Published On: 10-01-2006 11:52 PM
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One explanation, advanced by neurologist Vilayanur S. Ramachandran, highlights the fact that the feet and the genitals occupy adjacent areas of the somatosensory cortex, possibly entailing some neural crosstalk between the two. Similarly, Reflexology is the practice of stimulating points on the feet to process this crosstalk.
A somewhat more Freudian hypothesis is that in many cultures, an infant's experience of its mother may involve crawling around her feet. If sexual/behavioral imprinting occurs during this time, this might lead to the feet becoming the primary object of sexual arousal. The human brain somehow attributes the feet to hold sexual properties according to Freud. [citation needed][original research?]
Another theory is that the shape of the human foot is visually similar to that of the curves and cleavage found on the body of the human female, particularly the female hips and buttocks. The average foot is composed almost entirely of curves; the top of the foot, the tips and bottoms of the toes, balls of the toes, instep, heel, ankle, soles, and toenails are often all curved, making the foot one of the curviest parts of the human body. In much the same way that breasts, buttocks, or hips are often considered attractive because of their curves, so too can the foot be regarded as an object of sexual desire. This would explain why so many foot fetishists are aroused by watching a barefoot girl with dirty soles, as the dust highlights the curves, the shape of the female feet by leaving only the arches clean.[citation needed] [original research?]
Yet another theory proposes that visually, the feet and genitals and breasts occupy the same space within the sexual visual field and the male, during coitus (missionary) utilize this 'sexual trigger' to enhance reproduction. Some males may be genetically brain imprinted to find parts of the body within that field as erotic. The female face, breasts, legs and feet can all be seen during lovemaking in this position.[citation needed][original research?]
Another possible theory behind foot-fetishism could be rooted in the idea that a person's feet are usually hidden, much in the same manner as genitalia or a woman's breasts. Suddenly exposed feet could hypothetically produce a feeling of pleasure in the same way that exposed breasts could. A female, in the initial stages of undress for a romantic encounter, usually removes her shoes first. Perhaps launching a visually erotic chain reaction, allowing the male to perform during reproduction.[citation needed][original research?]
Another possible theory is that it is a part of the body that has an odor. Feet have many sweat glands which produce (theoretically) the same pheromones (chemical signals) which are produced by genitalia. Therefore they both invoke sexual arousal in the opposite sex.[citation needed][original research?]
Still another theory is that some men (not all) who adore feet are submissive to women. This would imply that the male is NOT a true 'fetishist' and is aroused, rather, by simply his humiliating role in the relationship. On the other hand there is another look on the domination which is attributed to a foot fetishist (interepreted in Jungian and Adler manner). Legs serve as a support for a body. A human is strong when he or she stands on both feet. Foot fetishist can reach soles of other person only by changing persons position to submissive and weak. Thus foot fetishist expresses his superiority feelings by controlling other person.[citation needed][original research?]
And the final discussion of this topic is the fact that foot adoration is NOT a 'fetish' at all, but rather a normal reaction to simply another body part that defines the parameters of what we find attractive in a female, such as vibrant hair or an appealing figure.
Madison Avenue has been quick to grasp the subliminal power the female foot holds as a symbol of sexuality. We are bombarded daily with images of the female foot in advertising for a variety of products. The footwear and footcare industries have profited to the tune of billions of dollars year in and year out as women worldwide adorn their feet on a daily basis with an abundance of products including jewelry, pigments and colors, general beautification and maintenance hygiene. Not to mention the stylish and endless selection of shoes and boots.