How to Walk the Runway

Move Like a Model
Six Steps to Creating Your Walk

We’ve all watched clips of runway shows, seen snapshots of models in motion, and caught episodes of “America’s Next Top Model.” Runway models are admired for the smooth and graceful movements they make, seeming to skate across the floor and down the runway. Professional models know how to move. They’ve perfected the art of showing off clothing, striking a pose, and exuding confidence. It takes time and practice to move with such skill, and although not everyone will step foot on a runway, learning to walk with poise and confidence is a skill we could all learn to master. The following six steps will guide you through the process.

Step #1. To start, make sure you are comfortable. The right shoes should be something you feel comfortable walking in, but with as much height as you can easily manage. If you normally wear flats, start with a thin two-inch heel, preferably one that you have already broken in. In time, move up to something with more lift. If the shoes are new, you might try scratching the soles with scissors so that they will not slip when they touch the floor. Alternatively, you can cover the sole of the shoe with masking tape, if you don't want to scratch your shoes. Models often do this to provide additional grip on slick surfaces.Step #2. Practice holding your shoulders back and learn to stand like a supermodel. Stand in front of a mirror and practice your posture; throw your shoulders back, and push your pelvis slightly forward. It might create the illusion that you're leaning back a little, rather than hunching forward. Find a position that looks natural and provides a “flow” to your movements when you walk.

Step #3. Train yourself to place the ball of the foot down first, and keep all of your weight balanced there rather than on the heel. It may feel strange, but placing the ball of the foot down first gives you more of an elegant stride than a clunky heel-first walk would. It's almost like walking on your tippy-toes, the way ballerinas do.

Step #4. Put one foot in front of the other (literally) with your toes facing forward. Your footprints should form a single line, as if you are walking on a rope or a beam. When done quickly, this gives the body that characteristic swing.Make your stride look long and commanding by lifting your legs almost in the same fashion a horse would. For each stride, you want to lift your foot a good distance off the ground (with a bend in the knee) and then place it down a good distance in front of the supporting leg. Don't make your strides too large as this will make you look awkward and ungraceful, but make sure you take large enough steps, rather than just baby steps.Step #5. Practice a sultry stare. Look straight forward, capturing the essence of the clothes you're wearing with the expression on your face. Focus on an object straight ahead of you (but don't stare or look glazed over). Keep your chin up and your head still as your body moves down the runway. When you make your turn at the end, let your head be the last part of your body to move.Fingers naturally curl under when relaxed, but don't let them! This makes it look like you have NO fingers, especially in pictures. Just let them hang straight down, tense your fingers enough that you can accomplish this.

Step #6. Develop your own signature walk. There's no simple formula for walking the runway, and what will ultimately make you stand out is not only how well you can move your body but also how much of your own personality you can inject into your performance to make it memorable. The best way to create your own unique style is to experiment, practice, and get feedback (even if it means taking some constructive criticism).

Be fabulous, be confident, and be stunning!