Objective To study the changes of plantar pressure during backward walking, so as to explore its effects on balance ability of human gait. Methods Plantar pressure measurement system (Pedar-X pressure insoles) was used to collect the plantar pressure data from 10 subjects during forward walking and backward walking, respectively. The experiment was conducted on the treadmill, and the forward walking was set as the control group. According to the test conditions and intuitive feeling of test participants, 4 speed values (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 km/h) were selected to carry out the experiment under two walking modes, respectively. The changes in parameters such as plantar pressure center trajectory, plantar pressure and foot-ground contact time under different speed were analyzed. Results Under two walking modes at different walking speed, subjects showed different plantar pressure during walking. During backward walking, the plantar pressure center transferred from the front foot to the heel and from inside to outside. Compared with forward walking, the plantar pressure during backward walking decreased significantly while the foot-ground contact time increased. Conclusions The study on pressure distribution during backward walking contributes to comprehensively understanding the mechanism of dynamic balance and provides a new perspective for related study on walking stability.