When discussing sexual fetishes, many are quick to imagine the foot fetish. Though feet are one of the more common fetishes, any body part can be (and is!) fetishized. There’s a name for this phenomenon: partialism, which refers to the particular sexual interest in a body part. Partialism falls under the category of paraphilic disorder, which refers to sexual attraction to animate objects or specific situations outside of the normative. Paraphilia is sometimes referred to as a disorder, but I would caution you away from this term. These sexual interests are not dangerous unless they cause someone to harm themselves or another, and the term “disorder” connotes something that must be changed. Remember, even LGBTQ+ attraction was considered a disorder until 1987. Partialism is actually distinguished from fetishism because fetishes often center around inanimate objects while body parts are still a part of human beings.
While foot fetishes (also known as podophilia) are some of the most common, there are a plethora of other options: hands, hair, eyes, belly buttons, ears, and armpits are also included. Breasts and buttocks are too, but a fetish for these go far beyond the typical desire for them during sex, and actually involve intense, targeted arousal even outside of sex. Originally, Sigmund Freud hypothesized that people experience attraction to feet because they take a somewhat phallic shape, but today that has been debunked and replaced with more brain-oriented approaches.
Psychologists concluded that in the same way children develop reward systems, people can build positive associations with body parts by getting feedback and pleasure while interacting with them. In the context of fetishes, this might mean that the person has masturbated or engaged in sexual stimulation with others while looking at or touching feet, probably multiple times. As this happens their brain begins to connect sexual pleasure and excitement with the sensory input of feet, which might include texture, sight, smell, and more.
Another theory, developed by neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran, states that inside the brain, the areas in the sensorimotor complex that process physical sensation and genital stimulation are right next to each other, and foot stimulation is even closer. Under this theory, wires in the brain are literally getting crossed, causing seemingly random associations between sex and feet. It seems like these two theories could be tested against each other just by determining whether those with foot fetishes have had sexual experiences with feet prior to the development of their fetish, but we’ll save that for the experts.
Foot fetishes in particular often have a negative or humorous reputation, but there is really nothing harmful about them. If you or your partner(s) are interested in trying this out, the first step, like with any fetish, is an honest conversation about interests, desires, limitations, and boundaries. As far as fetishes go, foot fetishism is generally non-invasive and easy to try out without the full commitment that others (such as food play) require. Still, the safety and comfort of everyone involved must come first when exploring new sexual interests, so make having this conversation a priority before engaging in fetish play.
A great way to bring certain body parts to focus in the bedroom is to try an erotic massage. Invest in a body-safe oil or lotion and work your way from head to toe on yourself or your partner(s). Massage can be a really stimulating means of foreplay, but it also releases oxytocin in the body and creates those warm romantic feelings that connect partners together. Similarly, if you are into shower play, focus on washing each other's bodies slowly and sensually, taking your time on the parts you are most turned on by. By doing this, you can slowly incorporate the body parts into your sex life as it is, which will begin to create positive associations.
To take it a step further, you can move from caressing and massaging to licking and sucking, if you feel comfortable doing so. Some people enjoy using the feet as you would your hands, such as giving a “foot job” if your partner has a penis. An important step here is prioritizing your hygiene, making sure you clean and care for the parts of your body you are incorporating into your sex. Alternatively, some people are attracted to the natural odors, especially of sweat on the feet and armpits, but be sure to ask if this is the case ahead of time. If feet are your focus, a nice pedicure could go a long way for you or your partner(s). Certain clothing and accessories can also highlight the body and add to the desire. Heels can complement the feet, collars can accentuate the neck, and lingerie can expose any other parts you are attracted to.
Like any other fetish, you can find partialism online or in pornography to explore your own desires. Sex workers sometimes specialize in an area of the body, attracting clients that pay to see their feet, hair, necks, and more in sexual scenarios. To try this out, you can also explore your own body and find which parts have the highest sensation. After all, there are so many erogenous zones of the body, far beyond just the genitals. The body is a completely normal, organic being, and no part of it should be demonized or labeled as “gross.” As long as you and your partner(s) feel safe and free to explore, you are doing everything right, and you are definitely not alone! If you’re interested in learning more about the world of kink, check out SHA’s Kink-Informed Certificate program taught by the Supernova of Kink herself, Midori.
By Sydney Sullivan