Some people have a fetish for feet. But what do you actually know about foot fetishism? Do you think you might have a preference for feet yourself? NBRplaza researched for you what there is to discover in the field of foot fetishism.

What is foot fetishism?

Fetishism has several meanings. In sexual fetishism, a fixation for an object, an action or a (non-sexual) body part is central. That object is then called the fetish. The person who has a fetish for such an object is called a fetishist.

In the case of a foot fetishism, the foot is the fetish, which helps the foot fetishist to become sexually aroused. According to some, foot fetishism is the most common fetishism in existence. Research shows that about half of all respondents have some form of foot fetishism or podophilia. Don’t all women with a love for (expensive and exclusive) shoes have a foot fetish?

A foot fetish can be anything from finding feet attractive to kissing feet or sucking toes during sex. Others find bare feet, or feet in open shoes, kinky. In general, you can say that foot fetishists get sexually aroused from feet. This may include looking at feet, thoughts of feet, feeling feet, kissing or licking feet, or being dominated by feet (for example, feeling a foot on the body). Others want their sex to come into contact with the feet (footjob), or they fantasize about being allowed or forced to lick sperm (their own or others) off feet. No foot fetishist experiences this the same way. Dirty feet, clean feet, beautiful feet, ugly feet, nails, stockings, shoes, you name it. Everything to do with feet can have a sexual connotation.

In general, the feet have to be in a sexual, seductive context in order to actually get aroused. Most foot fetishists have a predilection for feminine feet. Personally, I have never come across anyone with a fetish for male feet.

The toenails can also play a role. Some fetishists especially like polished toenails, while others like toenails without nail polish.

Variants of foot fetishism

Related to foot fetishism is the fetishism for boots, shoes, or high heels. For some people these forms of fetishism merge and for others these are completely different worlds.

There are also people who can experience an orgasm themselves when someone plays with their feet. You read that right: A foot orgasm really exists!

What’s wrong with people with foot fetishism?

Nothing! Nothing at all! Yet in our Western society it is often whispered that someone with a fetish for feet is perverse. It is a deep-seated misunderstanding that anything that isn’t ‘vanilla’ is immediately bad, sick, or depraved.

What makes feet so sexy?

If you don’t like feet yourself, you might be wondering what’s so hot about feet. And especially what makes someone decide to even have a fetish for it, or how someone would like to involve feet in love, sex, or in BDSM play.

Feet are more erotic to the fetishist than genetalia. Especially if you’re a little shy or insecure, it’s easier to worship a foot than a penis or a vagina. It is also not necessary to make eye contact if you are focused on one foot.

There is also a biological reason. Feet contain large amounts of nerve endings, and nerve endings equate to large, intense sensations. Tickling, rubbing and massaging can all feel immensely better on the feet.

Furthermore, feet are a symbol of strength. You can kick, trample, or crush something with your feet. This alone can stimulate the fantasy quite a bit, for example by requiring someone to walk over you barefoot, or to be kicked hard (so-called CBT – Cock & Ball Torture), or to get a forceful foot on your face or body.

Another reason may be that the fetishist likes the smell and feel of sweaty feet. Although the smell of sweaty feet is more of a negative association for many people, some submissive foot fetishists like to (be forced forced to) smell or lick (stinky) feet.

But a foot fetishist may also want to take care of the feet. After a long day of work, feet can be sore and tired. The foot fetishist offers a solution by washing, massaging and caring for them with lotion.

Other submissive foot fetishists love to be treated like pets. Like when you command your dog to keep still or lie down at your feet. The feet are a symbol for dominance. There may even be some puppy play. But it could also be that the submissive is used as a footstool.

How do you recognize a foot fetishist?

If you think your partner has a foot fetish, there is an easy way to test it:

Sit in front of your partner and slowly remove your shoes and socks. Do it as seductively as possible. Then put your feet on the table or on the couch, facing your partner and wiggle your toes. Rub your feet together.

Now if your partner is yelling at you to get rid of your dirty feet, he or she is definitely not having a foot fetish. But if your partner starts staring at your feet with open mouth mesmerized, then you know for sure: your partner has a foot fetish.

Discuss it with your partner

If you have a foot fetish, or you think your partner has it, make it negotiable. Listen. Ask questions. What is your or your partner’s specific need? Where is the appeal? Are those bare feet, the dominance, the submissiveness, the nurturing? Be honest.

Experiment together and see how your feet can play a role in the physical attraction and erotic play. Start slowly and build up further if necessary.

Things you can try

If you are a beginner foot fetishist, you can try the following things with your partner:

• A pedicure, washing, massage and care of feet satisfies the foot fetish and gives the partner beautifully groomed feet. What’s not to like about that?
• Take a footsie: a sexy selfie of your feet. If your partner has a thing for feet, send a seductive photo. You can even show socks, stockings, or shoes.
• If your partner likes shoes more, let him or her kiss your shoes. Or your ankles.
• Feet have many nerve endings compared to other parts of the body. A massage, or applying nourishing oil can be very pleasant and relaxing, even for people who have nothing else with feet.
• Feet and toes are sensitive to touch, so even soft kisses can feel incredibly sensual. Licking toes or sucking on toes can all be a lot of fun.
• Or take it a step further and give your partner a footjob. Move the sole of your foot and your toes against the sex of your partner, or penetrate the vagina or anus with a toe. Don’t forget to trim and file your toenails beforehand.

Safety

While foot fetishism is relatively safe, there are a few risks. Especially if the feet have small cuts or athlete’s foot. Also be careful with sharp toenails.