You can always tell a fixed wing pilot they have their toes above the pedals expecting there to be brakes ! They never have the finesse to control the pedals. Always always heels on the floor, toes on top of the pedal with the ball at the bottom. Remember evolution has given us toes as they produce the balance when we walk. Anyone who has had toes amputated ( friends with frostbite when we used to go climbing )initially has loads of problems walking!
The other way of thinking about it is if your student skis. With carving skis you just need to pressure your toes and the ski will turn !