Walking like a female

[Jenny22]

I spent some time in Las Vegas, and had ample opportunities to watch females walk. Virtually all did NOT walk heel to toe! Their strides were with feet apart, just like guys would, but in a more feminine manner. This really surprised me, based on what I've read on this site! Even most in heels walked this way!

This tells me that too much emphasis has been placed on our girl-types needing to walk heel to toe, even in heels! My girl walk is going to be more comfortable, now, with my shorter stride.

Anyone else notice as I did?

[Stacy Darling]

Walking to me is a staple, Having to walk in Debutants Balls and on Parade grounds in Male mode has given me the knowledge of being capable of clicking my heels past each other as I step. One benefit of being a male!
I practice my stride whenever.
Stacy

[Teresa]

Jenny,
Not many GGs are catwalk models, most don't sashay about like supermodels.

The main point is they turn their hands uppermost and tuck their elbows in, you will find that induces some sway in the hips.

Many these days do have larger than normal upper legs which will make them walk splay footed , it also forces them to wear flat shoes.

Most guys have fairly shapely legs , which don't look bad when shaved and wearing stockings and heels, all they have to do is take smaller steps and we can usually get away with a reasonable walk.

The point is don't overdo it otherwise you will come over as camp , most CDers aren't like that , it's the media that has presented people with that impression .

I will add that our walk is affected by the comfort of our shoes, either if they are too tight or too loose, I'm not sure which is worse but being too big is easier to remedy.

[NancySue]

From my observations, I would agree. It's all in the hip movements, smaller steps and a lot of practice. My wife has been a great help.

[Pat]

Not meaning to offend, but CDs walk like women in the same way that they dress like women. That is to say, they're performing against some internalized model of what an ideal woman would do (probably based in the 1950's.)

If you plan to be out and about en femme I would say test any advice from CDs by watching actual women out doing actual living and see if they do what you're being told they do. At various times I've read that women cross their ankles when they walk (they don't,) they lift the backs of their hands when they walk (they don't,) they tuck their elbows (they don't really -- they just don't throw their elbows around like guys do.) For the most part, a good first approximation of an actual woman's walk is to walk naturally with good posture and relaxed lower back.

[Robertacd]

Walking heal to toe is not how a GG walks, it is a way for a GM to walk when trying to emulate the hip movements a GG makes naturally when she walks.

[Rachael Leigh]

The biggest difference I've noticed is the way they sway their arms, more dramatic than guys.
I usually try to do the same and yes I do notice some have their hands on the up position, I think a lot do this by habit
because they carry their purse across their arm with hand up. I find I do it that way too even if I have a shoulder purse

[jemima_bates]

Hey,

This could be useful: Biomotion Lab Walker (https://www.biomotionlab.ca/Demos/BMLwalker.html)

In fact, I'm sure I first saw it from a link on this site. Apols to the admins if it's a double-post!

As the illustrations show, as with everything, there's a sliding scale.

For me, I steer more towards the glamorous (not quite) drag end of the spectrum when dressed, so try to accentuate that hip swing and out-turned arms as much as possible. Knowing full well that I'm not gonna, nor want to, pass.

Jemima
x

[jennifer0918]

I noticed the same. But when in heels it's fun to walk heel to toe,o don't dress often so I like walking like a runway model.

[Tracii G]

The bio motion lab walker is just the programmers opinion and by watching actual women walking it bears little similarity to actual women.
When guys/CD's try to walk like women its just not a natural movement and you can tell.
Just walk in smaller steps and try not to walk like a monkey.

[Lana Mae]

Watch the ladies walk! I have observed all kinds of variation in the way women walk! Some even walk like men! They do not cross over their center line when they walk! I have seen them walk with steps that bring the feet from 3-6 inches apart but not cross the center line! Lucille Sorella(probably spelled wrong) has some instructions on walking like a female and one is that high heels tend to make us walk like a woman! She also has some exercises that are supposed to help! Get out there and observe! Hugs Lana Mae

[leannejacobs]

I have to say I walk very naturally in 4 to 5" heels, it's not an effort at all, I'm a manly man but when dressed I just change, my fem cousin couldn't believe how well I moved in heels, stating that I can walk better than her, it is a dead give away when you watch some videos on YouTube, I cringe when I see some.

[docrobbysherry]

It's been said here umpteen times that, "Women come in all shapes and sizes". By those wishing to explain their shape. So, why wouldn't they walk differently, too?

However, some of us prefer to resemble the idea fem figure more than others. And, when wearing hi heels, (4" and higher), prefer to walk more like a model than a cowboy in heels. I've learned to throw my hips when I walk dressed. But, I can't do that unless I cross one foot in front of the other. With even more exaggeration than heel to toe.:battingeyelashes:

[alwayshave]

I'll agree with Traci, just take smaller steps. I have a naturally large stride, so smaller steps help, especially when wearing heels.

[Krisi]

I don't know what it is, but men walk differently than women. Just this weekend my wife and I were watching someone at a distance and wondering if it was a man or a woman. "It" started to walk and my wife said "He walks like a man."

For the most part, women sway their hips when they walk. That's the difference most easily noticed.

[Ressie]

Heel to toe seems natural to me. it may appear that women (or men) walk more flat footed, but the heel usually falls first by a split second. Maybe it doesn't have anything to do with being female or male? I had a male friend once that walked more on his toes.

The one time I captured video of myself practicing walking like a woman in heels, I had to laugh at myself. I tried swinging one arm as I've seen women do. I walked heel to toe with arms close to my sides. I still looked rather ridiculous! I'll have to try this again sometime. And maybe I should observe more women walking.

So far my conclusion is to walk less like a man rather than trying to walk like a woman.

[Kate Simmons]

Not heel to toe as much as one foot in front of the other. Works for me. :battingeyelashes::)

[Mgreenva]

Not really sure how I walk but 3 ggs have told me I walk very well in heels in the last 10 days. I wore heels into my favorite store today (9west) the SA asked if my purchase was a gift and I said no they are for me. she said I'll put a gift receipt in the bag. I said no ma'am they are for me. She said ok ...paid and etc. as we were walking toward the door she says I didn't notice your shoes but they look nice on you and you walk very natural in them. I told her most people don't notice unless they know the sounds. Of heels. I do put my heel down first but I think control of how fast you let your front half down. A lot of women struggle in heels also

[Becky Blue]

From a lot of observations I would say that there are many women who walk more like men are supposed to and many men who walk like women are supposed to. But a lot more women walk with smaller strides and with their hips swaying more than most men. As for arms for each woman who moves her arms more there is one who hardly moves her arms at all.. Naturally high heels effect how women walk.

[Ressie]

And some women don't sway their hips when they walk. Now I see that Jenny22 is referring "heel to toe" as something different than I am.

[Krisi]

OK, some women walk more "girlie" than others and some even walk like men. I dated a woman who had a pretty manly walk.

What's important is that we are trying to pass as women and we are starting out with the disadvantage of having male bodies. Sure, we can strap on a pair of boobs and a wig but we really need every bit of help we can get. Walking like the average woman is one thing that will help us to pull it off.

Saying that some women walk like men doesn't really help us meet our goal.

[Lorileah]

In my part time job, I work in several large major chain grocery stores. I see hundreds of people every day from every walk of life. Rarely do I see a woman walking as you all describe as womanly or girly. They just walk. I se the side to side trundle, the lean against the cart stoop, the shuffle, the swagger, the stroll (with hands flipping at the wrist with each step), the waddle, the slide in heels, the gunfighter (hip forward/hip forward). One of the stores I work has an abundance of younger women who are athletic (gym rats) and they walk like a the men. They walk the way they walk because of the way they learned as children and because of anatomical build (a lot of large hipped women have bad hips or knees because of build and genetics).

Bottom line, if you think your walk is outing you, you've probably got way more tells than you think. I have to work usually in slacks and sleeved top. I see a manly build. Most people don't see "me" at all and those who do address me have (in the vast majority) called me ma'am or miss.

I think attitude and deportment outweigh your walk or your talk or your shoulders/hips.
Said it before, will say it again. Most people have an agenda. YOU are NOT part of that agenda and unless you somehow interfere with that agenda they won't even look twice at you. You do your thing; they do theirs

[Stacy Darling]

After walking through town today in 50/50 with heeled boots I will add my bit?

There being no need for heel to toe ( but close enough ) I find that the most noticeable times are when you are stationary, entering a doorway, exiting an escalator etc. Keeping your feet well positioned then, and nicely angled .The calm movement of your body should allow the legs to follow. ( I see myself as a seductive woman as I walk) It's vain but for me it works, I practice it in male as well.

Should write a book! Stacy

[Ressie]

"Heel to toe" Google search:

Why do some people walk on their heels?
It is surprisingly energy efficient, a new study suggests. It takes 53 percent more energy for humans to walk on the balls of their feet, and 83 percent more energy to toe-walk. ... They speculate that humans may have retained this heel-first gait because of the walking benefits.

Tandem gait is a gait (method of walking or running) where the toes of the back foot touch the heel of the front foot at each step.

[bunnylover72]

Being fond of my heels, I found a compromise for me. I have a knee that gives me fits sometimes, and to avoid a unnecessary pain I have practiced the plant and rotate on the ball of my foot/feet. This works with flat hard sole heels best. When I stop twist and rotate to look at something my hips seem to follow. and I feel my motion looks more feminine. I also always wear a half slip with a skirt or dress. I have purposely sewn the bottom hem of the slip a small diameter to remind me not to take huge steps. I will be more aware now to limit the heel toe movement.
Brenda

[Alice_2014_B]

I walk quite girly when I'm dressed out in public.
I can walk in high heels properly with no trouble at all.
A good little arm swing helps.
:)

[AngelaYVR]

I think it's just better to keep your feet closer together and then walk however you please. Way too many CDs look like they're trying to steady themselves on a rocking boat when they walk. I am guilty, however, of not taking short strides. I simply can't, walking slowly is irritating! How do these people ever get to their destinations? In my defence, I do have long legs and get nice extension on my stride (this one is missed by a lot of CDs and GGs, not bringing the leg back far enough makes you look like an amateur in heels) If you're ever overtaken by a tall woman in heels, that was me.

[Nikki A.]

I had some time to kill today, so while getting a bite I watched women walking into Target. There were all kinds of variation. Only thing I can say was that it was a natural movement. Nothing too extreme.

[Sarasometimes]

Years back I went to several "Cd Experts", you know the places that charge a lot to make you over and teach you how to pass...Well the only tips I got that I still feel were useful were to keep your elbows close to your side to avoid the round wide shoulder look, to move slower, and a quote from one " Men possess spaces, women pass through them.", to stand up straight, try for asymmetrical poses and stances, avoid doing anything by making a fist, pay attention to your outfit and "fix"/touch what you are wearing, and the last one which I think is most difficult when you are new to going out, SMILE, particularly smile at other women. I got all of these from one women who soon after retired to raise her 6 children, all the others were not worth the money I payed them. Your thoughts?

[Tina_gm]

Part of walking like a woman is the natural body mechanics of a woman's body. Having said that, it's typically minor changes to the way men walk with exception to both men and women who exxagerate their motions. Runway models, athletes such as football players, or some guys who do heavy labor type work. The rest fall into this average walk of a human being, with minor variations.

If anything of what I've seen of cders in public is exaggerating. By trying too hard to walk like a woman they actually stand out more and look awkward.

Walking in heels is just practice, and how women generally walk in them will be how we do too. Naturally smaller steps, naturally a little heel toe. General women's mannerisms tend to be or have a narrowing to them. Legs closer together, arms a little closer. It's natural to them, and probably for many of us too. It is for me, always has been. On the few attempts I've tried, it's not too convincing. When I just let go and be myself there's a natural femininity to me.

[Tahoegurl]

I just tried the smaller strides last night in 5inch stiletto sandals...what an improvement...so much more comfortable and stable...still working on narrowing my walk...but progress. Thanks to all for the tips.

[Mgreenva]

Maybe that's why I've been told I walk week in heels. I'm not trying to pass or fool anyone about anything. I'm simply trying to walk as comfortably and naturally as possible. Smaller steps and just roll on thru. The ladies that have noticed say the sound gave me away. Just relax and walk. Smaller steps and don't try to be a runway model

[Krisi]

Walking in heels and walking like a woman are two different things. Perhaps it's just where I live, but women don't always wear heels. In my experience (and I notice these things), women are more likely to be wearing sandals or sneakers than heels.

In sneakers or sandals, most women walk differently than most men. It may be because their body is different from a male body or it may be some social conditioning, but it's different.

[Stephanie Nicole]

I like to go to the local malls and just people watch. I usually sit there for a hour or so and have a cup of coffee while I just watch people walking around. I get to see a lot of different people and the styles of dress that is out there. One thing that I have noticed about most of the women that I see is that they are rarely, if ever wearing heels. Mostly it is sneakers, sandals or ballet flats. The only time I see them in heels seems to be the higher up store mangers/executives or people that are dressed to the nines for a special occasion. So when I do dress to go out I usually forgo the heals and wear the flats or sandals. I also find that when they walk in the flats compared to the heels there is a slightly more relaxed gait or pace to them. I guess it is from the way that their feet are positioned that cause that. Most of the time the women don't walk that much different than a man except with smaller steps and more grace, women seem to have sort of a fluid motion about them when they walk.

[priyasweet]

I love walking in my heels. Getting better slowly but I feel amazing in them

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Jenny:hugs:, When I an dressed up and wearing heels I am deffatianly in Feminine mode...:daydreaming:...

[Genifer Teal]

There's nothing that can get you read faster from a further distance then a manly walk while wearing a dress. I've never had a particularly manly walk but I've continuously tried to perfect it. One of the things I've learned is relaxing your abdomen allows your hips to move.
The biggest issue to changing your walk is the years of practice and muscle memory it's very hard to change. I've had moments of success but they are short-lived and hard to recapture. Today I've had a great success due to a recently discovered indicator? Not sure what to call it.
So we wear these large badges at work. typical ID with the swipe for entry into different areas. When I walk in my usual way it tends to pop off my chest bouncing around quite a bit. this is because I'm walking mostly with my upper body. If I walk with just my hips and keep my upper body still the badge does not bounce. This indicator was a great way to help me shape my movement to keep the badge still.
This allowed me to get to a point today where I walked the appropriate way all day long. This is great success and I hope it's long-lasting. I have no choice but to keep it up or I know I will go back to my old ways and I fear I will have trouble recapturing it. Wish me luck. hope this helps you.

[Dana44]

First time out in my six inch heels, My so helped me showing how I should walk and navigate curbs or step ups or step down form curbs. Take very short steps in heels and it does sway ones butt when they walk in heels.

[mechamoose]

I thought that the "right way" was toe-heel?

[Mgreenva]

I walk heel toe in heels or not. The trick in heels is to control how fast you let the toe come down as it has farther to travel

[ClosetED]

I also watched how women in heels walked - they put down the ball/toe area just slightly first as that is more stable than stiletto heels or other non-chunky heels. men often put the heel down first and roll onto ball. As to distance apart, if you want to go over the top, cross your legs across midline which forces a great rear-end sway, such as catwalk strut. GG can get their usual sway from their different hip alignment and CDers can approximate this with coming closer to midline (one foot in front of the other). Making it all the way to midline may be too much for blending.
Hugs, Ellen

[Sarah Doepner]

A couple of years ago I was at an open house for the local LGBT+ center and the news people were there. I thought I'd avoided getting in any of the shots but on the news that evening I watched myself from behind lumber down a hallway. No doubt the person on the screen was me and it was obvious from my stride that I was a male in a skirt. I'm just glad that was all they shared. If they had shown my face I would have been mortified, but it turned into a close call and learning opportunity.

Since then I've attempted to improve on what I saw (breaking my foot in the meantime didn't help). The key factors have been; 1) stand up straight, it's easier to be a knuckle-dragger if you stoop. And if you stand up straight your chest looks better anyway. 2) take shorter strides, and take those strides from the hip since your back is straight with that nice posture. 3) Walk straight ahead with your legs together, you don't need to cross the center line with each step but with legs not splayed out ready to take up two seats on the subway when you sit, you present a better line and silhouette. 4) practice with the shoes you plan to wear and do it on multiple surfaces, it's much easier to look relaxed and comfortable if you are relaxed and comfortable.

Posture, swinging your legs from the hip and stride length can all be done to some extent in guy mode without attracting too much attention to how you are walking.

[Genifer Teal]

Wanted to check in and say I was able to keep this top for a second day. There are moments I lose it, mostly when I was carrying many things. Over all I did well. I think the new walk is going to stay.

[jeanine38]

I've noticed that GGs swing their arms more side-to-side where as males tend to swing front-to-back

[looking_good]

My two cents, I've noticed that if the bottom of my skirt is slightly swaying side-to-side, I'm doing some things right. No sway, then not so much. It's a little bit of a dance.

[Charona]

A couple of observations, with the usual caveat about all generalities being false. Men are usually taller than women. Most of the difference in height of people comes from the length of the legs, with torso length being less variable. Women usually have wider hips than men, making room for the birth canal. Combining shorter legs and wider hips means more hip sway to get similar stride distance. So far, heels don't even enter the picture. Absent hip sway, women will take shorter steps simply because their legs are shorter.

[SweetSarah]

Study material;

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gfQR41m0pkU


You are welcome. ;)

Sarah

[Genifer Teal]

So far my new technique is working well. I've been able to keep it up for about a week. I wouldn't say I've used it exclusively but whenever I feel I'm not doing it I'm able to get right back there. I think watching my pass bounce on my chest is an excellent reminder to change back my walk. the fact that I made this breakthrough is more of a combination of elements and not just one particular thing. Noticing how my pass would bounce is what brought it all together. As others have said, heels are a separate equation of their own. For the mechanics of it all, women have wider hips. This has a lot to do with the differences.