the right size and fit is key to finding shoes that support healthy foot development.
Hello Juan,
I found your article to be very informative. Thank you!
I have a 5 year old boy here. He is over weight, wide and flat feet and when he walks both of his feet are outward. Visited a podiatrist and he recommended high tops/basketball shoes. I am having a hard time finding such shoes for all my son’s needs. I bought him several ones from Stride Rite extra wide, but the store does not have his size anymore. Can you recommend anything please?
Hello Fay,
I am glad you find the website informative!
To recommend specific shoes for your son I first need to know his shoe size and the country that you are contacting me from to check what shoes you might be able to order.
Amazing article.
My 7yr Old son’s right foot is outward.
When he walk, run, bike riding – right foot always go outward (no issue with the left foot)
Went to Podiatrist (here in Melbourne Australia) and he advised us to use New Balance or ASICS shoes.
you have shared many NB shoes, I will have a look in my local store.
Hello Aman,
I am glad you find the article informative! I hope you find the correct pair of shoes for your son, and I will be here in case you have any questions.
Don’t forget to pull the velcro straps or the laces tightly so your son can get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer.
I need shoes for my 16 months old boy his feet are facing outwards like duck feet can you guide me please thank you
Hello Syed,
I am happy to help, but first I need to know your son’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), and from which country you are contacting me to check what specific shoes are available in your area.
I have my son 3 years has a duck feet
Hello Ibrahim,
Do you know if your son’s feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet? We need to retrieve your son’s exact foot shape to determine what shoes will work best for his feet. If you are unsure of your son’s exact foot shape I suggest that you follow the instructions here:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width