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 his/her feet turned outwards? This condition is referred to as out-toeing and it’s also commonly known as duck feet. Out-toeing is believed to be hereditary, but for certain children, this condition develops from the compensation of an injury, lack of muscle strength, or poor posture. The best shoes for kids with duck feet provide firm heel counters, supportive outsoles, and straight lasts to help improve foot posture and walking gait.
What Is Duck Feet or Out-Toeing?
Having out-toeing simply means that your child walks with his/her feet turned out, causing the arch to collapse slightly. The further the feet turn out; the flatter your child’s feet become. The arch of the foot is designed to provide shock absorption when walking, running, and jumping.
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.
Be Proactive and Don’t Take the “Wait and See Approach”
I have noticed how most medical professionals advise parents to not be alarmed or stressed out too much over this condition. However, even if your child is not complaining about foot or leg pain, I always recommend parents to be proactive and don’t take the “wait and see approach” when it comes to treating and preventing their children’s foot conditions.
I get contacted by families from all over the world who are told by their pediatricians that their child will eventually outgrow the condition, but these families are still concerned since their child’s walking gait is clearly abnormal. It can be hard for parents to watch their children struggle with their walking gait, but if you take the necessary steps you will be able to correct your child’s out-toeing and improve your child’s overall posture.
The most effective and less invasive way that I have found to treat and prevent out-toeing is by wearing the correct pair of shoes, and depending on the degree of your child’s out-toeing, orthotics as well. I always recommend starting by trying a pair of supportive shoes, and if the condition doesn’t improve, then the next step is to try a pair of orthotics.
Treating Your Child’s Out-Toeing – What a Difference the Shoes Make!
Let me show you what a tremendous difference the correct pair of shoes can make in treating and preventing your child’s out-toeing condition. Let’s first take a look at a picture of a barefoot child that is experiencing out-toeing.
Do you notice how the child’s feet are turning outwards? Sometimes I like to provide parents with the analogy that having out-toeing or duck feet is the same as having a car with a flat tire. When you have a flat tire it affects the rest of your car, you may feel uneven and more bumps in the road. Your kids’ feet are like the tires on your car. When the feet are out of alignment, it will affect all the joints above them, including the knees, hips, and lower back.
Now let’s take a look at another picture of the same child wearing a pair of supportive shoes. Do you notice how the child’s feet look a lot straighter? The shoes are straightening the child’s feet and prevent them from turning outwards.
In this particular case, the child just needed to wear a pair of supportive shoes. However, there will be certain cases where the correct pair of shoes won’t be enough to help treat or prevent this condition. In those cases, you might have to provide your child with a pair of orthotics as well.
Out-toeing is not as common as in-toeing, but I have seen and helped several children with out-toeing walk and run straighter.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Kids with Duck Feet?
I have noticed how the most effective shoes that help treat this condition provide a lot of support in the outsole and the heel counter as well.
There are certain shoes that I have found to be the most effective ones when it comes to treating this condition. The shoes I recommend provide a substantial and supportive outsole that helps prevent your child’s feet from rolling outwards. Below you can see the difference between a shoe with a substantial outsole versus a shoe with an outsole that is too thin and doesn’t provide the correct amount of support:
That shoes I recommend also provide a firm heel counter, which is the back part of the shoe that provides ankle and heel support:
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The Best Shoes for Kids with Duck Feet – Supportive Outsoles and Firm Heel Counters
Below you can find a selection of the best shoes for kids with duck feet that can fit children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
- 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
Do you know your child’s exact foot size? To figure out your child’s correct shoe size, you will need to know your child’s exact foot size.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
I always recommend parents take their children to be properly fitted for shoes at their local children’s shoe store. If you are unsure whether you have a good-fitting children’s shoe store in your area, take a look at a resource I created that describes the best kids’ shoe stores by state. If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to find a store in your area, then take a look at another article that will help you identify how to figure out your child’s foot size from home.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about your child’s feet or walking gait. If you are in doubt about whether your child might have out-toeing or not, feel free to send me pictures/videos of your child’s feet and I will be able to evaluate your child’s feet:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
You can also use the comments section below to ask any questions you might have.
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