The bizarre Diet Coke shoe hack supermodels use to prevent falling on the runway

High-fashion runways may look effortless, but staying upright in towering designer heels is often harder than it seems. To avoid slipping on polished catwalks, models have been using an unexpected backstage trick: pouring Diet Coke directly onto the soles of their shoes before a show.

The trick and the science

The unusual hack recently went viral after Gen Z supermodel Alex Consani revealed the industry secret in a podcast with Harper's Bazaar. The method is surprisingly simple. Before stepping onto the runway, models dip the soles of their shoes into a small puddle of Diet Coke, giving them extra grip on slick surfaces.

The trick comes down to simple chemistry. Unlike regular soda, which can leave behind a sticky sugary residue, Diet Coke dries quickly. What's left behind creates a tacky surface on freshly scored soles, helping models gain traction without damaging expensive footwear.

The industry reality

While the hack may sound unusual to outsiders, many models and fashion insiders see it as a practical safety measure.

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Consani explained that runway shoes are often prepped before a show by lightly scratching the soles and adding Diet Coke to improve grip on slippery catwalks. Fresh-out-of-the-box designer heels can be surprisingly slick, especially on glossy runways, making even a short walk riskier than it looks.

The combination of scored soles and Diet Coke provides extra traction, helping models navigate polished surfaces more confidently. In this digital era where runway mishaps can quickly go viral online, a simple backstage fix can make all the difference.

Pulling back the curtain on fashion

The popularity of the hack also reflects a broader shift in fashion culture. Models like Consani are increasingly sharing the kinds of backstage secrets that were once known only to industry insiders. Through TikTok, Instagram, and behind-the-scenes interviews, audiences are getting a closer look at what really goes into putting on a runway show.

Many viewers have been particularly amused by the contrast between luxury designer shoes worth thousands of dollars and a can of Diet Coke from a convenience store. Yet that contrast is exactly what has made the story so popular online.

A surprisingly practical solution

As strange as it sounds, the Diet Coke trick is a reminder that runway glamour often depends on practical problem-solving behind the scenes. The flawless walks seen during fashion week are the result of careful preparation, quick fixes, and plenty of experience.

The next time you watch a model confidently stride down a glossy catwalk, there is a chance a little Diet Coke helped make it happen.