How To Walk Like A Model: Step By Step Guide

Walking like a runway model sounds simple, however, it can be an art to properly perfect. But don’t worry, we have created a step-by-step guide on how to walk like a runway model for beginners, so you’ll feel confident in no time. Let’s get going!

How To Walk Like A Runway Model

Here are our top tips on how to walk like a runway model:

Listen To The Rhythm

During runway shows designers always play music, so where possible, listen to the music and walk in time with the beat. Whilst walking, take long strides and place one foot in front of the other as this will help maintain a good pace and make you look confident. Now comes the posing, usually models will stop at the end of the runway, pose, and then turn and walk back.

Plan where you’ll be stopping and slow down before you reach that spot, don’t just stop suddenly! As you pose, shift your weight from one foot to the other and pose again then move on. It’s a good idea to count to three in your head before you turn back, to allow time for photographs and for everyone to see you.

Head, Shoulders, Knees And Toes

Nice and easy to remember, right? When walking, your back should be straight, core together and shoulders down so you look relaxed and confident. As you make your way down the runway your arms should swing slightly, and your hands should remain relaxed. This will help steady you and help set a good pace. Your hips can stay still and straight as most of the movement should come from your legs. 

Whilst walking, place your feet on the floor with confidence. You can practice in flat shoes to get your pace but often models wear high heels so it’s always a good idea to practice in these too to get comfortable walking in them. Watch videos of models walking on catwalks so you can see how to walk like a model in heels. 

Game Face On

Your facial expression is very important when walking down the runway. Often prior to the catwalk, the show choreographer will instruct the models on their expressions as each show is different. For example, during the Victoria’s Secret shows models smile, however at high-fashion shows like Chanel, the mood and facial expressions are much more serious. It’s best to practice both so you can be versatile. 

Most of your expression will come from your eyes so feel the emotion from within and practice in the mirror. Always look ahead, in fact, it’s a good idea to pick a spot and look at that as you walk. Even when you turn, look at the spot ahead first then turn your body and let your head follow. Remember to look at the cameras too, after all this is your moment! Whilst these tips can apply to models of all genders, they’re aimed towards female models. For male modeling tips, simply read below!

How To Walk Like A Male Runway Model

Walking like a male runway model requires elegance, confidence and command. So here are a few of our tips:

Think Tall!

Despite your physical attributes, your posture is very important in modelling so lengthen your body. The main difference whilst walking on the runway between male and female models is the way they walk. Female models usually walk in a ‘X’ formation placing one foot in front of the other, whereas male models often use a ‘V’ formation with their toes pointing outwards and feet not crossing. Like female models, male models should also take longer strides than normal to maintain a good pace and to look confident. You can watch a male model runway walk tutorial here.

Attitude And Eye Contact

As a model, having the right attitude is essential. Be commanding and demonstrate your confidence, confidence is key for all types of modelling but especially runway. Match the music with your pace, for example if the beat is faster, your steps should mirror this and be quicker.

Focus your eyes straight ahead of you and lock you gaze. Keep your chin slightly down, but your gaze should always be straight ahead.

Strike A Pose!

Your walk is only as good as your final pose at the end of the runway! Keep your lips closed and relaxed but your facial expression should show confidence. Pose for 3 seconds or as long as the designer instructs to give enough time to get photos and showcase your outfit.

Now You Know How To Walk Like A Model

Now you know how to walk like a model step by step. The most important thing to remember is practice makes perfect, so if you don’t get it right first time, don’t worry! Models spend their entire careers working on their walk, just keep practicing and you’ll be a pro runway model in no time! If you want to find out more about modelling, we’ve got plenty of other articles for you to read including How To Get Scouted For Modelling.

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