When doing a machine leg press, is it ok to direct toes to the outside as long as the knees are in alignment with the toes?
yes, but only if that is where they are & they can’t keep their toes up. I work with my clients to get to feet hip-joint distance apart, toes pointed up, push with the heel, keeping the knees and ankles in alignment with the hip joint through the movement. You want to train in the alignment you are supposed to have, not continue mis-alignment.