Models revolted on the runway as they strut on the catwalk with their shoes off. Platform stilettos proved to be difficult even for seasoned models.

Models walking on this year's L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival stirred some controversy after some of them removed their shoes right on the runway. The fifth day of LMFF presented Runway 04 upstaging top designers Christopher Esber, Dion Lee, ELLERY, Gary Bigeni, Josh Goot, Magdalena Velevska and Therese Rawsthorne.

However, a new kind of entertainment was featured in last night's event.

Models were given platform stilettos with sky high heels. However, it seemed that these shoes proved to be difficult to walk in to as models took matters in their own hands and removed the shoes right on the runway.

The point-toed platforms with narrowed toes and stiletto heels are claimed to be dangerous and may cause the models to trip. In fact, several models did wobble a few steps before opting to remove their shoes halfway down the Peninsula venue's 30-metre runway, thus models opted to walk barefoot on the rest of the show.

It was the only way to avoid a broken ankle or worse, one of the models said.

Spectators thought that the stunt were part of the show's choreography. However, it was later known that the models did the stunt for their safety.

"I'm so disappointed," said a stricken festival CEO, Graeme Lewsey, said to The Age.

"It shouldn't have happened, but models know, if there's the slightest problem, they have to remove (their shoes) for safety. If nothing else, it's showcased the fragility of live performances: when they do go without a hitch, they are marvels."

The L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival staged some of the best Australia's best and emerging designers. The week-long fashion event aims to inspire and connect designers, consumers and retailers to further improve and forward Australian fashion.

The L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival will be held from March 8 to 15.

Watch the highlights of Runway 04 in the video below.