Foot Fetishism: What Is a Foot Fetish?

You may have heard of foot fetishism before, or perhaps feet are a source of excitement for you, and you’re looking for more information. Do you want to understand the world of fetishes better? Whatever your situation, this article is for you: there are many more people than you think who share this type of fetish, and we’re here to continue breaking down myths and taboos. We want to help you open your mind and enjoy sexuality as much as you want.
A fetish isn’t something negative—in fact, it can add even more pleasure to your sexual experiences.
What Is a Fetish?
Let’s start with the basics: what is fetishism, and what isn’t it? Fetishism is sexual attraction triggered by an object or a specific part of the body, which typically isn’t related to the genitals or the more commonly recognized erogenous zones.
Fetishism is always linked to sexual arousal and excitement. It’s considered fetishism if that object or body part awakens sexual desire or attraction in you. To clarify: you might really like big hands or neatly trimmed beards, but if they don’t spark sexual desire, we wouldn’t call it fetishism.
To differentiate between fetishism and a fetish, we could say that fetishism is the sexual practice that involves attraction to objects or body parts, while a fetish refers to the specific object or part of the body that causes arousal. In this case, we’re talking about a foot fetish.
Remember, having a fetish isn’t wrong or considered a deviation—it’s just another expression of sexual diversity. As long as enjoying your fetish doesn’t negatively interfere with your daily life or affect your relationships, you can indulge in it without fear.
If you want to learn more about fetishes and fetishism, we recommend watching our interview with Arola Poch, a sexologist specialized in fetishism, where she discusses sexuality, fetishes, and alternative erotic practices.
What Is a Foot Fetish?
In this article, we’re focusing on one of the most common fetishes—foot fetishism, which refers to sexual arousal through feet (followed closely by fetishes for shoes and stockings). In fact, 7 out of 10 people with fetishes have a foot fetish. Yes, you read that correctly—foot fetishism ranks first among fetishes.
Sex isn’t confined to the genitals—there’s a wide range of possibilities to enjoy beyond that.
Known as “foot fetishism,” it’s much more common than you might think, and people enjoy it to varying degrees. Some people get aroused just by looking at feet, whether bare or in sandals or shoes. Other fetishists need a more direct experience with feet—touching them, massaging them, smelling them, or even putting them in their mouth to experience greater pleasure.
What Is the Ideal Foot?
Feet can have different characteristics: they may be large, small, have long toes, be warm, or clean. Let’s remind you—there are no general rules, even when it comes to fetishes. What might be the ideal foot for you might not be for someone else.
There are as many ways to enjoy sexuality as there are people in the world.
Sexologist Arola Poch, who specializes in fetishism, conducted a study among people who enjoy foot fetishes to find out which foot features are most valued. The results of her survey suggest that the ideal foot looks something like this:
- Smooth
- Clean
- Pronounced arch
- Small
- With a noticeable scent
Other valued features include painted toenails, toe rings, anklets, or tattoos.
Types of Foot Fetish Practices
Within foot fetishism, there are different types of erotic activities that can be enjoyed. These practices, in order of preference among foot fetishists, include:
- Footjob: Receiving a handjob with the feet.
- Massage: Massaging the feet, often the first contact for the fetishist.
- Barefoot: Observing bare feet.
- Foot Worship: Adoration of feet, often involving a dominance/submission component.
- Gagging: Inserting the foot deeply into the mouth.
- Trampling: Being stepped on. In this practice, the fetishist lies down to be stepped on, sometimes tied to dominance/submission dynamics.
- Footstool: One person kneels or lies down while others rest their feet on them.
- Tickling: Some people get aroused by giving or receiving tickles. The one who gives the tickles is the “tickler,” and the one who receives is the “ticklee.”
- Foot Slap: Being slapped with feet.
How to Communicate Your Fetish to Your Partner
You may already know that you have a fetish and want to share it with your partner but haven’t done so yet because you’re unsure of how they’ll react. Communicating your fetish is a big step—do it when you feel ready.
The most important advice we can give is to communicate your fetish when you feel comfortable with what you’re experiencing. Don’t worry, it’s simple; you just need to understand your own feelings well enough to share them with someone else.
Choose the right emotional and life moment: share it when you’re in a good mood and feel calm and stable, in a relaxed setting. The environment affects how we receive and process information, so make it work to your advantage.
When you communicate it, it might be for different reasons: maybe you just want to inform your partner about your fetish to help them understand you better. Or perhaps you’re proposing trying something new. A foot massage with oil could be a great way to start, but remember that not all proposals have to be accepted—and that’s okay.
Myths and Questions About Fetishes
If you’ve read this far, you might have questions about fetishes and the people who enjoy them. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
- Is fetishism a sexual deviation? No, that definition is outdated. Today, sexual diversity is recognized, and it’s something wonderful.
- Are people with fetishes strange? No, if you think about it, we all have fetishes—both erotic and non-erotic to some degree. So, if that were the case, we’d all be considered “strange,” right?
- Do fetishists engage in alternative or strange practices? Every person is different, and we can’t generalize. Some people may enjoy other BDSM practices in addition to their fetish, while others might not. Think about what you like, and allow yourself to enjoy it without guilt.
If you think you have a foot fetish but aren’t sure how to act on it, don’t feel bad about what you’re experiencing. Above all, be calm.
Don’t judge yourself or be too hard on yourself. Having a sexual fetish isn’t something to be ashamed of. We can assure you that there are many more people than you realize who have similar feelings about certain parts of the body or objects that fall outside the norm.
If you’re unsure where to start in enjoying this practice, you can find more information online—forums, groups, blogs, and specialized articles. These spaces address your fetish specifically, and you’ll gain insight from others who have felt the same as you.
Forget what you thought was weird, good, or bad up until now, and apply this rule to all things sexual: a fetish is perfect as long as it doesn’t cause physical or emotional harm to yourself, your partner, or any consenting individuals involved in the practice.
Fetishism is a normal, natural behavior that can enhance your sexual experiences. Enjoy it!