This is a video about how people used to walk in the middle ages, and how it changed around the 1500s when people started wearing a different kind of shoes.
the modern heel striker vs. the medieval ball strider
This is how I was taught to take steps in winterguard and colorguard. The people with the instruments did a rolling heel-step instead, because it would preserve the clarity of playing a musical note while moving.
It’s probably relevant that winterguard is usually performed barefoot or with soft footwear with no heel support.
Also, runners – especially long-distance runners – are usually taught not to heel-strike. Instead the ideal place to “hit the road” is neither the ball nor the heel – it’s the middle of the foot.
Short distance runners usually do ball-strike because it’s faster, for many of the reasons described in that video. You’re leaning forwards more so you can use gravity to help propel you forward, and you’re using more muscles in your legs. Heel-striking usually happens because your steps are too large.
In ballroom dance, too, you wear shoes with very soft soles and glide around on the balls of your feet.
I love this sort of historical research. It’s so informative and fun to explore. This is a great explanation video. I love his later medieval style garb and the bullocks hilt dagger.