Tightrope walkers walk on a thin, tensioned wire or rope, often called a tightrope or high wire. This rope is suspended firmly between two anchor points such as poles or structures, forming a narrow, taut surface for walking. The wire is typically designed to resist twisting to maintain stability. Walkers often wear thin, flexible leather-soled slippers that allow the foot to curve around the wire while protecting from abrasions. Sometimes amateurs walk barefoot especially when using softer ropes rather than metal wires. To maintain balance on the tightrope, walkers sometimes carry a long balancing pole. This pole increases their rotational inertia—meaning it spreads their combined weight (body plus pole) farther from the pivot point (feet on the rope)—which reduces angular acceleration and tipping. The pole also lowers their center of gravity by adding weight below it, enhancing stability and making it easier for the walker to maintain balance while traversing the narrow rope.