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Walk Like A Warrior

What Do I Mean?

In reading contemporary historical accounts written by soldiers (cavalry and dragoon), settlers, scouts, pioneers, and other citizens of the American frontier in the 1680s-1880s, I find mention that Native Americans (“Indians” or “Savages” in the accounts) did not walk like “white men.” Their gait, stride, and foot placement is often described in poetic terms such as “light” or “light-footed,” “fleet”, “gliding”, and often times “springy” or “spring-like.” These terms, while descriptive of the effect, do little to tell us the how or why of their gait.

Clues In History

We can find clues in the accounts given by trackers in any of the myriad “Indian Wars” or skirmishes that riddled the continent in the first few centuries spanning the settling of North America. The telltale barefoot imprint or the soft impression of a moccasin was often a giveaway that the tracker was on the trail of a Native American, but this became less reliable as more and more Anglo backwoodsmen adopted this footwear.

But there are a few accounts that mention how one could distinguish a Native American warrior’s imprint from the tracks of an Anglo by carefully inspecting the strides of the tracks. Incidentally, the strides discussed were not used exclusively by the warrior caste, but by all people of a given tribe. However, it might have been of particular value to a warrior. The key, it seems, was in the direction of the stride.

Self-Experiment Time

Try this: Stand up right now wherever you are and go for a brief walk. A mere 10-12 steps will do it. While walking, look at your feet. If you are like the vast majority of human beings you walk with the toes pointed slightly out to the side.

Now stand-stock still. Look down at your feet. Chances are you stand with your feet in this same “toes out” position. According to our trackers, the Native warrior’s imprint had zero toe-out orientation. In fact, the toes pointed in the direction of the walk.

Is this “following the toe” orientation a genetic quirk of Native American skeletal structure? An artifact of primarily living barefoot or moccasined? Or is it simply a cognitive choice? We’ll come back to these questions.

Weight Distribution

When Anglos take a step the heel lands first, followed by a rocking forward motion toward the inside ball of the foot, leading to a push off for the next step.

The Native warrior’s track, however, sees little heel imprint at all. Instead, their imprint favors the balls of their feet and/or the whole sole of the foot landing as a single unit (as if they were treating their foot like a natural snowshoe).

In Native American tracks the imprints of the ball of the foot become deeper because the calves are actively engaged to push to the next step rather than rocking into it. In essence, the balls of the feet are the 1st to make contact and the last to leave the earth with each step as you “follow the toe” with each stride forward.

If you experiment with this stride you will find that it does lend itself to such descriptors as light, gliding, and springy. One can easily imagine such a stride being extraordinarily useful for stalking, but it seems this stride was the default for Native Americans. Yes, it was used for stalking and skulking (war scenarios), but it was also in everyday life by young and old; men, women, and children alike.

Again, this begs the question: Was this a skeletal quirk? An artifact of not using hard-soled footwear over their lifespans? By choice? Bear with me, we’re almost there.

Contemporary Accounts

The contemporary accounts I mentioned, whether they be of the tribes of the Eastern woodlands, the Plains Indians, or the bands of the Southwest, often discuss incidents of remarkable endurance demonstrated by Native Americans on the move. There are many, many stories of the seemingly infinite stamina of the Native Americans relayed both admiringly and sometimes begrudgingly in military accounts from soldiers forced to face them in war.

We’ll discuss the interesting running “training” tactics used by various tribes another day, but today we’ll keep it slow and stay with the walk. And here I will paraphrase two accounts that I believe answer the questions we’ve been asking this whole time. I believe that these accounts will demonstrate that the aforementioned stride is one of conscious choice.

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The Remarkable Ely S. Parker

General Ulysses S. Grant had under his command a Seneca Indian by the name of Ely S. Parker. A remarkable man who, despite being the subject of unforgivable intolerance by many, served the United States with honor, represented Native Americans with aplomb, and earned the respect of General Grant. Mr. Parker’s life deserves many words, but for now we’ll allow one anecdote to suffice as it pertains to the topic at hand.

Mr. Parker served as an engineer under Grant during the Civil War where there were often long marches through the “Wilderness.” After many days and many miles of this slogging trek, the Anglo soldiers were rightfully fatigued. Mr. Parker went to Grant and asked if he might make a suggestion to which General Grant replied “Take command.”

Parker instructed the soldiers to alter their stride from the “toes-out” position to the “following the toe” position. He offered a few words on placement, but the main crux of his instruction was that following the toes engaged more muscles in the feet and distributed the workload more equally. Mighty interesting. Here we have a Native American warrior who also happens to be an engineer who is able to articulate exactly how and why such an alteration in stride might be of value.

The moral of this particular anecdote, according to the accounts that mention it, is that the trek through the “Wilderness” was recommenced and the soldiers relayed back that they were far more refreshed and better able to bear the workload with this different method of locomotion.

So far it seems there is more than enough evidence to at least experiment with this stride, but let’s add one more piece to the “conscious choice” evidence column.

Walking Uphill

When moving uphill, Anglo tracks do not deviate from the toes-out orientation, whereas the Native American tracks abandon their “follow the toe” stride. What we find instead is a “toes-in” stride. When walking, hiking, loping up hill, Native warriors (and tribe members in general) adopted a slight pigeon-toed gait. I find this mentioned in many accounts with seldom a mention as to why…

But, then in an obscure passage we find a nameless warrior instructing an Anglo (who had adopted moccasins) to toe-in while following him up a slope.

“Why?” the Anglo asked.

“So that you don’t slip. You can grip with the feet.”

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Final Thoughts

In barefoot self-experiment I find that there does indeed seem to be better traction with the toes-in method when scrambling uphill. Over the course of a few months of consciously working these techniques, I stand convinced that the “follow the toes” on flat ground and “toes-in” when going uphill are mighty useful adaptations.

Initially they call for more work from the calves that have grown used to a lifetime of heel-landing and rocking to the toes. Following the toes has let me know how long my calves have actually been dormant.

Now, whether you try the self-experiments or not is up to you, but I think we must all acknowledge that the conscious effort to make everything more efficient including our mere walking strides is a mighty thought-provoking exercise in ingenuity. What other bit of obviousness might we all be blind to?

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148 thoughts on “Walk Like A Warrior”

  1. I am now 74 years of age. As an early teenager my interest in American culture, specifically of the indigenous peoples revealed the walking method of turning the feet in. In the last few years aged 70-73 I walked a couple of thousand Kilometers in Spain on the ways of Saint James. Young people 20-30 years were always surprised at my “stamina”. But it wasn’t “stamina” it was a better way of walking, particularly in the mountainous areas of Spain.

    Reply

  2. I’m 46 years old I Work at livestock auctions in western Oklahoma. I’m known as the barefoot girl. I work barefoot in the summer. People complain of me sneaking up on them. I don’t mean to just comes down to the way I walk…..

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  3. I think that we have a lot to learn from our Native American heritage particularly in the medicinal field.

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  4. Very good info I was tough to do this when I was a kid it payed off when I played football every one allways said I took balarena because I moved and ran on the balls of my feet I could move faster and out last every one the couch even said I was not right but they were the ones not right

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  5. I absolutely love the Native American culture. We can learn a lot from them, I think maybe the most important is how to take care of mother Earth!!!!!!!

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  6. Ladies and Gentlemen, I must say that the above article, How Native Americans walk differently than Anglo Americans, is one of the most interesting articles that I have had the pleasure to read in some time. Thank you for posting it and keep it up.
    Your faithful customer, Mike Mahar
    P.S. Y’all have some very good products, unfortunately, it’s Christmas time and I have lots of Grandkids. After the Holidays I am going to start thinking about myself and send in some big orders

    Reply

  8. If you learn to run barefooted. You learn to run and walk without landing on your heel.
    When I was in the army they insisted on running heel to toe. I had stress cracks in my heel bones.
    I always walked toes leading, my dad griped at because he said it messed up marching as you need a little more room between you and the person ahead of you or you would step on the persons heel.

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  10. Very Interesting, I have done some hunting akin to a ridge runner, have used toes in. Will try following them also

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  11. EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT THAT WAS DONE VERY WELL.SOME THINGS YOU JUST DNT THINK ABOUT.I,M IN I WILL BE WALKING AND RUNNING A LIL DIFFERENT FROM NOW ON, THANK YOU

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  13. I’ve heard about the walking uphill stride and I always use it. It works rather well, even on sand dunes. I knew a little about walking on level ground. Now that I know how it works I will be adopting that form of locomotion.

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  14. Very good and very informative info,I am impressed with the native Americans knowledge of the art of
    Footwork in all types of terrain.

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  15. That was great! The Native American people were a special type of intelligent and very Spiritual people.

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  16. My girlfriend is 100 percent Mayan Indian. Wow that is how she walks when we go hiking. Another great story . Thanks!

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  17. I thoroughly enjoy reading “Walk Like A Warrior” as it reminded me of my youth. I was pigeon toed and bowlegged. I felt it made me look short, so I began to focus on walking “following my toes”. My feet straightened out, my legs were less bowed, and I noticed I walked more on the balls of my feet, and I felt taller. I have walked this way since then. I highly recommend that anyone thinking about trying this, dive in right now. Remember though: the transition is a slow process, as you are training your brain and your body an “entirely new way to walk”. You will feel uncomfortable because it is a new way of working your muscles. In the beginning the new gait is distracting, but if you focus on: the good posture you are developing, the increased calf muscle strength, better balance, and more energy, you’ll be glad you undertook to make this change.

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  18. I found this to be a very interesting article. I’ve actually tried the following the toe method for other reasons but didn’t consciously keep at it. Now, I think I will try again.
    Thank you for the great offers and articles. Been a loyal customer of yours for over a year now.

    Reply

  20. That was a very interesting article. I tried it and after a little while I could feel the difference. I wonder if our military has been informed of this and gave it a tryout? I remember in Vietnam when going up a mountain where it is basically mud, that I never went up heel first but toes first with them pointing in a little. It did give you more traction. I never gave this a second thought until now.

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  21. I LOVE IT!IM HALF NATIVE AMERICAN[CHOCTAW CHEROKEE].YOU SHOULD WRITE MORE ON HOW NATIVES HELP THE WHITE EYES.IM JOKING!BUT SERIOUSLY IT WAS VERY EDUCATING!YOU NEED TO WRITE MORE ON MY ANCESTERS.ITS KOOL!!!

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  22. You should WRITE MORE!PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW HOW HELPFUL THE NATIVES WERE TO THE BLUE COATS,IN THE CIVIL WAR&ALL THE WARS.THE USED NATIVES AS SCOUTS.THEY WOULD TRACK THEIR OWN PEOPLE FOR THE BLUE COATS.BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT TRACK OR FIND THEM.

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  24. I witnessed first hand how remarkable Native People of this Country are serving as a US Marine with several Navajo Nation Natives. We used to go on 5 plus mile runs on our lunch breaks and I struggled many times to keep up with them. They could run for miles and never seem to get tired. I believe we could all learn from them how to be mentally and physically strong to improve our balance in life. They respected Mother Earth, nature and all their surroundings, that’s something all mankind needs to do.

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  25. I am native an ASSINIBOINE from present day Montana and walk this way with out a thought and it can be silent and helps in a long hike

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  29. I am Native American and noticed that most white people walked with their toes out when I was young. I figured that was how Indians were able to differentiate between footprints left in snow or mud. When my second daughter was born the pediatrician noted that her feet were pointed inward and she may need braces. We ignored him and she walks just fine like the rest of us Natives. I believe it is simply a physical characteristic that enabled Indians to navigate that narrow land bridge to the Americas without falling into the Bering Strait.

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  30. Very interesting article. I would like to know more about this. I have always been curious about the Native American People and different Tribes. Thanks for this article. Will there be any more on this?

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  33. Want to learn more about how to walk like a warrior. Have problems walking & my feet & legs often bother me..My legs feel wobbly when I walk. Want very much a book to read learn more. Thank you.

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  34. I heard once (don’t remember where) that some Native Americans used a particular style of walking in particular situations, such as in the woods, in an effort to be as quiet as possible when perhaps escaping an enemy or sneaking up on an animal when hunting. It appears that it goes like this and hopefully I can describe it accurately:

    They did not place their foot directly on the ground first as in the article’s explanation of “toes out” or “toes in”, but instead, would put the side (outside) of each foot down first, sort of a rocking motion beginning at the heel (outside of the heel) and rolling it as they completed the stride, toward the toes. And then do the same with the opposite foot. If you could actually see the footprint, it would look almost like not a footprint, but instead sort of a long thin “strip” of footprint.

    Two reasons: less likely to be detected as a footprint by an enemy, and–here’s the real reason: it was extremely quiet (that rolling motion on the side of the foot). Much less chance of anyone or an animal being able to hear the cracking sound that leaves and twigs make. Much more stealthy and also much more safe.

    Don’t have any idea if this is actually true, but heard it from a friend about 40 years ago who said he knew of the folklore. Wish I knew what tribe of Native Americans used this technique. But sounds feasible and, to me, believable! Hope this might be enlightening.

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  35. I’m a mix breed. Indian/white. Or as I joke “Pink” which always gets a laugh. But I checked out my stand and walk. Toes straight forward walk toe to heel. Also won’t wear footwear in warm weather. Can walk in woods, gravel, concrete,tall grass. Doesn’t matter. Have gotten punched before for scarring people. Cuz they don’t hear me walk up to them even in cowboy boots. Never thought about how I walk. Thanks for the info. I now know why I’ve always walked so quietly

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  36. This applies to running as well. Shoes inhibit the accomplishment, e.g. special running shoes designed for a different foot placement: Running flat footed will increase the shock to knees and hips, so the more accepted techniques for foot placement may remain in demand for running and a gradual change the best approach focused on toe pointing.. Walking barefoot will reduce the distance required to make this a “normal” change to long established muscle memory. If unwilling to spend an hour or more a day barefoot outside, doing in side will take longer. A key is to deliberately, consciously pushing off from the ball of each foot. Push off will also slightly increase the length of stride. The faster the pace the more attention needs to be paid to proper technique. and attention to reduction of forward leaning posture.

    Emphasis on forward progress, and improved posture will also contribute to better balance for the elderly. A metaphor: Like the bicycle, being propelled forward enhances lateral stability.

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  37. Interesting approach to walking. Before I had my problem with my right foot I walked so softly that I startled many a family member. I’m not sure if I walked the way you mentioned or used the side of my foot but it was ultra quiet. I’m going to try this method to see if my foot can handle it because I have noticeably lost muscle mass in my right calf. Very interesting. I’ll give it several months & let you know.

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  39. This is consistent with my years as a student of martial arts. Many of my instructors have required the correct placement of one’s foot in line with the knee. Start by simply rotating your foot inward so that your bent knee is seen directly over your toes. With some exceptions, the intent is to consistently describe a geometrical plane with your joints, from the ball of the foot through the heel, knee and hip, regardless of knee bend, so that you are aligned in posture and movement, with the edge of the plane pointing forward in the direction of your attention or movement. This keeps you from “getting tangled up” in a weak stance, and allows for more strength, mobility and fluidity. Stance and foot movement is a critical foundational aspect of one ability to perform effectively. Once comfortable with this stance, you can practice turning until it seems that you are rotating your whole body as a unit in a different direction when pivoting on the ball of your foot, so that when you have completed the movement you can look down and still see your knee over your toes. This is a vast oversimplification, but it is consistent with the Native American practice of walking (and – I’m guessing – fighting).

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  40. I am not implying that Native Americans were martial artists, only that there are some fundamental ways of mechanically aligning and moving the human body that are more efficient than others. It seems Native Americans and martial artist have independently arrived at a similar understanding in this instance.

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  41. I learned of this around 40 years ago from a native girlfriend. I adopted this walk as well as moving from conventional shoes to barefoot shoes. I can attest that what you discribe here is very much true. Another benefit is to the posture and lower back pain.

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  43. This is amazing to read about. The Indians were very smart and used there surroundings as their guide….so interesting

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  44. Growing up, we kids always called in-line walking being, “Indian-footed”. We were in Florida and barefoot most of the year when not in school so hard heel-strikes hurt a lot more than whole foot planting..

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  47. Yes the old woodsman walk.i learned many years to walk that when I wanted to and did and still when walking in the woods.

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  48. Thanks for this report! I am reading George Catlin’s North American Indians, and there was a reference about walking with turning your toes in. He felt much better after doing that on a long hike. I was checking on what we think now when I read your article.

    Reply