How to Walk Properly and with Confidence-5 Easy Tips You Can Rely On

[@ToddMartinMD]

Join the new Walking Code Members Community for access to Live Q&As with Dr. Martin, a community forum, the full original Walking Code Course, and access to members only content. www.movementsphere.com/offers/CNqqcxay. The new Walking Code Online Course is now available. This is the best course to learn proper walking and posture mechanics to help prevent poor alignment and wear and tear on your joints. Sign up now and take the first step to better walking technique and better health. www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-online-course-2

[@erinwilson8478]

My Dad and I are both flat footed and duck footed. My dad trained me out of it by telling me to point my big toes forward. It made a difference. Thank you for your information. Love and peace to you ❤

[@ToddMartinMD]

I would caution adults from trying to force the feet forward because it could cause injury, but I am glad that helped you.

[@erinwilson8478]

@@ToddMartinMD I was about 8 years old at that time. Thank you for your quick reply.

[@ToddMartinMD]

Your dad was really smart. That is the time to fix it, while the bones are moldable.

[@erinwilson8478]

@Todd Martin MD Agreed and thank you for saying so.

[@thomaswilliams2532]

A really good demonstration on walking properly. Enjoyed the talk and watch the examples over and over, great tips, well done.

[@ToddMartinMD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@x.Aura.x]

Yes!!! Keep calling out these channels that claim they're experts who clearly are going off of very outdated info!!!

[@ToddMartinMD]

I feel it's my duty because people will believe it since the videos are highly ranked, making them seem credible. I don't believe KZbin should censor or stop promoting, but it means I have to up the quality of my videos so my information will spread. Thanks for helping by watching and commenting.

[@x.Aura.x]

@Todd Martin MD Absolutely! It would be nice if they would make updated videos referencing the newer findings. After that, they could leave a disclaimer in the description of their old videos that links to the updated content. I'm sure if you look at the comment sections of those older videos and filter them by newest, you'll see tons and tons of responses from first time watchers all under the impression the info in those videos is the most up-to-date and all they need to know! Definitely not good! And frustrating that they don't see the need to urgently correct themselves. I understand for channels that are no longer active, but there's a few big channels that come to mind that leave their old videos up anyway without disclaimers! Such an easy fix, it makes me look at a channel very differently when they turn a blind eye to something as simple as that.

[@ToddMartinMD]

You give them too much credit for their information just being out of date. Bob and Brad just doubled down on the forefoot walking recommendation in their most recent video on walking from 3 months ago. And Grown and Healthy is a hardcore believer in forefoot walking. I debated him on the subject not long ago. And there information is not out of date. It never existed, ever.

[@x.Aura.x]

@@ToddMartinMD Totally shameless of them!!

[@davidinchcliff4560]

R u going to show people how to wipe there butts too😂

[@arelphelps7088]

Best video on the subject. You know your stuff. Thank you, I will implement these essential cues

[@ToddMartinMD]

I am glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks

[@rickysofire]

This actually helped out so much and you touched like every topic I was not finding on yt

[@ToddMartinMD]

Very glad you liked it.

[@turquoiselizzie6874]

This is a great video ,I never really thought about walking like that or the fact that it might be affecting me either negatively or positively. Thank you I enjoyed your explanations. To add: Just wanted to say as I was checking out my walk and using your explanations I finally realised why at times when I walk it feels like I might fall I have been over extending my pelvis and and slouching which has been affecting me anyway thanks again

[@ToddMartinMD]

Glad you liked the video. Now that you are more aware, I am sure your walk will get better.

[@turquoiselizzie6874]

@@ToddMartinMD I believe so too keep the videos coming so helpful

[@cuebj]

Good video. Age 69, male, I missed out on the deportment training they gave in schools, mainly to girls. My mother was always on about walking properly as she had to do a lot of it as a nurse in Liverpool blitz and afterwards. I walked fast but not like she meant. My father was posted from Wales to Northern Nigeria in 1940. The regimental badge for the Royal West African Frontier Force was an image of their ability as bearers - they carried heavy loads on their heads, not in rucksacks on their backs. They were sent to the war in Burma and Northeast India where much of the terrain was jagged jungle covered mountains with wide rivers in many valleys (like tropical Norwegian fjords) until they got to the flat lands of Burma. The African regiments ability to lope smoothly was easy to distinguish from distance and was extremely efficient - they were not bearers of equipment for other units but were active front line troops themselves in an army that was mostly from the Indian subcontinent with some European origin British, Australian, South African troops. In terrain where roads didn't exist, soldiers had to carry everything themselves and rely on supply drops from the air. My father learned fluent Hausa as the operating language of the regiment. They used mules to carry the really heavy mortar gun parts. The old deportment training in UK included walking with a few books on your head and turning around while not letting them fall off. The West Africans carrying goods on their heads had a similar effect. It is not as fast as the purposeful striding that most of us use to walk fast but it is smooth, less damaging to other parts of the body, and safer as you don't stub your toes and trip over due to lifting your feet and toes properly... and much easier to walk another 20+ miles the next day.

[@ToddMartinMD]

Great story. We could use some deportment training instituted for young people again. I remember as a kid it was something you would see on TV sometimes. I believe I recall seeing it done on The Brady Bunch. We don’t teach people a lot of important things these days.

[@kcdogny1]

Good stuff! I need to peruse all your videos, although I probably needed to a long time ago! Thank you in advance.

[@ToddMartinMD]

You’re welcome. Glad you found the channel.

[@saulgoodman7126]

Spent 4 years watching these other clowns making their millions of views on something they know nothing about. So glad I found you as I always said to every specialist something is wrong with my walk. Nope. Strengthen this and that. Do this and that to NO it’s your hair combed the wrong way. I’m the specialist it is plantar fasciitis not your walk attitude everywhere. Longest 4 years of my life of going crazy trying to find information to no avail. Thank you!!

[@ToddMartinMD]

I am glad you found the channel.

[@aminsan3]

Thanks man. Literally a life saver.

[@ToddMartinMD]

Glad to hear it.

[@tommybunz2625]

Thank you! Just here practicing

[@ToddMartinMD]

Wonderful!

[@winfielddixon5166]

Thank you for the reality check, I watched Bob and Brad and thought forefoot walking was insane. Very concise and articulate video, well done!

[@ToddMartinMD]

My pleasure

[@effthegop]

I'm only halfway in and I know this will be my source of information. I'm 71 and have been walking hunched over for decades. I often try to straighten myself up but it is not natural. I have also had lower back pain for decades and it might be related. I do always focus on keeping my feet straight. I severely injured my right hamstring a few months ago and I have been trying to recover. I know I am still dragging my right leg. When I walk I concentrate on every move but I'm not sure exactly what moves are correct so I'm just winging it. I find it simple to walk while pushing a shopping cart so that has been my hack. However, I don't shop much. I'm headed to the beach for a couple weeks and there will be a lot of walking, like 2 to 5 miles a day. I want to take advantage of this time and correct my walking issues. Thanks for all the help you provide. I will finish the video and research some others.

[@ToddMartinMD]

I hope the videos help. I do have a video on practicing with a shopping cart. It is a good practice technique and if you load it with water to weigh it down, that can help add some resistance so you can feel the muscles work even better.

[@effthegop]

@@ToddMartinMD I just noticed that you have replied to every one of the comments. That is unheard of and certainly not sustainable but, great job!! I'll be thinking of you when I'm walking around Laguna Beach CA next week :)

[@gagecarty4290]

The information is presented in short , easy to understand segments

[@ToddMartinMD]

Thanks. That was my goal.

[@michaelmcdonough-jy8xx]

another great video. where did you learn all this?

[@ToddMartinMD]

Thanks. A combination of teaching and studying dance for 30 years, studying Tai Chi, and practicing medicine. I used that knowledge to develop my own movement system which I have applied to normal and abnormal walking patterns.

[@faithongachi1]

Thanks for this. I can now improve my walking as I plan to walk for exercise

[@ToddMartinMD]

Happy to help!

[@mindsetmotivation9124]

This is one of your more interesting videos about other channels. Some creators don't call out other channels but I like that you did

[@ToddMartinMD]

I thought about it hard, but reaction videos on KZbin are very popular and common, so it isn’t without precedent. I felt it necessary because the information is so bad and being promoted so highly that I think it is dangerous. As an analogy, flat earth videos were hugely popular on KZbin and then some scientists began creating debunking videos that then became more popular. I think that is how free speech needs to work. I have too many people who comment on my videos that I am giving wrong information because they have learned that heel striking is bad. There are only two places they could have learned that. Bob and Brad and Grown and Healthy. I debated Grown and Healthy live in another video.

[@mindsetmotivation9124]

@@ToddMartinMD I found and implemented the forefoot walk and it just felt weird and unnatural. I'm glad you covered that

[@ToddMartinMD]

It doesn’t mean you can’t practice walking forefoot first as a form of exercise, but the idea that it is the default way people are supposed to walk is ludicrous.

[@earlsmalls]

​@@ToddMartinMDman I'm glad I found your video and I saw that forefoot walking video and was trying it when I was out and about and it's so very weird and unnatural. Felt like I was walking like a cave man. Thanks!!!

[@ToddMartinMD]

@@earlsmalls I am glad you found the video helpful. Thanks

[@ChowMeinWarrior]

Thank you, Dr. Martin!

[@ToddMartinMD]

My pleasure

[@bbharat307]

if only people know to walk correctly they will get rid of their knee pain.Unfortunately they wait till the damage had been done.But even after that point right walking decreases the pain.Thank you

[@ToddMartinMD]

I am hoping in the future that awareness of proper walking will be taught to children before bad habits start. It would be so easy, and imagine how much pain could be prevented.

[@sgall161]

Your video was really informative and useful. Thanks so much. I saw another video claiming if you clench the glute of your standing leg while walking, it can protect your knee if you have OA. What do you think?

[@ToddMartinMD]

Using tension during movement is rarely a good idea or solution to anything. Relaxation and flow are key. However, I think what they are really saying is to activate the correct muscles, which many people don’t. Exaggerating by clenching might help some people feel the correct source of the movement.

[@sgall161]

@ToddMartinMD Thanks for the reply. Have to relearn how I walk as I have arthritis , partly, as a result of wear and tear due to my heavy stomping.

[@ToddMartinMD]

Be patient and practice with the correct techniques. I am sure you can do it.

[@shaz4532]

Thank you for this information, Dr Martin. I’m almost 70 yrs old, and this year I have twice tripped and fallen on my face. I’m now leaning to focus on heel-first walking! The quickest way to get put into a nursing home, is if you have multiple falls! I want to live independently.🙏❤️🙏

[@ToddMartinMD]

You are absolutely right. Working on functional movement exercises is key to prevent falls and stay out of the nursing home.

[@fitronald09]

Excellent explanation!

[@ToddMartinMD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mrcannibal9266]

Im actually put do impact on my right Hip, that its Killing my self stem. Thanks for this Video. I´ll try my best to do a better posture while walking.

[@ToddMartinMD]

My pleasure. I hope it helps.

[@suir2011]

I'm gonna walk heel first again!!! I was learning about how to naturally fix planter faciitis a few years ago. Toes apart, no more narrow shoes, and incidentally I saw videos encouraging forefoot first walking. Plantar faciitis disappeared in about a year. But now I'm dealing with hip problem and walking with upper body leaning forward. I wear gumboots and walk with them at work. I'm wondering loose footwear like that might also be problematic. But I will re-learn to walk properly. Thanks!

[@ToddMartinMD]

That is the right way, but make sure you are doing it correctly.

[@suir2011]

Yes I will take sometime to watch other videos of yours.

[@suir2011]

I came to your video when I was researching race walking and noticed they land heel first.

[@juliussezar1550]

Thanks Bro. I have always thought why i tired so quickly., You made me change my movement.

[@ToddMartinMD]

Glad to hear it.

[@tanalee229]

Aloha... Do you have any tips for walking with a Rollator (fancy walker)?

[@AndrewOudin]

I wonder if sometimes a toe-out gait is secondary to a knee pathology, as some studies suggest it can reduce pain and even progression of arthritis. Sure seems like correct movement and posture is really important, but at the same time I wonder about those times when 'pretty bad' is 'good enough,' and good enough is essentially perfection. Maybe

[@ToddMartinMD]

That is a good point, and I did address it in another video. Some studies show that people with significant knee arthritis may improve pain and even progression by adopting a more toe-out gait. The study doesn't analyze how they were walking in the first place that may have caused the arthritis. I would not assume that the toe-out gait for most people is a result of knee pathology because the percent of young people walking this way is very high, and they wouldn't be old enough to have developed knee issues. My assumption is that people who develop knee pain due to issues like leaning forward, anterior pelvic tilt, heavy heel strike, would benefit from turning their feet out because it is a "less bad" variation from the bad way they were walking before, which is what you said. I think if people walked correctly, with their feet forward and proper heel placement, they would never develop issues in the first place. Once the damage is done, you are left with few options.

[@mathfaster]

One tip I found useful to me in a walking video on another channel was to set your gaze on the horizon. Not looking down which has been a habit of mine. This tip when I'm out walking seems to help me walk correctly just by itself. What's your take on focusing on the horizon while walking?

[@ToddMartinMD]

Thanks for the comment. I put that tip in my How to Walk Properly, Top 10 Tips video, so I completely agree. I don't know if the video you are talking about may be mine.

[@kathyclark3168]

I had the same issue, looking down, so I'm setting my gaze on the horizon 😊

[@Horst-j9y]

Oh this was infermitive along with your other vidios. also nice and condenced. Thanks . a bit of work gitting this bad waling habit changed but FEELS worth the effort. With Loving Kindness

[@ToddMartinMD]

Thanks. It will definitely be worth the effort.

[@pavelvedernikov8502]

Very good and sound advice, I like it very much. Thank you! The videos showing side by side right and wrong ways of walking were especially helpful.

[@ToddMartinMD]

Glad you found them helpful. Thanks

[@amandarecoveryjones8216]

I needed this so bad. Ive been working on my clumsy walk for a few months and my out toeing is slowly changing. When i turn my feet in, i feel a wonderful stretch in my hips. I also have terrible back pain. Thank you for this informative video.

[@ToddMartinMD]

My pleasure.

[@meenakothari7841]

Wow. Best video

[@ToddMartinMD]

Many thanks for the comment.

[@marioride2447]

One of the Best, if not the best tutorial video I've saw. Thank you 🇵🇹

[@ToddMartinMD]

Wow, thanks!

[@killerhippo10]

Wow this is so helpful. I walk 8-10 miles a day for work and always end up over thinking the way I'm walking. If I'm doing it correctly or causing any damage down the road. I am always curious though, what is the best way for walking uphill & downhill? I have began walking backwards uphill when possible which feels great, but going downhill nothing really feels right. Curious what your opinion is ! Thanks!

[@ToddMartinMD]

Glad it was helpful. You can just do a search for how to walk uphill or downhill and find my videos on both, as well as walking up or down stairs. The pattern of core movement is different for each. Walking backward always uses the opposite direction of upper waist rotation compared to walking forward. This applies to walking downhill backward as well. I haven't done a video on that. I wonder if people would find it interesting.

[@Sophie-zg4fb]

Wonderful video. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise - well worth doing properly. Thank you!

[@ToddMartinMD]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@bonniemeads6056]

Great information and visuals. I am finding that as I attempt to correct my walk I seem to still lose a bit of balance as especially my right foot often lands with a bit of a swing and landing on outer edge of right foot. Can tell by my callus on right edge and heel. I have balance issues and so happy I found you.

[@ToddMartinMD]

I am glad you found the channel. You will get it with practice.

[@mattbranson1576]

OMG, I just walked100 miles in flip flops. My knees & back are both suffering. Going to relearn, thanks Todd.

[@ToddMartinMD]

My pleasure.

[@mattbranson1576]

Hi, I wasn't expecting a response so thanks again. I should like to ask you a question, I have had fallen arches since a child, I still use arches in my shoes, is this a good thing? An Alexander teacher told me that I broke my right foot when young & and have been standing on the left ever since.

[@letoubib21]

_Good advices! Are you an orthopedic surgeon?_

[@ToddMartinMD]

I am a family medicine doctor, but my movement knowledge comes more from 3 decades teaching and studying dance and tai chi.

[@letoubib21]

@@ToddMartinMD ​ _Dancing? I'm into dancing very much too! Btw., me, I'm an orthopedic surgeon, more precisely, a shoulder surgeon. And so I'm naturally a wee little bit astonished about the advices of some "experts". Just take that cute idea of wanting to re-educate us plantigrades to digitigrades_ *. . .*

[@michiganhay7844]

Hey Todd, could you please do a future video where you analyze more, the heel landing during the end of the arc versus during arc of the swing phase regarding your comparison of your gate versus the two ladies walking I watched that over and over I was unable to really see a distinct difference?

[@ToddMartinMD]

That was one of my next plans, so I think that will be next.

[@ToddMartinMD]

@@gmatchok4602 I think this video that I just did covers what you are looking for. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWS4p4p3f8R2lZo

[@michiganhay7844]

@@gmatchok4602 he did one the other day that did cover it, and he showed some of the same clips with the ladies, hitting the ground heel first before the swing was completed

[@DominusNovemus]

It feels a bit weird to study walking technique, but it makes so much sense if you consider how much time we spend doing it

[@ToddMartinMD]

And the consequences of poor walking are really painful. A good portion of my time seeing patients is dealing with the aftermath of years of bad walking technique.

[@DominusNovemus]

Yeah really good reason too. Thanks@@ToddMartinMD

[@michaelanderson6456]

Hello Doctor, I know my statement was lengthy, yet I was eager to know your thoughts on these air soles that are being imported. Back in 1980, I attended many conventions and demonstrations for hours on end, and the deerskin air soles were of great comfort. However, in the past two decades, the soles seem to throw me off balance while standing still, and then, once I walk around at the conventions, my knees tend to ache. I have a hard time finding shoes to aid me as I walk. I have tried many walking-type shoes. In addition, my foot size has increased from size 13D to a 14.5 WIDE-15EE. Have you found a comfortable walking shoe?, and also, what do you think about walking in work boots once I build up my ability to use a heavy shoe once more?

[@ToddMartinMD]

I prefer minimal manipulation from my shoe. I wear Vans because there are very flat with little to no heel lift, rise, or arch support. That is perfect for me. If people have issues like plantar fasciitis, they may need more arch support unless they correct their walk.

[@Aaron-ed5xs]

Whoa man, I was just searching up how to work on my walking posture and found a dude who clearly is in San Diego area too! I recognized the Seaport and Broadway Pier area immediately

[@ToddMartinMD]

Hi from San Diego.

[@donnamariec1]

Dr. Martin, PLEASE post Video on how to correctly turn one's direction when walking?? (i.e. When walking LEFT, what is the Proper way to change direction and start walking to the RIGHT??) THANK YOU!! , Donna

[@ToddMartinMD]

I discuss how to turn in this video, starting at 6:21

[@verofo9930]

Merci!! Ca a l air tres intéressant et important ..mais il n y a pas de traduction en français ! C est dommage car je ne comprends pas tout..😢...

[@ToddMartinMD]

French translation has been added

[@axelw8579]

Regarding tip #4, you might elaborate on the importance of proper dorsiflexion of the foot before making contact with the ground. In my case, this was the missing piece after correcting duck feet and anterior pelvic tilt. Stiff calves and ankles coupled with weak muscles on the shins limit this natural shock absorption mechanism. I believe this anti pattern is related to wearing too soft shoes which absorb the shock for you, allowing the natural movement to wither.

[@axelw8579]

Also, thank you very much for your videos. You are helping thousands of people 👏🏻

[@ToddMartinMD]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@ToddMartinMD]

@@axelw8579 My pleasure and I hope to help even more.

[@jps8678]

I love barefoot walking and definetely not striking heel first 90% time. Maybe softer surface. Also Nordic walking with poles are quite different that I like to do. pole has to strike ground behind your leg and arms should not cross 90 degrees. I just read walk well book and it suggest not caring how food lands in front put focus on peeling when lifting the back food.

[@ToddMartinMD]

I am reading the Walk Well book now. I had not heard of it until your comment.

[@PauloFerreira-wp2it]

Teaching is an act of love towards others. I am deeply grateful for your effort in teaching and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Greetings from Brazil ☀️☀️☀️🇧🇷🕊️🎶🎉🎊👏🏼👏🏼⛱️👏🏼🌴🌴❤️

[@ToddMartinMD]

I really appreciate that.

[@limbhacks3961]

Doc, changing to forward facing feet solved my over pronation and knee misalignment but brought on hip clicking on one side that goes away when I revert to duck walking. It does get sore from the rubbing. Would appreciate any insight.

[@ToddMartinMD]

I would continue practicing but be cautious if you are getting any pain. Your muscles and tendons will have to adapt to a new way of moving.

[@Sm00thCriminaal]

is there any devices that can help correct a persons walk?

[@ToddMartinMD]

Not that I am aware of. The exceptions are things like braces when people have some specific muscle or joint problem, such as a knee brace or an ankle orthotic. Then of course there are canes and walkers, but I assume that is now what you are referring to.

[@jayburkett9719]

Very good brother👍

[@ToddMartinMD]

Thanks

[@Ezper-2099]

Hey I know this vid is a bit old and my question is more about general posture and just walking, but when my shoulders are relaxed they are in a higher position and I look like I'm shrugging. I try to fix this by consciously pulling my shoulders down but as a consequence that has made my posture and walking stature more stiff and rigid. (I'm sure I'm stiff in other parts as well but not sure exactly where, but it involves my back posture) I commented this before watching the whole vid so sorry if there's actually useful info in there hahahaha

[@teresaspensley5640]

It’s ALWAYS worth changing to do things the right way.

[@ToddMartinMD]

I believe that, but there are a lot of people who would not put in the effort.

[@teresaspensley5640]

@@ToddMartinMD -you’re right there 👍🏻🙋🏻‍♀️🌟 🇬🇧

[@rachelsundas8544]

Hey please make video on how to control masculine shoulder movement

[@ToddMartinMD]

I am not sure what you mean by masculine shoulder movement. When walking properly, the shoulders should be moving the same for both men and women. I do have a video on proper arm swing which details abnormal variations in arm and shoulder movement and I have videos on masculine vs feminine walking styles which also discuss some of the variations.

[@rachelsundas8544]

@@ToddMartinMD i mean movement of shoulder like few actors of bollyhood like you've said in one of your videos earlier . How to stop that sort of movement of shoulder cause being a girl I've been walking like that and i am very ashamed of it because people are making fun of it .

[@tommybunz2625]

Should pelvic area feel pressed out? I feel like it’s only way I comfortably take first step while tucking standing leg femur

[@ToddMartinMD]

I would say that feeling pressed out implies tension. The lower abs will move the pelvis forward, but since there is no resistance, you should not feel any tension.

[@jamiegould3593]

The heel strike tip was so helpful! It's going to be tricky to change. I crash right down on my poor heels without even knowing it. That's why it always sounds like a stampede when I walk on the hard floors in our house but I never realized why. Thanks for the tip! I will be working on that!

[@ToddMartinMD]

Glad you liked the tip. With a little practice, it can be improved.

[@Veronica-ojoy]

Do you also do heel strike when you jog first?

[@ToddMartinMD]

No. I midfoot strike.

[@getrealcash]

Are shoes with high heel drop ok for walking ? Shoes like brooks ghost or mizuno wave rider? Or we need lower drop? Thank you

[@ToddMartinMD]

I think the higher the heel drop, the more likely it is to affect your natural gait. I don't think there is likely a significant issue for a heel drop less than an inch. I have tango shoes with a 2 inch Cuban heel and I know for a fact you cannot use a normal gait walking in those. You have to change it.

[@getrealcash]

Yes most of the shoes have a heel drop of 1.2mm this is half an inch so i guess there is no problem

[@evolveyourself9518]

Great video. Thank you!✨🚶🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️⭐

[@ToddMartinMD]

Glad you like it. Thanks.

[@mindsetmotivation9124]

The arm swing by or behind the back? How would you "fix" that. I.e not so much behind the back but on the side?

[@ToddMartinMD]

Every variation is an incorrect pattern of core movement. Fixing them all simply requires changing to the correct pattern, which is what I teach in my videos.

[@mindsetmotivation9124]

@@ToddMartinMD Like the lady you showed in the beginning, I didn't even think anything odd of how she walked. Some people may

[@tommybunz2625]

If possible could you make a video specifically for pigeon toes and knock knees. Sometimes I walk confidently and fluidly, others I’m a sweaty mess, body resisting my strides. I figure I need to start with exercising my flat feet. Thank you kindly ✌️ Also could you show how to walk properly with arms not free

[@ToddMartinMD]

I can do that. If you work on the techniques from my videos on how to walk properly, they should be of help to any problems regardless of whether it is duck feet or being pigeon toed.

[@nelipotfootfree]

You mention the dangers of flip-flops. Do you have shoe preferences in general: negative heel (toes higher than heel) vs. positive heel (heels higher than toes - ie, the standard shoe design) vs. completely flat sole/heel? I use flip-flops because they are completely flat; but I do have the duck walk problem.

[@ToddMartinMD]

I prefer a flat shoe with minimal to no heel rise. I didn’t even know they had shoes with a toe rise. I wear Vans a lot. The bigger the arch, the more it forces you to change your gait from its natural form. The problem with flip flops is not that they are flat but that they don’t have a strap on the heel to keep them from flying off unless you turn your feet out.

[@antonyhughes4702]

Not everyone’s feet are the same, some are flat some have high arches, some flat arches but are entirely functional, others have heels that are higher than the forefoot so making a general statement about footwear is impossible.

[@IngsHoops]

What a time to be alive! Now people have to watch a KZbin video to learn how to walk. OMG.

[@ToddMartinMD]

They always did. They just didn’t know it. That is why half the older population and a lot of young people as well have been suffering with chronic pain, from poor body mechanics.

[@MarI-Posa]

@@ToddMartinMDThank you for this. Explains so much about my recurring fasciitis- spent years in flip flops by the beach. Will be following your vids. Great help

[@ToddMartinMD]

My pleasure.

[@dreamervanroom]

I walk foot-straight in flipflops. Maybe that;s why after wearing them a while, all the time for some days ,in flipflops, it hurts in between my toes where the piece goes up between them. Just saying it is not impossible to walk with a foot pointed ahead in flipflops.

[@ToddMartinMD]

If you are very conscious about what you are doing, and press your toes down, you can keep the flip flops on, but in my observation, virtually everyone walking outdoors in flip flops (without a strap on the back) is walking with duck feet.

[@kathyclark3168]

👍👍👍👍 thank you sir 😊

[@ToddMartinMD]

Most welcome

[@polnyjj]

hello, im an right below knee amputee and recently i started use my prosthetic but my knee hurts after while. is it normal cause i had surgery 4 months ago and didnt walk till last week or am i doing something wrong?

[@ToddMartinMD]

I am not an expert on what to expect after an below the knee amputation. But, if you just started walking after not being able to, it would be natural that the muscles are going to take time to rebuild strength. It doesn't take long at all for muscles to get weak after disuse, and some pain is normal as they start to build back strength.

[@polnyjj]

@@ToddMartinMD thank you for answering. im gonna start physiotherapy tomorrow but im also trying to learn useful informations about walking and your videos helped me a lot.

[@ToddMartinMD]

I am glad they are helping.

[@rudy2978]

So by now I'm noticing my left leg isnt moving the same as the right one, my legs are kinda lagging, stiffnes in my lower back almost like my legs work as a one unit and the lower back absorbs the impact. Then my shoulders are uneven and they crack a lot, so I guess my body is a mess. And I'm noticing this so much more now that im getting fitter. Not sure where to start or who to call

[@ToddMartinMD]

If you are having significant pain, a visit to the doctor and likely a physical therapist would be a good start to make sure there isn’t anything serious. I find most often the issues are with body mechanics, so I would start working on your walking technique by following my videos.

[@MaiaCarmonaMan]

I'm a duck walker ! haha😂❤ hope to change it Thank you for this video

[@bhavandeepmann5256]

Can you make a video covering balance and walking ?

[@ToddMartinMD]

Anything specific about balance that is a challenge for you that I could focus on?

[@bhavandeepmann5256]

@@ToddMartinMD I have trouble balancing when I am walking especially stairs

[@radphilospher]

I've been having debilitating knee problems for nine months now. I fell into the barefoot anti shoe culture and clearly got off the wrong track (reasoning from some imagined hypothetical). There is so much bullshitting now--people who haven't done research and are perfectly fine running away with assumptions, denying collective knowledge in the process. Correct walking is awkward right now, but it already feels better. My gratitude and respect to you, Dr. Martin.

[@ToddMartinMD]

Thanks very much. I’m glad you found the channel. There is so much BS to sift through out there, you are correct.

[@TanverUlhassan-ty3dn]

Your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to us all!!!🍀Thank you for making a difference in the world!!!🌿

[@ToddMartinMD]

Thanks

[@dreamervanroom]

I didnt get that you explained the arc. I should listen again.

[@cskidz7713]

Good

[@ToddMartinMD]

Thanks

[@TheOther12523]

I walk around the house a lot and I pace back and forth (a habit due to anxiety). I tend to wear flip flops inside the home. Do you recommend bare feet then? Or perhaps buy an extra pair of shoes just for inside the home?

[@ToddMartinMD]

I pace around the house constantly. I use my socks, then take them off before getting in bed.

[@hunnithearts8256]

You walk so smooth haha

[@ToddMartinMD]

Thanks

[@oxintoma32dev]

I kinda feel uncomfortable and not confident when walking. I think i walk alright, but the problem i see in my walking is that when my arm swings back, instead of it being kinda straight, it bends almost in 90 degrees or so. How can i fix this?

[@ToddMartinMD]

That means something is off with your core movement. Many of my videos review the specific technique for optimal movement. If you begin watching, you should find the solution.

[@oxintoma32dev]

@@ToddMartinMD yeah also i was wrong lol, its not 90 degrees, i dont think i really have a problem with my walking movement at all, i was just kinda worried yesterday cuz i read something on the internet. I guess i was just overreacting 😅 ill still check your videos tho

[@ToddMartinMD]

Ok. If they are bending 90 degrees, that would be abnormal. A slight bend is normal.

[@maalicawatterston4657]

My Dad and I both walk like ducks and my cousin too, I think it’s just in the family. But after watching this video I can make a conscious effort to correct it

[@ToddMartinMD]

I don’t think it’s genetic but people who are around each other a lot are likely to develop similar habits.

[@ronica2623]

City walker here. I lean forward a bit when I walk to see the ground to: 1) avoid stepping on poop people don’t clean up, and 2) avoid sidewalk pieces that are raised due to tree roots. Anyone have any ideas on how I can stay erect but avoid these obstacles?

[@ToddMartinMD]

You can dissociate your head movement from your body, just like if you were turning your head to talk with someone. This should be done as you approach an obstacle you should have already seen. If you are paying attention, any significant crack or poop should be visible from at least 10 steps away when you are looking straight forward.

[@ronica2623]

@@ToddMartinMD thank you. It works well enough. I will give your tips a try and will let you all know how it goes!

[@ToddMartinMD]

@@ronica2623 Excellent.

[@ErikaHernandez-sn7bw]

My son is 12 years old and has severe duck feet and is flat footed, should I encourage him to point his feet forward? My husband also has duck feet but not as severe as my son.

[@ToddMartinMD]

You don’t want him to force anything. He is still at an age where the bones are forming so it would be important to take him to the pediatrician to get evaluated. There is bracing and other treatments that could be helpful before the bones are permanently fixed in a bad position.

[@Afolalu-dj2vq]

Am not clearing the ground very well, maybe my leg muscle is stiff.

[@ToddMartinMD]

It could be that or just the wrong technique.

[@joeb5578]

The Pendulum Swing

[@n31x]

personally, I do a forefoot strike while walking, other than that, I found the tips useful! Just having a little problem while walking, my foot does not face very forward, but a little to the side.

[@ToddMartinMD]

Have you always walked forefoot first naturally, or did you switch to it consciously because you were having issues. It is very unusual.

[@n31x]

@@ToddMartinMD Forefoot strike when I am barefoot or wearing socks and heel when I wear shoes.

[@ToddMartinMD]

@@n31x Thanks for sharing.

[@Seekingsophia00]

1980s: Future of flying cars Me in 2024: Learning to walk

[@ToddMartinMD]

The flying cars are here. We just forgot how to walk correctly.

[@miningmonkey760]

I think my confusion finally came to an end 🎉

[@ToddMartinMD]

What was it that turned the lightbulb on?

[@IndonesiaServer-ed4kz]

How to escape properly from duck feet i am facing duck feet problem

[@ToddMartinMD]

I have many videos on how to improve walking technique on the channel, and I also have a course available which is linked in the description section

[@debralynnbailey6527]

I wear flip-flops and I do not want duck walking I do go to a chiropractor in Ragley adjusted

[@ToddMartinMD]

That is unusual, but not unheard of. Have have observed some people walking outdoors in flip flops who did not walk with duck feet, but very few.

[@user-ov4wr5yu4r]

Over explainers, represent! 😊

[@ToddMartinMD]

Always!

[@ToddMartinMD]

I am excited to be launching my new Walking Code Online Course on Oct 1st. This is the first new course offer since the original course in 2015. This new course distills all of the best techniques and instruction that I have honed over the last 8 years since launching the original course and the KZbin Channel. This is the best way to get your instruction in an easy to follow fashion with all updated material. Click this link to check it out. www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-online-course-2

[@DarthLenaPlant]

I guess the only reason Japanese women are NOT walking duckfooted in flip-flops is because they take smaller strides. And I have tried this myself, you just *can't*, or rather, *shouldn't* take big strides when walking in flip-flops. Also, my style of walking generally does change depending on the shoe that I'm wearing and the condition of the ground I am walking on. And also how fast I am going. Running in thin-soled shoes? Forefoot or else it's gonna HURT. Ice on the ground? Slide forward in mini-steps, if able, grabbing any structure that might help you keep your arse off the ground, because hitting your tailbone or even fracturing it HURTS AF. Walking in thick-soled shoes on gravel or cobblestone? Watch the stability of your ankles!

[@ToddMartinMD]

I haven’t seen enough Japanese women walking outdoors in flip flops to tell. But, you are correct that when taking very short strides it is much easier to keep the flip flops on, and that is probably more typical when using them to walk to the bathroom. Once people make them their daily outdoor footwear, that is going to be less common.

[@yareyare5537]

i knew i was missing something while walking

[@ToddMartinMD]

I hope the tips help.

[@multitablez7825]

I completely disagree with heel strike. Unless you have padded shoes.. i think it is better with less padding, flat shoes, and forefoot strike first, while walking. Like how you are meant to run. I think walking and running should be similar.

[@ToddMartinMD]

Walking and running are not similar at all. The mechanics are completely different. Your disagreement is with the way almost every person in the world in every culture walks now and has walked throughout all human history. I always recommend finding some real evidence to support a theory that differs with the entire world. I walk barefoot all the time on all surfaces and have no feeling of heavy impact on the heel. It is all about technique.

[@multitablez7825]

@@ToddMartinMD They are two different things, but the walking and running technique must be similar. I don't think there is absolute proof for the way humans have walked throughout time. I don't have any evidence to back up my claim, that forefoot striking first is better for walking. except logic and personal experience. For me, i started because of personal experiment. I am not asking you to do it, just my personal experience 1) First heel strike. In bare feet, walk on concrete or dirt, while placing the hand on top of the head.. Everytime the heel connects with the ground, you will feel a big thud with your hand... 2) do the same, except this time, forefoot strike first. The thud is almost completely gone. Yes people who wear normal shoes can heel strike, i think it is OK. Barefeet though, no way. Most of the world wears shoes, therefore heel strike is ok. But i also believe many tribes, even today, will front foot strike first.

[@ToddMartinMD]

@@multitablez7825 There is good fossil data that even early humans walked heel first, before the invention of shoes. As to current tribes, there have been studies on current day cultures that grow up completely without the use of shoes, and they are still heel strikers. I posted a video of a new report on the barefoot culture in Australia. Everyone in the video is walking with a heel strike. So when you say, no way, that may just be an indication of the way you are heel striking and not the nature of heel striking.

[@multitablez7825]

@@ToddMartinMD Maybe it is the way i am heel striking. Not sure.. Although with my right foot, i had a leg injury at like 11 years old.. and in my 30s now. My whole life, i have had right foot only "duck feet". I don't ever wear flip flops. But i could never fix it.. now when i walk, with frontfoot hitting ground first, my duck foot is near completely gone, or it is not noticed. Feet feel better too. I am one person of course, i am not giving anyone else advice.

[@ToddMartinMD]

So, it sounds like you have some mechanical problems with your walk that may be from a previous injury. You should do what you feel you need to do to help your personal situation.

[@amandajstar]

I would amend the statement to "too heavy a heel strike": there is no need for "of", as in "too heavy *of* a heel strike". I'm sure that our kind, learned doctor would not object to being as precise in English as he is in medicine : )

[@ToddMartinMD]

I appreciate the suggestion, although ChatGPT assures me both are grammatically correct, although your suggestion is more concise. I will do my best to strive for more precision in the future.

[@amandajstar]

@@ToddMartinMD Dr. Martin: I would not presume to instruct you, but I DO happen to be an expert in English (and elected member of the Royal Historical Society). Meaning: I love the way you speak, and you are fabulous... I just happened to notice this one tiny thing : )

[@ToddMartinMD]

@@amandajstar Thanks, and I will try to avoid that habit. I do like to strive for perfection.

[@amandajstar]

@@ToddMartinMD A man after my own heart, if I may say so : )

[@DominusNovemus]

What made you interested in walking technique?

[@ToddMartinMD]

Being a dance instructor and doctor, I could see all the bad walking technique very clearly. In the clinic, the majority of chronic pain issues are related to bad walking, so this is preventative medicine.

[@salmanasir687]

My brother's walk looks like he's lazy.... But he's not. His walk gives a bad impression!

[@ToddMartinMD]

Our walk can definitely reflect things about our personality, but sometimes it gives off the wrong information.

[@bioches]

It is funny that people advocating a forefoot strike don't practice it

[@ToddMartinMD]

Bob of Bob and Brad is the main one. I think Grown and Healthy thinks he is but in one video that shows him walking a long distance, he is touching slightly heel first. I can’t sY what the people who advocate it in the comment section are doing. But I can say I haven’t seen a single person live walking forefoot first in probably a year. And when I do see someone, they clearly have a neurological disorder.

[@josephnevin8188]

Why my friends are saying that I'm walking like a robot 🤖🤷🏼‍♂️

[@ToddMartinMD]

Usually that would indicate your arms are not swinging correctly.

[@mrlewis4946]

I’m here because I’m just trying to figure out how to get my wife to stop stomp walking

[@ToddMartinMD]

I wish you success. I hope she is watching with you, and not reading the comments.

[@garvinm.]

Occasionally I tuned into this channel for the purpose of obtaining information. To date, 20/4/24, I have not heard what I wish to hear. It is possible that the information is available via Todd's videos. However, I do not wish to listen to him being critical of others. For me he should just speak his 'truths'. Consequently, once again, I ended his podcast after the first few minutes of him "responding" to what was shown and said on other podcasts. Subscribe? It's a no from me!

[@ToddMartinMD]

It’s perfectly fair to feel that way. I had to give doing this great consideration. Because KZbin has a tendency to highly promote things that are factually incorrect, I did decide to sometimes comment on this because many people may be under the mistaken notion that a video that pops up number one must be stating accepted facts. KZbin used to previously promote many videos supporting flat earth theory. It wasn’t until physicists started posting response videos with the truth did people start getting factual information.

[@nixiontm]

But if he is right then what he is doing is heroic and good. He is not "critical of others" then, but critical of others' harmful advice.

[@matthewlagerlow7130]

Landing heel to toe is contradicting to physics

[@ToddMartinMD]

Please explain. If it broke the laws of physics, it would seem that it could not be done, yet close to 100 percent of people walk heel first and all research on gait indicates this is the correct way to walk. What is your expertise that makes you believe the whole world is wrong and you are right?

[@matthewlagerlow7130]

@@ToddMartinMD Incorrect. It defys physics In it’s a opposing force of pressure that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Jump out of a car at slow speed you to a stop you won’t fall but jump out at higher speed you will as the forward momentum will force you to

[@rachelsundas8544]

Please reply sir

[@ToddMartinMD]

You can start with this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6W3oYtrgNl2gM0

[@rachelsundas8544]

@@ToddMartinMD thank you