Feet Fetish: What It Is, 42 Signs, Causes & Ways to Enjoy Sexualizing Feet

Have you ever had your lover express some delicious interest in rubbing, sucking, or licking your foot? Foot fetishes are definitely out there and can easily take their stand as one of the most common sexual fetishes! 

If you’re unfamiliar with the wide world of fetishes, they’re basically what gets your rocks off between the sheets… or between the toes!

Having a fetish means that you have a form of sexual desire for a particular object or body part above the rest. Some of the common sexual fetishes include:

-BDSM *Bondage, Domination, Sadism, and Masochism*

-Voyeurism *watching people have sex*

-Leather

-Role-play

-Anililagnia *milk fetish*

-Tattoos and piercings

-Older partner with a much younger partner

-Shoes

-And, of course, foot fetishes!

The official name for a foot fetish is podophilia *not to be confused with pedophilia*. This term covers both the attraction to foot and to footwear. From why it happens to what to do when you have one, we’re looking at all the aspects of foot fetishes. [Read: The different types of fetishes: Dirty little secrets]

What is a foot fetish?

A foot fetish – or podophilia – is a strong sexual attraction to the foot. Believe it or not, this is one of the most common types of fetishes. Some experts estimate that 10-50% of the human population might have a foot fetish. And men are more likely to sexualize feet than women.

People with this kind of fetish get sexual pleasure from feet and might consider them a necessary part of their sexual gratification. They might like toe kissing and sucking, watching videos of feet, taking photos of feet, rubbing someone’s sweaty feet, genital stimulation with feet, or describing foot odor to their partners.

There are also subtypes of foot fetishes too. Some people like feet that are adorned with something like tattoos, nail polish, jewels, bracelets, high-heeled shoes, socks, or anything else. [Read: Unbelievable sex – 20 sexual fetishes bordering on crazy]

What causes foot fetishes?

Boot licking, stomping foot, stepping on squishy things/penises/faces, mud submersion, and basically, anything to do with penises rubbing against foot are all common fantasies involving the foot. 

Why do people end up with a fetish for the same things that we walk on? There are many reasons such as behavioral, social, and cultural factors.

1. Psychoanalytic theories

One of the first people to study this was Sigmund Freud. He suggested that fetishes of all kinds develop in early childhood. [Read: Fetishist partners and sexual fetishism]

For example, if a male child accidentally saw his mother’s genitals, he might be shocked that she didn’t have a penis. This could lead to a fixation on objects or body parts that resemble a penis. In other words, Freud’s theory states that people develop it because they see the foot or toes as a penis substitute. 

Other researchers propose that the fetish is due to sensory input in the brain. Studies show that the feet and genitals activate the same areas in the brain when they are stimulated. 

2. Behavioral factors

There is also a theory that conditioning and learning are responsible for why people form fetishes in general. In other words, people can learn to be aroused by certain objects or body parts through a reward system such as money, physical closeness, or ejaculation. [Read: People having sex with animals – yes, it’s a thing]

3. Sexual instinct

Another possibility is that hormones and emotions drive people to imprint their sexual arousal on certain objects. These emotions and hormones cause them to respond to certain stimuli in a sexual way. 

4. Socialization

How a community socializes might also play a part in the development of a fetish. There are certain cultures that place a high value on certain body parts or sexual practices. This might lead a lot of people in that group to sexualize them.

5. Cultural factors

Another theory that is closely related to socialization is cultural factors. It says that some communities are either “sex-positive” or “sex-negative.” In other words, sex-positive cultures view sex as a fun, pleasurable activity. People in these communities might have more individual fetishes. [Read: Sex with socks on? 12 reasons why it makes sex so much better]

But sex-negative ones see it only as a way to procreate. They have a more negative view of sex and don’t look at it as a fun activity – only to produce children. So they would be less likely to develop fetishes.

Why do people like feet?

While everyone is different, there are reasons why some people like feet, as we mentioned above. Everyone has their own preferences for body parts that they like. And while it might be more likely or common to have a butt or a boob fetish, some people just like feet for one reason or another.

So, it’s not clear-cut as to why some people find feet so appealing, but there have been a few theories that can explain why some people are obsessed with feet and like to play with them.

1. Biology

Feet are very sensitive to the touch. They are covered with nerve endings, and so when they are simulated, they give the brain intense sensations.

So, tickling, rubbing, and massaging feel incredibly good to the feet. [Read: Sex flush – the real reasons your body and face turn red during sex]

2. Humiliation

There is a possible psychological element of a foot fetish, and that is humiliation. The feet are the lowest part of the body, so they think of them as the least important in a strange way.

So, some people like to feel “lower” than their partner. They enjoy having their partner’s feet on their body. This is some sort of power play or “being put in their place” through “humiliation.” [Read: Diaper fetish – Everything you want to know but don’t want to ask anyone]

3. Dominance and submission

Some couples like to play around with dominance and submission power plays. And if they do, feet are just one part of that.

So, if one of the partners has a foot fetish, they might want their partner to treat them like a human footrest. They see this as a way to dominate them so they can worship at their feet.

Or, some people find it exciting to kneel at their partner’s feet and adore them. This makes that person “smaller” and more submissive. They might even encourage their partner to put their feet all over their body, which would put them in a position of submission. [Read: How to be kinky – 42 steamy tips to explore sex outside of normal]

The subtle signs you have a foot fetish

You might wonder if you have a foot fetish or not. Well, here are some signs to look for in order to decide for yourself.

1. You like staring at feet

You might be shy about your attraction to feet, but if you like to look at people’s feet whenever you can, that’s a big sign. Whether it’s at the beach or seeing someone’s toes poke through their sandals, you love looking at feet.

2. You love getting pedicures

Sure, pedicures are a way to relax and unwind and they feel good. But someone with a foot fetish will get turned on by getting a pedicure.

You like to see pretty feet too, so that’s why keeping them looking good is important to you.

3. You like to give foot massages

This will make you popular with your partner because you like to rub their feet. Some people are very shy about their fetish, so this gives them a good opportunity to please themselves and please their partner at the same time. [Read: 13 sensual massage techniques that’ll leave anyone wanting more]

4. You love shoes

You might make comments about people’s footwear or find them sexy. For example, stiletto heels, sandals, or sneakers might turn you on. You might even get excited by going shoe shopping with your partner. 

5. You love to touch or tickle people’s feet

You might try to be playful with other people’s feet too. Whether you’re in bed or trying to wrestle with your partner’s feet, you love to touch them however you can.

Even just playing footsie might get you turned on.

6. You like the smell of feet

People who are attracted to feet might not be obvious of how much they like the smell because most people think that’s weird!

So, if you find yourself trying to be subtle and sneaky about smelling someone’s feet, then you probably have a foot fetish. [Read: The kink list – 20 freaky fetishes that aren’t weird at all]

7. You like smelling socks

Whether they are freshly washed socks or they are sweaty and dirty, you like sniffing them all. Most people stay as far away as possible from smelly socks, but you tend to like them.

8. When people take off their shoes and socks, you notice  

Not only do you notice it, but you also love to watch them do it. For you, it’s almost like they are doing a personal strip tease for you even though they aren’t taking off any of their clothes.

9. You compliment people’s feet

Most people don’t compliment other people’s feet because they are very uninterested in that body party. But you find yourself doing it.

You might tell them how soft their feet are or that they are pretty. Or, you might suggest that someone wears sandals more often. [Read: Erotic lit – reading recommendations for sensual minds]

10. You like taking pictures of feet

While most people are asking for nudes when they are sexting someone, you are more likely to ask for pictures of their feet. Or, you like to be a photographer and take random pictures of strangers’ feet without their knowledge.

11. Playing footsie turns you on

It might be because it’s fun or even secretive if you’re with a group and doing it under the table. But playing footsie with someone else really gets you going. 

12. You just know it

You might not have any doubts that you have a foot fetish – you just already know. And that’s fine! Embrace it and be yourself. And it’s okay to let other people know about it too.

How to tell your partner that you have a foot fetish

Now that you know that you have a foot fetish, how do you go about telling your partner about it? You might feel uncomfortable doing it, but don’t be shy. It’s important that they know. [Read: How to have a difficult conversation without losing your nerve]

1. Don’t tell them right away

If you’re newly dating someone, you don’t want to fess up about your foot fetish on the first few dates. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but let them get to know you as a person first.

Once they know who you are, then they will be more likely to accept it and see it as an endearing part of your personality.

Also, you want to wait until you have been sexual with that person. If you don’t, it will be too soon and you might scare them off. But don’t wait too long either. You don’t want to keep secrets like that from your lover because they will wonder why they didn’t tell you sooner.

2. Start touching their feet

When you are comfortable with your partner in a relationship, then you can just test them out. At some point when you are making out, use your kisses to go all the way down to their toes. Don’t start there because they might wonder what you are doing. [Read: What is pillow talk? How to use it and 14 cozy conversations for bed]

Or, you can just start touching your partner’s feet while you’re watching TV by giving them a foot massage. Only touch the feet using your hands at first. You don’t want to be licking and sucking on them just yet!

3. Notice their reaction

You want to watch your partner’s body language and what they say when you focus attention on their feet. They might say, “Wow, that feels good!” Or they might have a strange look on their face. It could be that they are ticklish or don’t like them touched, too.

If they don’t react positively, don’t get worried. You still might be able to get them to feel comfortable. But you should talk to them about it before you try to touch them again.

If they do react positively, then compliment their feet. [Read: Male body language – 48 subtle signs to instantly read a man’s thoughts]

4. Choose the right time to admit it

When you want to tell your partner about your foot fetish, make sure it’s the right time and place. There’s no perfect time or place to do it, but you should do it when you have some privacy.

Don’t do it when you’re in the middle of a make-out or sex session. Have a conversation outside of the bedroom.

5. Tell them you are nervous

While your fetish is normal to you, it’s not to them. So, let them know that you are nervous about discussing this. You should be considerate of their feelings too. They might be caught off-guard and not expect to hear this.

Acting nervous will get them to have empathy for you and they will probably accept it better that way. Just start with “There’s something I have to tell you…”

6. Be direct and honest

Don’t beat around the bush – just say it outright. Just say, “I want to tell you that I have a weird thing for feet. Some people might even call it a fetish.” You don’t need to explain why or how you developed it.

Just keep it short and simple. Give them time to process it and then ask what they think. [Read: How to communicate in a relationship – 16 steps to a better love]

7. React appropriately to them

Hopefully, your partner will be receptive to this and won’t be bothered at all. On the other hand, they might not know how to react.

If they don’t receive the news well, then give them time. Allow them to ask questions so they can further understand why you feel the way you do.

Is there a right or wrong way to play with feet? 

You might have a foot fetish, but maybe you haven’t done anything about it. So, if you are thinking about acting up on it, then you might be wondering if there is a right or wrong way to do it.

In a nutshell…no. There is no right or wrong way to play with feet. Everyone is different, so try a number of things and see what works for you. But remember, it has to be pleasurable not only for you but for your partner too. [Read: Hello, pretty feet! 17 ways to get them to look their best]

How to indulge in foot fetishes

If you have a foot fetish, you may be wondering how to incorporate them into your sex life. Luckily for you, there are a number of ways to do this. As always, we’re here to expand your sexual horizons with these failsafe foot fetish sex ideas.

1. Massaging

Giving your partner a massage is a great way to incorporate those sexy foot fetishes into your foreplay! Use lube or moisturizer to really get things slippery. 

Not only will your partner be super relaxed by the rubdown, but you’ll be able to touch, caress, and fantasize about their foot all night long as well! This is also a great way to ease your partner into your fetish since the act isn’t overtly sexual. [Read: The perfect romantic massage to turn your lover on]

2. Dressing up your foot

Another way to ease your partner into your foot obsession is by having them dress up in sexy high heels and stockings, wearing toe rings, and getting that fancy pedicure!

3. Licking and sucking toes

Ready to get serious about your sexual fetish? It’s time for toe licking! While a foot in your mouth may seem like an unsanitary punishment to some, others who fantasize about the soles, toes, and heels of a foot are really, really going to like this act.

Incorporate some toe licking into your sex life! Make your way to sucking those toes by kissing your mate from top to bottom in a sexy tease, or by plain ole sucking them while you have your partner’s legs raised during intercourse.

4. Take a bubble bath

Looking for a cute way to incorporate foot fetishes into your naked time? Take a bubble bath together! Giving your partner a cute and sexy rubdown with a bar of soap is such a dirty way to get clean! [Read: 7 smelly body parts that can ruin great sex]

5. Pleasuring your partner with your foot

Move over, subtleties, it’s time to go all-out with your foot fetish. Bring your love of foot to life by making them the main event. 

Let your partner put his penis through your toes, or practice giving him a “foot job” by taking his penis in between the arches of your foot, twisting them so they lock into place, so to speak, and rubbing the length of his shaft as you would with your hands.

For female pleasures, learn to get dexterous with those toes and rub her clit with them, or let her grind against your foot. Hey, whatever floats your boat!

6. Use your feet to flirt and seduce

There are many ways you can use your feet to be flirty and try to seduce your partner. You could play footsie under the table at a restaurant or on the couch while watching TV. Smile and say flirty things while you are playing with their feet too. [Read: 20 loving and romantic touches in a relationship to make you feel closer]

7. Foreplay with feet

Most people don’t really put the words “foreplay” and “feet” into the same sentence. But you can find ways to incorporate foot action while you are making out or starting to get naked. Make it pleasurable for both you and your partner.

8. Footjobs

A footjob is a non-penetrative sex act with feet. They are most often performed on penises, with one partner using their feet to stroke or rub it with their feet. In addition, they can also be used to stimulate a woman’s breasts or vulva.

9. Feet sexual selfies

Since the sight of feet is a turn-on for people with a foot fetish, a great way to incorporate that is to send sexual foot selfies. You can just send pictures of your feet or you can include other body parts in the photo as well. [Read: Seductive selfie – 34 best sexy selfie poses and tips to show yourself off]

How common is a foot fetish?

Is it weird and uncommon to have a foot fetish? The short of it? Yes and no.

Yes, because fetishes can seem pretty odd in general. And the word “fetish” just makes an obsession with feet sound creepy. A lot of people think that “fetishizing” something is extremely unhealthy and is not normal.

A sexual obsession with a particular body part that often isn’t shared by the vast majority of people is bound to gain some weird reactions, especially when it surrounds the things you walk on. 

Why? Because feet, in particular, have a stigma of being dirty, humiliating, or ugly. Who could possibly be attracted to them?

The real truth is, though, that a lot of people are! If you’re nervous about sharing your foot obsession with your partner, don’t be. 

There are way stranger things out there! Plus, odds are that your mate isn’t going to turn away in disgust if you’re offering them a foot massage. Win-win! [Read: The kink list: 20 freaky fetishes that aren’t weird at all]

So, a more positive approach to the question of whether or not a foot fetish is normal is to think about it as just another variation of human sexuality. Everyone has their preferences, and some people just really like feet – a whole lot.

Myths and misconceptions about a foot fetish

Most fetishes have a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding them, and it’s no different with a foot fetish. So, let’s take a look at some of them.

1. They can’t think of anything else during sex

Most people with a foot fetish don’t just get turned on by feet alone. They also like other body parts that other people do too, such as butts, boobs, lips, legs, and anything else. Feet are just one of their turn-ons. [Read: What do guys like to hear in bed the most? 15 turn-ons he’ll love]

2. They like smelly feet

While some might like them smelly, not all of them do. In fact, most don’t. But they do prefer a natural smell that you have over one that is freshly washed.

3. All foot fetishes are the same

Just because two people are obsessed with feet doesn’t mean they like the same thing. One person might like to adorn them, while another might like to suck or lick them. 

4. Someone with a foot fetish likes ALL feet

Most foot fetishes are actually picky about the feet they find beautiful. They might be turned off by a woman who is beautiful but has ugly feet. So, it’s all subjective and individual preferences. [Read: Dollification – a newbie guide to dolls, arousal, and the fetish]

5. They like shoes and socks just as much as feet

While some people might be turned on by those things, it’s not automatic. If someone is obsessed with that, then they probably have more of a shoe or sock fetish.

6. They are creepy about feet

Just because someone has a foot fetish doesn’t mean you have to hide your feet from them. They are capable of admiring them without making you feel uncomfortable. 

What to do if you have a foot fetish

So, what should you do if you have a foot fetish? First of all, stop taking yourself so seriously! Second, stop caring what people think. [Read: Selling used panties and the fetish – The full guide to a dirty turn on]

Either your partner is going to go along with it or they’re not. If you’re truly bothered by your attraction to foot, there are “treatments” available, such as cognitive or behavioral therapy.

Bottom line? If your partner really likes you, odds are they’re going to get at least a little bit of a thrill from it, even if it’s only from seeing how turned on you get by them. 

At the end of the day, you like what you like, and nobody should make you feel bad about it.

[Read: The fiery hot reasons you should date someone with a fetish]

Feet fetishes are totally common, so stop worrying! Eventually, you’ll find that Cinderella *or Prince Charming* of your dreams. In the meantime, chill out and enjoy sucking those toes!