One of the most jaw-dropping moments in Michael Jackson’s career was the now-legendary anti-gravity lean—a move that seemed to defy the laws of physics. First seen in his 1988 Smooth Criminal music video and later during live performances, Jackson appeared to tilt forward at an impossible angle, leaving audiences worldwide stunned.

Was it magic? Superhuman strength? Or a secret trick? The answer lies in a blend of clever engineering and Jackson’s unmatched showmanship.

At first glance, it looked as though Jackson was literally defying gravity, leaning at a sharp angle without falling over. But as impressive as it appeared, this dance move wasn’t achieved by superpowers—it was an ingenious illusion powered by special effects and innovative footwear.

The key to the trick? A patented pair of custom-designed shoes. In 1993, Jackson and his team were awarded U.S. Patent No. 5,255,452 for a special shoe system that made the move possible. The heel of each shoe had a V-shaped groove that could hook onto a metal peg or bolt that protruded from the stage floor. When the shoes were properly aligned, the grooves locked onto the pegs, anchoring Jackson to the stage.

Once secured, Jackson could lean forward while keeping his feet flat on the ground. While the shoes held his feet in place, it was Jackson’s exceptional core strength, balance, and control that allowed him to hold the position without toppling over. He made it look effortless, even though it required precise timing and muscular endurance.

To execute the move, Jackson would walk to a marked spot on stage—where the bolts were hidden—slide his shoes into position, and engage the mechanism. With the shoes locked in place, he’d lean forward to the awe of the audience. Then, with a simple shift in weight and foot movement, he’d disengage the bolts and continue performing as if nothing extraordinary had happened.

Though the move was eventually imitated by tribute artists and explored by scientists curious about its mechanics, no one could match the way Jackson performed it. It wasn’t just about the trick—it was about how he blended the illusion with music, choreography, and theatrical precision.

The anti-gravity lean remains one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic and mysterious dance moves, a perfect example of how he revolutionized stage performance through innovation, creativity, and dedication to his craft. Even decades later, fans still marvel at how he pulled it off—and why nobody else has ever done it quite like him.