What a Physiotherapist Says About Barefoot Shoes and How They Can Change Your Musculoskeletal System

Physiotherapist PhDr. František Takáč reveals how barefoot shoes improve proprioception, stability, and posture. Discover their impact on back pain, arches, and joints.

Since childhood, we've heard how important the right footwear is. However, while "correct" shoes once meant sturdy, reinforced footwear with arch support, today the world is moving in a different direction – back to nature. For many, barefoot shoes are still just a trend, but experts are increasingly seeing them as a therapeutic tool. Therefore, we reached out to renowned physiotherapist PhDr. František Takáč from the Ceremina Rehabilitation Center to explain the profound effects walking in minimalist shoes can have on our body. His answers clearly show that shoe choice influences not only the foot but also our entire body and health.

If you're still unsure whether barefoot shoes are the right choice for you, read our guide on the 6 reasons to wear barefoot shoes and what barefoot means.

1. Rebirth of the Foot: How Walking Barefoot Works

Our feet are a masterpiece of evolution, but years spent in shoes with narrow toes and thick soles have dulled their natural senses. Barefoot shoes aim to restore this sensitivity.
PhDr. František Takáč answers the question of how barefoot shoes affect the natural function of the foot, stating firmly: "The main purpose of this footwear is to mimic walking barefoot, thus preserving the foot's natural mechanisms from the sensory stimulus (the terrain we walk on) to the dynamic execution of movement. This is something most conventional footwear does not provide."
A key concept here is proprioception. This is the body's ability to sense the position of its parts without looking at them. Thanks to this ability, we know how our foot is positioned even when walking in the dark. The physiotherapist explains the difference from conventional shoes: "Barefoot shoes work directly with this ability (proprioception) and keep the foot constantly under the influence of movement information, which positively affects not only the foot itself but also many other things." Every uneven pebble, every change in surface provides information that forces the foot to dynamically respond and strengthen the deep stabilizing muscles that conventional footwear often "puts to sleep."

Source: Ceremina.sk

2. A Strong Arch Without Support? The Path to Stability

One of the most common myths about barefoot shoes is that without strong arch support, we will ruin our arches. The truth is the opposite. Weak arches are not the result of a lack of support but a lack of muscle work.
Overloaded or weak arches? According to the physiotherapist, minimalist shoes are the solution: "Absolutely. The sensory feedback from the correctly developed footwear, such as barefoot shoes, stimulates the muscles of the plantar part of the foot, which leads to a balanced muscle activity in the ankle. In cases of weak or overloaded ankles, we speak of dysbalance, which barefoot shoes can help inhibit or even eliminate."
Reinforced shoes take over the work of the muscles. Barefoot shoes with zero drop and flexible soles activate them. And the result is better stability. "Proprioception is directly responsible for stability," says PhDr. Takáč, adding, "So, based on research-confirmed theories, it is logical that barefoot shoes improve proprioception, which in turn improves stability." Long-term use of such shoes leads to better balance, agility, and reduced risk of falls, although, as he notes, improvement is individual.

3. From Toes to Upright Posture: The Body as a Functional Chain

The foot is not an isolated organ. It is the foundation upon which the entire skeleton stands. And as the physiotherapist rightly says, "If the foundation is wrong, there will be a problem with something above it." This affects the knees, hips, pelvis, and even the cervical spine.
The significant difference lies in the space for the toes. Angles shoes, like quality barefoot shoes, respect the natural shape of the foot. František Takáč confirms this: "The first principle is that barefoot shoes have a perfectly shaped toe and forefoot area, which is a big benefit compared to conventional footwear. The toes are not squished together, but instead, they have the space to spread out, preventing joint deformation." If you suffer from problems such as bunions, barefoot shoes can help, as adequate space is key.
The proper choice of footwear is a significant factor influencing posture: "The human body is a functional chain, and the correct alignment of one part has a transferred effect on the others." Wearing barefoot shoes, which lack heels and respect zero drop, ensures correct weight distribution. Thanks to foot muscle activation, the stabilizing muscles of the trunk are better engaged. When asked whether barefoot shoes support a more natural walk and upright posture, the physiotherapist answers without hesitation: "We can definitely say YES."

4. Barefoot as a Pain Prevention Tool

The greatest benefit for many is that minimalist shoes can influence chronic joint and back pain. Walking in barefoot shoes changes the mechanics of the step, minimizing impacts and improper joint strain.
"Since barefoot shoes support the physiological walking mechanism, movement execution minimizes improper movement. In short: correct movement = no joint wear, incorrect movement = pain development and joint deformities," explains PhDr. František Takáč, recalling a practical case: "I remember a patient who came to me with her son and mentioned that she had suffered from lower back pain, and the only thing she changed was her shoes. Wearing barefoot shoes took away the unpleasant pain."
These experiences are not isolated. For this reason, the physiotherapist recommends barefoot shoes not only as a modern accessory but also as a preventive tool, often supporting the treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially back pain, overloaded knees, and hips in patients of all ages," concludes PhDr. Takáč.
If you're struggling with long-term issues, barefoot shoes should be discussed with your specialist, but they often become a key part of the path to health. Read also our article on how it can help with specific problems like Rejoice Again in Pain-Free Walking – even a heel spur can benefit from physiotherapy.

Change Your Shoes, Change Your Movement

The words of physiotherapist PhDr. František Takáč are clear. Barefoot shoes are not just about walking; they are about restoring the body's natural function, improving proprioception, stability, and posture from the ground up. They are a return to the mechanisms nature intended. If you’re looking for footwear that respects your foot, gives it space to work, and strengthens your body with every step, you are in the right place. Angles – for natural, healthy, and pain-free movement.