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Journalism of Courage
Milind Soman, 60, once recalled how and when he started running barefoot. “About 14-15 years ago, I was running in Lonavala. I had finished a 20 km run and I was feeling a little tired. So, I took off my shoes and felt very refreshed. So, I just explored that and I started running barefoot, gradually increasing the distance,” Soman told Tweak India in 2024.
He added that he soon noticed many changes in his body by making this particular change. “I found that when I was running barefoot, it changed the way I was running. There was a different way. It changed my posture. It changed my balance. It changed my sense of running when my feet actually touched the ground. I wear shoes if it’s very hot, or in the ice, or in the snow or sand,” said Soman, who won the Ironman triathlon at age 50.
Milind Soman’s choice to run barefoot is not just a fitness statement but a reflection of body awareness, natural movement and mindful training, said consultant dietitian and fitness trainer Garima Goyal.
Running without shoes engages the body in a completely different way, connecting movement, posture and sensory feedback. “When you run barefoot, the body automatically shifts to a gentler stride, landing mid-foot rather than on the heel, which reduces joint impact and encourages better alignment. Over time, this strengthens the muscles of the feet, calves and core, improving balance, coordination and stability,” said Goyal.
From a health and nutrition perspective, barefoot running also aligns with the philosophy of functional fitness that focuses on training the body to move naturally, efficiently and in sync with how it was designed.
Goyal elucidated that it promotes stronger circulation and activates stabiliser muscles that are often underused when running in cushioned shoes.
“However, it is not something to dive into abruptly. The transition must be gradual, allowing tendons and ligaments to adapt to the new form of stress; otherwise, it may lead to soreness or injury,” said Goyal.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
