Foot Fetishes: 8 FAQs About Why It Happens, Ways To Play, More

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Everything You Need to Know About Foot Fetishes

Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S — Written by Kimberly Holland on April 30, 2019

Definition
Popularity
Reasons
Shoes, socks, and jewelry
How to talk to your partner
9 things to try
Potential risks
Learn more

What exactly is a foot fetish?

A foot fetish is a sexual interest in feet. In other words, feet, toes, and ankles turn you on.

This particular preference for feet can vary from person to person.

Some people are turned on just by looking at feet. Others may find painted nails, jewelry, or other adornments appealing.

Still others get sexual satisfaction in foot treatments, such as massaging or worshiping feet.

Is it common?

A foot fetish is considered a mainstream sexual kink. That is, it’s more commonly talked about and understood than some other types of fetishes.

One study found that fetishes related to human body parts were the most prevalent fetishes. Foot fetishes, or podophilia, accounted for almost 50% of the preferences of this group.

Feet are considered the most fetishized body part, besides genital body parts.

Why do people like feet?

Just like with clothing preferences or music styles, sexual kinks vary.

Every person is attracted to — or even repelled by — things others may consider mundane.

So, it’s not clear what it is about feet that’s appealing, but a few theories have been offered to explain why some people are just drawn to feet and foot play.

Biology

Your feet are covered with nerve endings, and nerve endings equal greater, often more intense, sensations.

Tickling, rubbing, and massaging may all feel immensely better on feet.

Humiliation aspect

One psychological element of a foot fetish is humiliation. Feet are often considered “below” people. That is, some people think of feet as a lowly body part.

That sets up a dynamic some people find appealing: They like to feel “lower” than their partner. They enjoy having your feet on their body as a form of power play, or being put in their place.

Domination aspect

Submission and domination is a power play for some couples. Feet are just one part of that structure.

If your partner has a foot fetish, they may want you to treat them like a human footrest. They find satisfaction in letting you have domination over them so they can worship at your feet.

If you have a foot fetish, you may find it thrilling to kneel at your partners feet, adore them, and diminish yourself for them. You may encourage them to put their feet all over your body, forcing you into a position of submission.

Does the type of adornment matter?

Shoe and sock fetishes are closely related to foot fetishes. Many people who adore feet may also have a particular interest in shoes, jewelry, or other foot adornments.

Some people prefer barefoot partners. They like an unobstructed view of the entire foot, from top to bottom.

Others may enjoy flip flops or sandals that expose just a bit of the feet — a peek-a-boo, if you will.

High heels get a lot of foot fetish attention, too. Indeed, entire channels on adult web sites are dedicated to people with a proclivity toward heels.

Hosiery, stockings, or socks may also be appealing to people with a sexual attraction to feet or footwear.

How to talk about it with your partner

These tips can help you direct the conversation if you want to talk about this kink with a partner.

Or if your significant other brought it up with you, these ideas can help you decide if it’s something you’d be happy to try.

If they bring it up to you

Games and activities are a fun way for couples to get to know one another and shake things up in the bedroom.

If your partner recently brought up their interest in feet, you may have questions about what’s involved and how you should respond.

Listen and ask questions

Not everyone has a positive reaction when a partner tells them about their interest in feet. That can make revealing the kink worrying. If your partner was honest with you, this is a positive sign.

They may tell you they just think your feet are attractive, or they really like a particular shoe you wear. They may reveal their interest in feet by offering to massage yours after a long day. They may ask to kiss your feet during sex.

Each person’s interests are different, so you need to hear from your partner what they like best. These questions can spur conversation:

What activities do you like most?
Do you want me to reciprocate in any way?
What would you want to do first?
Is this foreplay? Is sex the goal of foot play?

Decide how you feel

You don’t owe your partner a response in the moment. Ask them to give you time to think about what they’ve said. If feet are just a no-go zone for you, that’s important to know, for both you and your partner.

Start slow

Maybe let them massage your feet first. Build up to other activities as you feel comfortable. If you ever don’t like something, speak up. Honesty is essential.

If you want to bring it up to them

While your partner may not share the same interest in feet as you do, they may have other curiosities they’d like to explore.

Being honest about your fetish can put into motion a virtuous cycle that lets you both find fun new activities you enjoy.

Be honest

If you’ve ever had a negative reaction when telling a partner you like feet, you may be hesitant to bring it up with a new partner. But it’s vital to the relationship that you be true to yourself, your curiosities, and your preferences.

Find the right time

Consent for any sexual activity is key, foot play included. The wrong time to approach the subject is in the heat of the moment. Instead, look for opportunities like when the two of you are relaxing together or shopping.

Mention that you enjoy rubbing feet or that you like the way their feet look in certain shoes. This can open up the conversation in a low-pressure environment.

Come prepared

Your partner may have a lot of questions. Be ready to discuss and engage in an honest dialogue. A willingness to talk about when and how you discovered this interest is good.

Offer up examples of activities that interest you. If something isn’t of interest, they may want to know that, too. For example, not everyone wants a foot job.

Offer to take things at their pace

If your partner is new to foot play, you may want to slowly introduce them. Let them know what you plan to do. Stop if they don’t like something or find it uncomfortable.

Things to try

Most people have a sexual curiosity or interest that extends beyond vanilla sex. Fetishes and kinks are nothing to be ashamed of or hide.

Indeed, they’re a fun way for partners or consenting individuals to explore and have fun.

These activities are popular among people who like feet:

Pedicures

A pedicure or foot washing satisfies your foot fetish and gives them beautifully groomed tootsies. What’s not to love about that?

Foot selfies

Sexy selfies are a great tease, so why not a sexy selfie of your feet?

If your partner has a thing for your trotters, send them an enticing photo. You can even model socks or shoes, if they’re into that.

If you like feet, ask your partner to send a tantalizing image of their feet to you. It’s a fun and easy way to explore different kinds of sensuality.

Shoe play

If you like feet, odds are shoes do something for you, too. Start by kissing your partner’s shoes, at the toes, around the ankle. You can lick through any strands or even take a swipe at the sole.

Foot massage or tickling

Feet have a great deal of nerve endings compared to other parts of your body. Massage or tickling may lead to intense sensations that even people with no other interest in foot play find exciting.

Offer to massage your partner’s feet one night while you’re sitting on the couch. If nothing else, it’s a great way for your partner to unwind while you get a bit of stimulation.

Foot kissing or toe sucking

Feet and toes are sensitive to touch, so even gentle kissing can feel incredibly sensual. Bend to your knees and kiss your partner’s toes.

If your partner is up for some shrimping, or sucking toes, add a bit of that to your routine. It’s all fun, so don’t be afraid to mix things up.

Foot job

Some people with a foot fetish like a little genital contact now and then.

If your partner is up for it, ask them to grind their feet over your genital area. They can even glide their feet over your penis or penetrate your vagina or anus with toes.

Keep in mind that feet aren’t as nimble as hands, so this may take a bit of practice. Oh, and clip your nails if you’re planning to penetrate. The sharp edges may be painful.

Foot worship

Who doesn’t like a little adoration? People with a foot fetish may enjoy worshipping at their partner’s feet. Some even like letting their partner rest their feet on them, as if they were a human footrest.

Are there any risks to consider?

Unlike some other forms of sexual play, you don’t have to worry about pregnancy. But foot play isn’t without its possible risks.

People who like this form of erotic play should consider:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some STIs are passed through genital contact, but others can be shared by rubbing skin on skin. Genital and oral herpes and the human papillomavirus (HPV) can be spread through contact with skin. Syphilis is also shared through oral contact with sores.
Skin infections. Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection that causes lesions or raised bumps. It can be shared through skin-to-skin contact. Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also be shared through contact with infected skin or even shoes a person with the infection wore.
Cuts. Sharp toe nails can cut delicate skin around the penis, vagina, or anus. Keep toe nails trimmed and clean — and ask your partner to do the same — if you anticipate getting your feet involved in the action.

If you want to learn more

If you want to know more about foot fetishes, you can explore these options:

Online groups. Forums for sexual curiosities and questions may be a good place to pose questions to both fetishists and partners of people with this kink.
Porn sites. If you’re unsure how to engage in foot play, you can watch others doing it. Keep in mind that many of the people in these videos are well-rehearsed for their performance. You shouldn’t compare yourself to their abilities.
Dating sites. If you’re person with a foot fetish, you may be able to find like-minded individuals through online sites and dating apps. Footfetishmatch.com, for example, may be able to connect you with fellow foot lovers or people experienced with this kink. You can also list in your dating profiles that you like feet and prefer people comfortable with foot play.
Apps. Phone apps like Whiplr and Kinkoo bring together individuals with a number of fetishes to find partners or people interested in their particular form of play, often in your area.

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Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S — Written by Kimberly Holland on April 30, 2019

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