Taylor Swift and Angelina Jolie did it, but is this trend for everyone?

Happy childhood memories often center on carefree afternoons going barefoot. Being sans-shoes is an iconic free-spirited youthful experience, much like running through the woods or riding a bike.

We know how free and fun being barefoot was. But how about now that you’re older? Do you dare to bare your feet? For those who find happy freedom in it – perhaps in a summertime romp on the beach – going barefoot still can carry a whisp of liberation, to the point that some adults never give it up. Firing up the trend is a crush of celebrities who leave their shoes at home, including singer Taylor Swift and actor Angelina Jolie, as well as many well-grounded adults.

“I’ve always run around barefoot,” says Cate Dolen, 67, of Falmouth. “Feeling the warm earth on my feet in the summer, squishing freshly turned dirt between my toes. It’s therapeutic quiet time.” Dolen often goes barefoot in her home, and doesn’t hesitate to make a backyard dash to see after a pet or take out the compost in the dead of winter.

Ethel R. Baylor, DPM, a podiatrist who has practiced at Falmouth Podiatry since 1986, understands the joy that many adults find in baring their feet. That is enough for her to give it a thumbs-up.

“If it makes you happy, do it.” she said. It also helps some people maintain their balance, she added, since “you feel the ground better, and it helps intrinsic muscles to stabilize against the ground.” (Her own feet are too tender for going barefoot – we lose the fat pad in the feet as we age, she said – and she is happy to wear shoes. “I’ve stepped on bees and thorns.”)

Older folks should exercise extra awareness and caution, according to Dr. Baylor. “Be careful where you step,” she said.

For some people, going barefoot is an absolute no-go, she said. Anyone diagnosed with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or peripheral artery disease should always wear shoes.

It Can Bring Happiness

Regarding the social media stars who are going shoeless, it’s difficult to know if they’re making a fashion statement (think bohemian or country style), or because their feet hurt. In any case, the rumor mills wildly churn.

When actor Jolie appeared in December on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, she wore an elegant long black gown, with bare feet peeking out below her hem. (Jolie blamed a broken toe and fancy, painful shoes.) Ethereal violinist Caroline Campbell unabashedly performs barefoot, also in flowing gowns. (Campbell has her own wikiFeet page.)

And mega-star singer Swift has walked barefoot onto live stages in front of thousands of fans and even walked in New York City without shoes. When Dr. Baylor learned about Swift performing barefoot on stage, she was aghast. “To walk around electrical wires, jumping up and down on stage” – that is simply not smart, she said.

Dolen and Dr. Baylor agree on one thing: The happiness factor of putting your feet in direct contact with nature is a very good thing.

“When you’re barefoot, you’re more tuned in to where you’re putting your feet,” Dolen said. “There’s nothing like it.”