If you look at any high level player in DMC4, you'll see that they rarely run or strafe like normal players do. Reasoning is simple: its better to use quick an stylish moves (Air Trick, Million Stabs, etc) rather than just walking or running. This is even the case for DmC, where you can see players get close with Trillion Stabs, Caliber, Angel Whip, etc.
You can also take the obvious route, which is to let go of the lock on button for walking, then when you're going to focus on an enemy, just move the analog to their direction and lock on.