The heel-to-toe or heel-ball-toe technique is the secret to a fluid, elegant runway stride.

How the heel-to-toe catwalk works

• Heel first: Place your weight on your heel first, not on your whole foot and not on your toes.
• Rolling through: Roll your weight evenly over the ball of your foot and push off through your toes.
• Crossed steps: Place one foot directly in front of the other, on a straight line, as if you were walking on a tightrope or a balance beam.
• Extended knees: Keep your front knee largely extended and straight as you roll into the step.
• Small steps: Stay controlled in your movement. Don’t rush and don’t stomp.

The heel-to-toe technique is the foundation of every runway walk, and casting directors can tell within a few steps whether you have mastered it. It gives you a calm, steady gait, even in high heels, and so protects you from stumbling on slippery or uneven runways. Practice it regularly in different shoes so it runs automatically during the show.