Heel Worship 101: The Psychology and Practice of A Foot Fetish
I love shoes, but particularly high heels. Stilettos. Platforms. Strappy ones with minimal coverage. Intimidating, chunky leather boots. All of them. (Well, as long as the heel is high enough.) I love them so much that you might say I have a fetish… But what really pushes me over the edge is having a devoted submissive worship them.
The Psychology Behind Foot Fetishes
Foot fetishism, also known as podophilia, is a complex phenomenon that has been debated among psychologists and sexologists for centuries. Like any fetish, there's no single explanation for why we like something (I would argue that there doesn’t need to be a reason, though introspection is always recommended), research suggests that foot fetishism may be linked to a combination of factors, including but not limited to:
Objectification and Symbolism: Feet, particularly in high heels, can symbolize power, both sexual and/or feminine, beauty, and sophistication. Feet are also often associated with power exchanges (or power imbalances), or servitude in many cultures.
Need a few reminders?
Christianity and Foot Washing (Remember the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper?)
Kowtowing: Bowing with the head touching the ground, where the person of higher authority’s feet rest
Kissing Feet: This has been a common gesture of deference throughout history, as with Monarchs and Popes.
Neurological Basis: Brain Mapping: The somatosensory cortex, which processes sensory information, has regions representing different body parts. Interestingly, the areas representing the feet and genitals are adjacent in the brain. Some researchers, including neuroscientist Vilayanur S. Ramachandran, hypothesize that this close proximity may lead to a neural "cross-wiring" that associates feet with sexual arousal.
Classical Conditioning: Foot fetishes may develop through conditioning experiences during formative years. If feet or shoes are present during moments of sexual arousal or exploration, an association can form between the object and sexual excitement. For example:
Repeated exposure to feet during arousing situations.
Fetish-like behaviors emerging from early life experiences.
Scarcity and Obscurity: Evolutionary psychology suggests that humans are drawn to features that are novel or less commonly displayed. Many also regard feet as “gross” and not to be exposed or seen in most public spaces. Since feet are often covered and only revealed selectively, they may become a "forbidden fruit," enhancing their appeal.
Safe, Non-Judgmental Exploration: While still often the butt of jokes, feet can be a relatively safe focus of sexual interest. It’s relatively innocent compared to other forms of contact, and their fetishization may develop as a way to explore sexuality without venturing into more socially stigmatized areas.
But really, who cares why? That’s for casual conversation or personal introspection. Let’s talk about something more fun.
When I tell a submissive to worship My heels, what does that mean? Or rather, what can that mean?
Gentle Worship: You may explore by gently kissing, licking, or massaging My heels. Lord knows My feet hurt when I’ve been wearing high heels for long periods!
Clean Them: You know My heels get dirty. How about you clean them with your mouth? Don’t forget the sole if you’re really committed to impressing Me!
Foot Massage: A particularly good submissive might earn the privilege of worshipping My bare feet, removing My heels to give me a massage and worshipping my feet. After, you might put them back on Me, or put another pair on me as we continue playing.
Lose Yourself: How much do you love my exposed feet in strappy heels? My shiny, thigh-high boots? My leather stilettos? Would you beg to hump them? Masturbate with them? Feel the long, phallic heel stepping on you or inside you? Make a mess of them before cleaning them entirely with your tongue?
Whatever we do together, heel worship is just another delicious, decadent way of worshipping Me, showing your subservience and devotion, and… just plain getting off (if you’re allowed).
If you do decide to take the time to understand where your foot fetish comes from, those deeper understandings can help your Dominant create a more immersive and thrilling experience for everyone involved. And as always, remember to communicate openly about your comfort level, boundaries, and limits.