Buzz
John Wayne epitomized the classic cowboy, representing the ideal American hero and a worldwide icon of rugged masculinity. Over a remarkable career spanning nearly 50 years, he graced the screen in more than 170 films, earning his legendary title as the "Duke."
While countless books and interviews have chronicled John Wayne's iconic career, one intriguing mystery persists:
What was the reason behind John Wayne's unique walking style?
One observer humorously described John Wayne's iconic walk as, "resembling someone who needed a diaper change." It appeared slightly unsteady, as if he were tipsy, yet exuded a rugged, tough, and unmistakable charm. What inspired the Duke's signature swagger?
Wayne once casually remarked that "the women love it" when asked about his distinctive gait, though he never provided further explanation.
There are multiple theories surrounding the origin of Wayne's unique walking style.
The "John Wayne walk" wasn't an instant trait; it evolved gradually over time. Standing tall at 6'4" (though some debate his exact height, suggesting he wore lifts or was even taller), Wayne had a long, lean frame. In his early 1930s films, he appeared stiff and somewhat awkward, struggling to fully command his physique. While his appearance and voice fit the hero archetype, his movements initially lacked the same confidence.
Over time, he mastered a slow, deliberate way of moving, using this method to gain better control of his body. By the time he matured physically, his walking style had become firmly established.
Numerous other theories about his walk continue to circulate:
Burt Reynolds suggested that Wayne adopted a Native-American walking style, stepping toe to heel.
Another explanation proposes that the Duke sustained a leg injury before his rise to fame, which influenced his distinctive, off-balance stride.
Some believe John Ford, Wayne's preferred director and confidant, was the one who coached him on the "John Wayne walk."
Others humorously attribute it to his habit of wearing overly tight pants.
One of the most intriguing and vivid theories about the Duke's walk suggests it was inspired by Michelangelo's statue of David. John Wayne admired the statue and modeled his walk, along with his iconic hand-on-hip pose, after the legendary artwork. (Pictured left: John Wayne's famous pose, immortalized in wax at Madame Tussaud's London. Photo by Flickr user Mario Sánchez Prada.)
Interestingly, two of Wayne's most celebrated co-stars, Katharine Hepburn and Lauren Bacall, share a similar theory: John Wayne simply had small feet!
Both actresses reminisced about Wayne's towering, muscular frame and their astonishment at the size of his feet. (As an aside: I vividly recall my first visit to the iconic Graumann's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. I was struck by how small John Wayne's boot prints were—I wear a size 9.5, and his prints were noticeably smaller.) The boot prints at Graumann's suggest Wayne wore a men's size 5 or 6.
Perhaps the secret behind the Duke's legendary stride, one of the most iconic in film history, lies in the contrast between his imposing physique and his surprisingly small feet.
Eddie Deezen has starred in over 30 films, including Grease, WarGames, 1941, and The Polar Express. He's also appeared in numerous TV shows like Magnum PI, The Facts of Life, and The Gong Show. Additionally, he's lent his voice to thousands of radio spots and animated series, such as Dexter's Laboratory and Family Guy. Read all of Eddie's mental_floss stories.
