Fetish Friday: Foot Worship and Podophilia
A fetish defines the object of one’s sexual fantasies (a living being or an inanimate object), while kinks are the ‘non-conventional’ practises a person takes part in or fantasies that they have. When looking at either of these definitions, both are typically considered as diverging from mainstream societal norms.
Thankfully, recent years have seen the world become progressively sex-positive, and as a result, many fetishes and kinks are considered more ‘acceptable.’ Yet, not every fetish (or fetishes) that a person has is understood by the general population. This is partly due to diverse subcultures that can branch from a single fetish or kink. It can leave outsiders uncertain of what it actually entails.
To help remove any misperceptions and uncertainties, today, we’ve decided to delve into the topic of podophilia and foot worship. We hope that it will give you a better idea of what it’s like to experience this fetish, as well as what someone who takes part in it is into.
What is podophilia?
More commonly referred to as a foot fetish or ‘foot worship,’ podophilia describes a person with a sexual interest and attraction to feet. The feet as a whole, as well as the toes and ankles, are a turn on to someone with this fetish, though there can be varying preferences based on the look of the foot. As an example, someone may like the toes to be a certain length, for the skin to be smooth or dry, for them to be adorned with jewellery, or for the toes to be painted with nail polish.
Common misconceptions
With a sexual interest to feet being quite common, there are many misconceptions tied to it as a result. To address the main FAQs (so to speak), we’ll be debunking the popular falsehoods. For one, you can’t get genital warts (which are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, or HPV) from a wart that’s on a foot. As well, a podophiliac doesn’t necessarily get turned on just by looking at feet; though it’s possible, some people are instead turned on by coming into contact with feet during oral sex, handjobs, or intercourse. Last but not least, it’s not only men who have a foot fetish. Like any fetish or kink, there are no boundaries put up by sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, creed, or religion.
How to talk about it with your partner
If you have a sexual interest and attraction to feet, talk to your partner about the possibility of introducing foot worship into your sex routine. Explain exactly what it is that you would be interested in doing with (or to) them — such as painting their toenails or sucking on their toes — and see how they feel about it. If they are open to the possibility, make sure that you are aware of precisely what they would be comfortable with. Consent of every aspect of the interaction should be stated clearly.
Things to try
To get started on incorporating foot worship into your sex routine, we’ve compiled a list of some tried-and-true ways to get the sparks flying between you and your sex partner.
Painting their toenails
Sleeping at their feet
Sucking on your partner’s toes
Licking the bottom of the foot
Smelling your significant other’s feet
Receiving a footjob (placing both feet on either side of a penis and moving them up and down, the same motion you would do with your hand during a handjob)
Are there risks to consider?
So long as you only look at or come into contact with someone’s foot — that is, you do not engage in any sexual activities — you need not worry about the risks of STIs or pregnancy. However, foot worship is often a precursor to actual sex when used as a part of foreplay, or can be incorporated into sexual acts. In situations like these, practise safe sex by using protection and exploring all of your birth control options.
How can I learn more?
To immerse yourself deeper into the world of foot fetishism, talk openly with people who are podophiliacs, peruse the internet for informative websites, and watch foot worshipping videos for arousal (or even just for inspiration). In doing this, not only will you feel a greater sense of acceptance in your fetish — if that was previously lacking — but you will also gain a sense of community amongst others who have the same sexual interests and attractions as you.
After reading this, we hope that you now have a deeper understanding of what a foot fetish is. The next time the topic comes up in conversation, you will (hopefully) feel emboldened to speak about it. Whether it’s learning more about the fetish from someone who experiences it first-hand or educating someone who may be closed off to the idea, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.
Are you podophilic? Would foot worship or showing a sexual interest in feet be something you would be willing to try? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
