Foot fetishism

Foot fetishism, also known as foot partialism or podophilia, is a pronounced sexual interest in feet. It is the most common form of sexual fetishism for otherwise non-sexual objects or body parts, and is more prevalent in men than women.

Definition

Foot fetishism has been defined as a pronounced sexual interest in feet or footwear. Sigmund Freud considered foot binding as a form of fetishism. For a foot fetishist, points of attraction may include the shape and size of the foot and toes (e.g., long toes, short toes, painted toenails, high arches, soles etc.), jewelry, toe rings, ankle bracelets, treatments (such as massaging, washing partner's feet or painting partner's toenails), state of dress (barefoot, flip flops, or clad in socks or nylons), odor, and any form of foot interaction.

Prevalence

Foot fetishism is the most common form of sexual fetishism for otherwise non-sexual objects or body parts. This fetish or paraphilia is usually seen in men and can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from a desire to touch, feel, and smell the foot, to a need to have the foot used in sexual play, such as footjobs.

Psychological Aspects

Theories have been proposed explaining the attraction of feet. Some researchers have hypothesized that foot fetishism increases as a response to epidemics of sexually transmitted diseases. In one study, conducted by Dr. Vilayanur S. Ramachandran, he observed the brain reactions of several foot fetishists. He proposed that the feet and genitals occupy adjacent areas of the brain, and suggested that it is possible for sensory input to cross over this boundary and create a foot fetish.

In Popular Culture

Foot fetishism has also been represented in popular culture. Many celebrities have openly spoken about their foot fetishes, and it has been a recurring theme in movies, television shows, and music videos.

See Also

• Sexual fetishism
• Shoe fetishism
• Footjob
• BDSM