Having a foot fetish isn’t always something you say out loud. In fact you might not want to put your foot in it by letting people know you like it. But when it comes to sex, it’s pretty normal to have particular things that you like more than others.

Girls know guys will often have favourite parts of the female body. Just in the same way that women often have favourite things about men. Having a foot fetish is no exception and when the shoe is on the other foot, women will often admit that they have a preference too.

Foot fetishes are pretty popular and you might be surprised to learn that there are a lot of different types of foot fetish also. If you’re just dipping your toes into the scene, you might be forgiven for thinking that all foot fetishes are the same.

Podophilia

Podophilia might sound like a made up or mispelt word. But believe me, it is very much a real term derived from Latin with “podo” meaning ‘foot’ (as in podiatrist) and “philia” meaning ‘the love of’.

When you’re a podophile, you love feet. But having a foot fetish is usually more substantial than just simply liking things below the ankle. There’s a wide scope of reasons as to why people like feet. From it being due to historical practices such as foot binding and stereotypes around feet. To it being down to particular erotic traits held by that part of the body.

Some people say they love feet and have a foot fetish because they like seeing women (or men) in high heels. Or that they appreciate how attractive female feet can be when they’re delicate or well kept with pedicures. Other reasons might be down to the aesthetic of a strong foot at the end of a muscular leg denoting fitness and good health.

Both men and women have foot fetishes, with foot jobs, massages and pedicures becoming more popular now than ever. Yet when you dip your toe below the surface, there’s a lot more to the kink of loving feet than first meets the eye.

Psychology behind a foot fetish

When researching foot fetishes, I came across a lot of common reasons why people like feet. As well as particular things they liked on feet which made them sexy. The key preferences being:

Clean feet – well looked after

Not smelly, good hygiene was popular though some men liked the aroma of mildly sweaty feet on a warm day.

Smelly feet – some guys were turned on by the fact that the feet were mucky. Especially when it came to submission/slave and worship/punishment fantasies.

Small and dainty feet – links to the practice of foot binding in Ancient China

Larger feet – especially with women liking men with bigger feet. Big feet… big socks?

Strong, athletic feet – manly

Clean toe nails or nicely polished. Found to be feminine for women

High heels – the way they showcase feet in a sexy way.

Sandals – exposing feet

The taboo of women showing their ankles in strict cultures where skin is usually covered up.

Raw nature of bare feet when walking around, the sex appeal of freedom – same argument around women not wearing bras or loose hair. Eroticism of leisure.

Slender toes, high arches, the curves of a female foot

Delicate build of ankles, appreciation of poise

Foot worship

For men and women who have foot fetish fantasies, foot worship can be one of the ultimate thrills. Being submissive towards their partner and worshipping their feet can be a natural conclusion. It not only allows them to enjoy touching their partners’ feet and appreciating them, but can also link into submissive kinks too.

Simple foot worship might consist of foot massages, touching, licking and toe sucking. While also wanting to clean their feet and give a pedicure might serve as an act of love as well as fulfilling their fetish. It can come across as subservient by doing such but for many submissive partners who have a foot fetish, being able to serve and please their dominant partner is a thrill.

In other cases, foot worship might link more deeply into BDSM culture. Fantasies of trampling and being stamped on by someone’s feet are quite common. Cock and Ball Torture (CBT) often features someone kicking and crushing a male slave’s scrotum and cock. Usually with high heels or leather boots adding to the sex appeal of the fantasy.

Where the foot fetish is closely linked to footwear, some may deliberately ask their partners to wear specific shoes which turn them on. For women, this usually includes high heels, open shoes and sandals but may also apply to not wearing anything. Being barefoot can be a huge part of the fantasy for some people, but in S&M games, footwear is normally worn.

Wearing socks, stockings and tights can also be part of foot fetish apparel. Some sex sites even feature people selling on their worn footwear where the smell or dirt on the garments increases the appeal. Particularly for people whose fetish is strongly connected to the raw sensations.

Foot jobs

Whether you or your partner have a foot fetish, there are many ways to include foot play in the bedroom. If you have a foot fetish, you can offer your partner a relaxing foot massage or to help her with a pedicure if she likes being pampered. Such an offer is usually popular with any woman and while it is sexual for you, even if she isn’t into foot fetishes, it can be enjoyable.

When you’re being openly sexual about feet, you can treat them as an erogenous zone during sex. Foot jobs can be great fun, whether you’re receiving one from a female partner or giving one to her. Although it can be trickier navigating a vagina with your toes!

Footsie games under the table can be a fun way to build up anticipation when you’re out. By gently running your toes/edge of your foot up the inside of her leg it can tease her about what’s to come later on. Or if you’re particularly nimble (and have a long tablecloth!) you can rub her crotch with your toes. Try altering the pressure and moving from her inner thigh to her snatch to really put her on edge.

If you want to try penetrative foot jobs on a woman, make sure your feet are clean and nails are cut beforehand. Then with some lube on your feet, you can practise massaging her across her labia before dipping your toe into her. It may take a few tries but if you’re both keen to explore, it can be a lot of fun after the effort pays off!

Feet during foreplay and sex

Aside from foot jobs, kissing, licking and sucking toes/feet during foreplay and sex can set the mood. If you’re in a position where her feet are within reach, you can massage the soles of her feet or even tickle them during intercourse.

Equally, if you can reach you could suck her toes or lick in between them while pleasuring her. During a blowjob, she might reach down to rub your ankles and squeeze your feet. By including other sensations during a sexual mood, you can widen your horizons and find new fun things.

Using ice cubes and running them over the soles of her feet or putting them between her toes when blindfolded can shake things up. Equally, using warm stones during a foot massage can be a relaxing way to create intimacy between you.

During sex, your girlfriend could deliberately rub her feet or toe nails against your skin. In missionary, she can wrap her legs around you and press her feet under your butt. Not only will this close the distance between your hips, but it gives her control over your thrusts.

If you’re into kinkier games, S&M play around foot fetishes can also be explored. With any kind of impact play whether onto feet or by feet, remember to start gently and slowly before advancing to anything harder. Maintaining good communication throughout will help you find it an enjoyable and tantalising experience.

Do women think having a foot fetish is weird?

While it’s fair to say that some women might find certain fetishes weird, we’re confident to say that most open minded women will do their best to be open to new ideas. Having a foot fetish is a common and popular kink that is being openly discussed and featured in the sex industry.

If you know you like feet but aren’t yet sure how to broach the topic with your partner or know that she isn’t into it, don’t fear. By having an open, calm conversation you can talk through any concerns either of you may have while also perhaps finding ways to enjoy sex with or without foot play as a focus.

Even if your partner doesn’t know you have a foot fetish, it’s unlikely she’ll say no to a nice foot massage, a pedicure gift appointment or some new shoes! You’ll get a lot of brownie points if you take her shoe shopping, even if you have an ulterior motive!