If you’re a '90s kid like me, perhaps your first memory of Milind Soman is watching him emerge from a box in Alisha Chinoy’s Made In India. I’d scour music channels after school in hopes of catching a glimpse of India’s Ironman. Little did I know that he would go on to treat us with the iconic Peta ad with Madhu Sapre. And ever since, I have followed his evolution from a model to an actor and eventually a fitness enthusiast and a barefoot runner. 

Well, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that Soman’s choices were unique–from his modelling projects to running barefoot, he has done things in his own way. As I sifted through his old interviews and pictures on the internet before interviewing him for his collaboration with Puma, one of the most common questions I found online was ‘how do his feet look?’ A swift look through his social media feed, it’s safe to say that he can put everyone on Feet Finder out of business! And Soman agrees. “My feet are beautiful,” he laughs. What followed was a freewheeling chat about his recent collab, running barefoot and his daily routine. 

A collaboration with a shoes brand for a barefoot runner! How did that happen? 

Since I started running barefoot, shoe brands didn't really approach me. Puma is the first brand to ask me if I ever wear shoes! Of course, I wear shoes when the situation demands it; if I run on hot sand or on snow or when I’m hiking, I need to cover my feet with something that's comfortable and lightweight. When Puma approached me, I also realised that they have the perfect pair, the Nitro range, and so I am happy to collaborate with the brand. With NITRO running shoes, the toe box is open, so my feet can have freedom inside. They're also very light and flexible and suit every requirement that I have.  

In fact, I recently posted on Instagram where I’m running in a desert wearing a pair from the range and I was surprised at the engagement it got because people really wanted to know which shoe I was wearing to run on sand. 

What are some of the challenges you face while running barefoot? 

Until 2010, I was running with shoes. One day, after running 20km, I took my shoes off and ran in socks. I felt the difference, my feet felt refreshed. Then I started running more without shoes, however it still took me a year and a half to prep to run a half marathon without shoes. That’s what is important, starting slowly and gradually learning how your body and mind respond to the change. I didn’t have any issues with blisters and calluses. The idea is to condition your feet for every surface and situation. However, if it's wet, raining, or extremely hot, I don't run barefoot. 

A model, an actor, and a runner now, how did this transition come along? 

You must not believe all that you see or are made to see! I post more about my activities that I do than you see on social media; I like to hike, swim, and run and so I write and post about these. I don't necessarily talk or post about my acting projects. However, there has been no switch from one thing to another. I've always led an active lifestyle since I was nine.  I was a national-level swimmer at nine. When I started modelling, I used to hike and exercise. I never went to the gym or had a particular routine; I do what I feel like. Even when I travel, I prefer walking, running or cycling to go around places. 

Has running changed your perspective towards travelling and exploring places? 

Ever since I have been travelling, I think when I was in my early twenties, I used to walk to explore the place. My early modelling days took me around the world for various assignments and fashion shows, I remember I’d walk for seven to eight hours and not take any public transport to go around the city. I always find it an interesting way of exploring the place, culture, and people. My wife and I carry a small backpack with some food and water and run or walk to the place we want to see.  

What gives you more joy–people looking up to you as an actor or fitness enthusiast? 

If I see it that way, then I think I like what helps them more. Watching my activities and seeing me run help them get inspired and motivated, which is better than watching me on TV. I appreciate that more than just sitting in front of a television and watching me act in a movie. 

Do you change anything in your routine while prepping for a specific competition? 

My idea is to maintain a level of fitness with which I can do everything I want. If I have to climb Kilimanjaro, I don't want to train for that, I'm already prepared. Or if I have to swim 10km in the sea, I am prepared for it. I run three or four marathons a year in different cities, but I don't train for it. It's because of my level of fitness, I can do that whenever I want. If I want to go for a specific goal, like to run fast or climb a mountain in a specific time duration, I will have to train for that.  

Is there anything that’s non-negotiable for you as a runner? 

No, there’s nothing. For instance, I prefer eating fruits for breakfast but if I am travelling and don’t get any, I’m fine with it. I don’t stress myself or limit myself, I eat what I get. I don’t have diet restrictions, I have limitations. I limit packaged, refined food, and processed food. In terms of cuisine, I eat everything. I like to experiment. If I'm in Bangkok or Vietnam, I can even eat insects. 

Lastly, what next? 

I’m in Rome right now and will head to Geneva from here. I don’t plan my days in advance and take each day as it comes. I don't think about what I'm going to do next month or next year. I do it occasionally. Like I am going to run Comrades next year in South Africa, it's a marathon in the desert, so I may think about it in passing. Otherwise, I enjoy the moment.