h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

While this Entry is geared towards explaining how to do it, it can be a pain when walking silently is one's normal way of going. Sneaking up on people has its uses, no doubt, but it gets annoying when people jump three feet in the air every time because they didn't know you were there.

There are ways to prevent this. If you're a whistler or a singer, it helps. You could also stamp your feet a little harder deliberately, but you might well feel like a bit of a lemon that way.