The world is undoubtedly more sex positive than it once was, but one kink that is still somewhat frowned upon is podopholia.
Even in more modern times, where swinging and hotwifing are seemingly the new norms, there are still some bedroom topics which are slightly more taboo.
Although most would prefer what happens between the sheets to stay a secret, others are very open about their sexuality and preferences, with social media now rife with weird and wonderful positions and preferences, such as hamstering.
What is podophilia?
Podophilia is perhaps one of the most popular, yet most maligned fetishes in the world of sex, as it involves a sexual attraction towards feet.
The idea of going close to someone's trotters in the bedroom might seem like a foreign concept to you, but it's actually been around for decades. Perhaps Marvin Gaye actually meant to sing about 'Sexual Heeling'.
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And who could forget that infamous scene starring Quentin Tarantino and Salma Hayek in From Dusk Til Dawn, where the legendary filmmaker enjoys the taste of tequila from Hayek's toes?
But while there's a lot of folks out there who have at least fantasised about feet, it's important to remember that doesn't necessarily mean you have a fetish.
How many people have foot fetishes?
Dr Justin Lehmiller surveyed more than 4,000 Americans about their sexual fantasies for his book Tell Me What You Want.
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“I found that 14 percent of my participants reported having had a sexual fantasy before in which feet or toes played a prominent role,” Lehmiller said.
He learned that 21 percent of gay and bisexual men have fantasised about feet, followed by 18 percent of heterosexual men and 11 percent of lesbian and bisexual women. The population group least likely to fantasise about feet was heterosexual women, with only five percent having done so.
Just because someone has fantasised about feet before doesn’t necessarily mean that they have a fetish for feet—just that they’ve been turned on by the idea of feet at least once,” Lehmiller explained. “So while about one in seven people reported having had a foot fantasy before, the number who have a true fetish for feet, in the sense of being primarily or only attracted to feet, is likely much smaller than that.”
What have men who have foot fetishes said about it?
Speaking to Men's Health, Carlos, a 35-year-old podophiliac, certainly wasn't shy about revealing exactly what it is about feet that turns him on
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He said: “First and foremost is probably the smell; they're a little clammy and musky, especially when unwashed. I love feet right after the gym or a run. They have a salty taste. I also love the skin on the feet. It’s surprisingly soft (when taken care of). I also love how plump and juicy the bottoms of heels, toes, and soles can be.”
Meanwhile, Mark is looking to break the stigma surrounding foot fetishes, with those open about their fetish often the butt (or perhaps foot) of the joke.
He said: “I just wish it wasn’t so villainised. Most people have never explored a world of sensation, intimacy, and excitement because they think it’s weird or funny. But sex itself is weird and funny.
"Plus, there are so many nerve endings in the foot, and once they’re stimulated, some people feel as much sensation as oral sex. There’s a whole world of pleasure you’re shutting yourself off from.
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"Find someone who makes you comfortable and take a risk. It just might blow your mind.”
Don't knock it 'till you try it, I guess.
James Moorhouse