At your feet

Did you know that one in seven people have fantasized about feet in a sensual manner at least once in their lives? It’s one of the most common kinks – whether you love a good foot rub, or a pedicure and toe rings really get you going, or high heels are your kryptonite, foot fetish can be seriously good fun.

What is it about feet?

Foot fetish, or “podophilia”, is sometimes giggled about but it’s actually an incredibly common kink. There may even be a scientific explanation for it. Some researchers suggest that there’s a connection between the regions of your brain responsible for processing sensations from your feet, and the regions responsible for sexual arousal – and the wires can get crossed in a delightful and titillating way, making the feet a source of pleasure.

Cultural factors and taboos can also play a big role. In some societies, feet have been considered objects of desire and beauty – consider the practice of foot binding to create perfect “lotus feet” in China (which, yes, was barbaric, but also an example of foot fetish going mainstream and high-class). For many years, seeing a woman’s legs and feet was considered totally risqué by cultures where women were covered in clothing from (literally) head to toe – so the sight of a boot peeping out from beneath a skirt was daring and hinted at other hidden body parts. Even now, pedicures and foot care are big business, and have become a regular part of people’s body maintenance.

Calling your inner Cinderella

Do you feel powerful in a pair of high heels? Cute in ankle socks and sneakers? Look at the variety and prevalence of shoe styles – no longer just functional, we now own shoes for every conceivable occasion, and some that we only bring out once a year or wear with certain outfits. Shoes are as much a fashion statement as clothing these days, and whether you think of yourself as turned on by feet or not, chances are you do love to wear shoes that make you feel – and look – good.

Playing with feet

If you’re interested in indulging in your foot fetish or just playing with a set of tidy tootsies, first talk this over with your partner. Some people are extremely ticklish on their feet and might not like being touched lightly, or may feel self-conscious, as there are a number of people who think their feet aren’t terribly attractive.

Keep hygiene in mind – if you’re into toe-sucking or nibbling, you’ll want to do this with clean feet, not ones that were just ensconced in sweaty sneakers! (Yes, we know some people might be into feet au naturel, but we’re thinking about your health here.)

How about taking an erotic bubble bath together, washing your partner’s feet with soothing soap and water, then rubbing gently between their toes to give them a relaxing foot massage? As with all kinks and fetishes, being relaxed and aroused is the best way to go – if you or your partner is tense, they aren’t going to be into it.

Wearing high heels while doing the deed can also be extremely erotic – there’s something about putting your shod foot lightly on your partner’s skin, or holding the ankles of someone who is wearing heels and nothing else. Seeing your partner in high heels and lingerie is a major turn-on for many people. Or why not experiment with both (or all) parties wearing their sexiest footwear for a steamy session together? Despite what society tells us, clothing and shoes can be worn by everyone, and even the most traditionally “male” partner might enjoy the novelty and erotic taboo of trying on high heels with his partner encouraging him.

‍