We swing the striding foot forward and begin to transfer our weight forward to the heel. Our weight rolls toward the toes as our momentum carries us forward, and we begin to swing the alternate leg forward. As the pace increases, an instance of instability occurs between steps at the moment when our weight is transferred to the leading foot. Essentially, walking results in successive losses of balance. When speed increases to running pace, only one foot is in contact with the surface at a time.
People walk in distinctive ways.
There are so many variations of walking that some contend there is no normal walking pattern. For example, some people nearly skip the heel in the forward step, and obese people often step flat-footed because their center of gravity is carried forward. Each walking pattern causes variations in stride. These methods of walking are generally thought to be incorrect because they are less efficient, but they should not be considered unsafe unless evidence shows they prevent the individual from maintaining balance. Stride and balance can also be affected by the inner ear, medication, and disorders of the central nervous system.