Out-toeing, sometimes called ‘duck walking’, is when the feet point outwards during walking or running. It is common in babies and toddlers and often improves with time. This page explains the causes of out-toeing, important warning signs, and how podiatry care and orthotic therapy may help when flat feet contribute.
Out-toeing describes feet that turn outwards when walking. It is common in infants and new walkers, often due to tightness around the hips from positioning in the womb, and usually improves within the first couple of years of walking.
In older children, out-toeing may relate to an outward twist of the shin bone (external tibial torsion), the thigh bone (femoral retroversion), or foot posture, particularly flat feet and hypermobile feet, where the foot rolls inwards and turns outwards.
When out-toeing is linked to flat feet and symptoms such as arch pain, fatigue or tripping, orthotic therapy and footwear advice may help. Orthoses do not change bony rotation, so management focuses on comfort, function and monitoring.
Children may not always describe symptoms clearly, so parents often notice changes in walking, activity or footwear first. Common signs include:
A podiatry assessment considers your child’s growth stage, symptoms, foot posture, walking pattern, activity levels and footwear.
Observes foot, knee and hip position during movement.
Measures hip, shin and foot rotation.
Checks for flat or hypermobile feet.
Age, milestones and change over time.
GP or paediatric orthopaedic review when indicated.
Management is tailored to your child’s age, activity level, foot posture and goals.
Where out-toeing is associated with flat feet and symptoms, orthotic therapy may be considered to support the arch, reduce inward rolling and improve comfort during walking and sport.
Orthoses do not change the rotation of the shin or thigh bones. They are used together with supportive footwear, strengthening and monitoring as your child grows.
May be considered where flat feet contribute to symptoms.
Many children improve with growth.
Supportive shoes for school and sport.
Stretching for tight hip or calf muscles where present.
Medical review when warning signs are present.
Learn more about orthotic therapy, strengthening, stretching and strapping, or view all treatments. Related kids conditions include in-toeing, flat feet, hypermobile feet, frequent tripping, foot fatigue in sport.
An assessment can help identify the cause of out-toeing and whether foot posture is contributing to symptoms.
Important: in older children and teenagers, new out-toeing with hip, groin, thigh or knee pain and a limp can be a sign of a hip problem called slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). This needs prompt medical assessment. Please also see your GP if out-toeing is one-sided, worsening, painful, or occurs with developmental concerns.
Yes. Out-toeing is common in babies and new walkers and often improves within the first couple of years of walking.
Orthotics do not change bony rotation, but may help when out-toeing is associated with flat feet and symptoms.
Often. Flat and hypermobile feet can roll inwards and turn outwards, contributing to out-toeing.
New out-toeing with hip, thigh or knee pain and a limp in an older child or teenager should be assessed by a doctor promptly.
We create a calm, supportive space to help children feel comfortable during assessment.
Where appropriate, prefabricated and custom foot orthoses are discussed based on assessment findings.
We help parents understand what is normal, what may need monitoring, and what can be supported.
Our clinic is located at 1/50 Kitchener Parade, Bankstown, and sees families from across Sydney, including Bankstown, Condell Park, Padstow, Revesby, Lakemba and Belmore. Visit our children’s podiatry page for more kids foot conditions, read about our clinic, or contact the clinic to make an appointment enquiry.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual assessment and advice. Outcomes vary between children. If you are concerned about your child’s health, please consult your GP or a registered health practitioner.
