7 Tips For The Perfect Runway Walk
Learn to strut like the supermodels.
The catwalk, easy to learn but can take a lifetime to master. However, what makes runway technique so interesting to me is how requires both outward and internal calibration. Physical balance, inner confidence and a sparkling personality are all necessary to make a charming performance. Whether you are in a haute couture assemble or voguing in a living room, here are a few tips to get you on the road to your inner diva.
7 Tips For The Perfect Runway Walk
- Posture: Think tall. While walking, stand up straight leaning slightly back so your legs can go first. Keep your toes pointed forward, so they aren’t turned out. Then walk with one foot in front of the other as if walking on a tightrope.
- Hips: Most people think you need to do a lot of hip swaying. Your hips will move naturally so exaggeration isn’t necessary.
- Arms: Let your arms swing naturally. However, take care they are not too stiff or have big movement. The clothing you have on will help you decide what to do with your hands, you may need to hold something or stick one in a pocket.
- Attitude!: Be commanding and flirty. This will make you fun for the audience.
- Rhythm: Get into a rhythm and let the loud music be your uplifting motivation. When a natural bounce to the beat happens add to it by thinking about holding your head high and keeping your shoulders back.
- Eyes: You should never look down. Always look straight ahead at the cameras or pick a spot on the wall ahead of you so you won’t get distracted by anything else distracting around you.
- Posing: When you reach the end of the runway pause then lean on one hip with lots of attitude.
Pro runway veteran Gisele Bundchen showing how the catwalk is done.
By following these simple tips you’ll be on your way to a natural, confident and fun runway presence to make all the designers clothes look amazing or your living room look like a major fashion event.
For more model tips check out Secret Model Beauty’s Ebook!
7 Tips For The Perfect Runway Walk
Here are the basics for learning the perfect runway walk. Not only paying attention to your body movements, your inner confidence is all also a huge part of the catwalk.
Lindsey Lockwood
Lindsey Lockwood
Secret Model Beauty
Secret Model Beauty
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wow thanks
Very interesting. I do feel comfortable in high heel pumps. But what I have always wished to master is the Catwalk style.To put some swaggart to the walk, attitude and confidence. Great tips! I will use these techniques for any modeling portraits, auditions for acting, vocalist competitions. Thanks Lin Swinney
You’re welcome, Lin!
I can’t walk naturally in heels,I’m so afraid of falling
Walking in heels can be daunting, especially on a runway. Most of the time the shoes provided are not the right size.
Have you tried wearing heels around the house or when you only have to walk short distances?
Have you ever worn wedges? They are a life saver for dancing or if I need to be standing for long periods of time. The stability wedges offer also allows you to walk with more ease versus a heel.
Do you have any suggestions for a great brand of practice heels. I have been struggling to find the best pair that walk the best. I do notice I totally walk so much better the higher the heel. Thanks for ur help
Hi Nancy,
I’ve been thinking about your question regarding brands. What comes to mind is that since everyone walks differently (pronate, normal, or supination), what works for me probably will not work for everyone.
What you are looking for in a high heel is stability, which will be perfect for practicing in. The bigger the surface area is on the bottom and heel the more stable you will be. In reverse, if you have a teeny tiny heel or the bottom of the shoe has a slight curve you will definitely be more wobbly.
When shopping for practice heels look at the bottom of the shoe to see if it’s completely flat as well as a decent size heel. Walk around the store in a few different heels to compare. When you find a pair you like, remember what the shapes and sizes were for future reference.
Poor-fitting, uncomfortable heels are what is found on the runway. Models, unfortunately, don’t have the luxury of stability and comfort. However, having a good foundation on how to wear and walk in heels will make you better prepared for whatever you end up having to wear. Very good of you to practice.
Loving the look of a very high heel, I only wear them to work or special occasions. They are far too uncomfortable for practical use. If you are interested in something to wear in other situations but are not confident in heels, I can suggest to try a wedged heel. The extra surface area gives you stability, and you are able to have the feeling of wearing a high heel. Wedges are great for learning the feeling of a high heel, balance, and they’re just as fashionable.
Here is an image of how people strike the ground differently.
Nice Blog just what im loocking for !
Curvy Models
hey!! i have this model call soon and i never done anything with modeling before. i got my walk down but what are some good practices, that i can do so i can be confident.
Try wearing heels and taking photos of yourself to see yourself from different angles. Smart phones usually have a timer on the camera.