Why myths persist
Sexual topics that sit outside mainstream conversation tend to accumulate myths over time. Foot fetishism — despite being the most common non-genital fetish — is no exception. Some myths come from outdated psychoanalytic theory, others from cultural stigma, and some simply from the absence of accessible, accurate information. Let's address them directly.
Myth 1
"Foot fetishism is rare and unusual."
It is one of the most common sexual interests documented in research. A 2007 study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research found feet and toes dominated body-part fetish interest across 381 online discussion groups. Dr. Justin Lehmiller's 2018 survey of over 4,000 Americans found 1 in 7 had experienced a foot-related sexual fantasy. Far from rare — it is remarkably widespread.
Myth 2
"It means something is psychologically wrong with the person."
The DSM-5 — the diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals — only classifies a fetish as a disorder when it causes significant personal distress or impairs daily functioning, or involves non-consent. A foot fetish without those factors is not a disorder by any current clinical definition. The American Psychological Association considers it a normal variation in sexual expression.
Myth 3
"Freud explained it — it's about repressed childhood trauma."
Freud's theory that foot fetishism results from a child's fear upon seeing their mother's genitals — and subsequent fixation on the foot as a "penis substitute" — is not supported by modern evidence. Contemporary research points to neurological factors (the adjacency of foot and genital regions in the brain's somatosensory cortex) and classical conditioning as more plausible explanations. Freud's framework has largely been set aside by contemporary sexology.
Myth 4
"It only affects men."
Studies consistently find higher reported rates among men, but researchers note significant reporting bias. Women are less likely to disclose sexual preferences in surveys due to social stigma — not because they don't have them. Foot fetishism occurs across all genders and sexual orientations. The gap in reported prevalence likely reflects how comfortable different groups feel disclosing sexual interests, not an actual biological divide.
Myth 5
"It can — or should — be 'cured'."
There is no established therapeutic basis for attempting to eliminate a fetish that is consensual, non-distressing, and not impairing a person's life. Attempting to suppress sexual attractions that cause no harm has been associated with negative mental health outcomes. Contemporary sex therapists focus on helping people express their sexuality in healthy, consensual ways — not on removing preferences that aren't causing problems.
The takeaway
Every myth on this list has one thing in common: it positions foot fetishism as something to be explained away, fixed, or ashamed of. The evidence doesn't support any of that framing. It's common, it's studied, and when it's practiced with consent and mutual respect, it's entirely fine.
Sources
- Scorolli, C., et al. (2007). Relative prevalence of different fetishes. International Journal of Impotence Research, 19, 432–437. doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901547
- Lehmiller, J.J. (2018). Tell Me What You Want. Da Capo Lifelong Books.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). DSM-5. Fetishistic Disorder criteria (302.81).
- Ramachandran, V.S. & Blakeslee, S. (1999). Phantoms in the Brain. HarperCollins.
- Rachman, S. (1966). Sexual fetishism: An experimental analogue. Psychological Record, 16, 293–296.