Retifism

Shoe fetish is also known as retifism. It is derived from the name of Nicolas-Edme Rétif, a French novelist. The fetish known as retifism is defined by sexual arousal triggered by the appearance, feel, scent, and wearing of shoes. Women's shoes are typically the object of retifism.

More About Retifism

Fetishes are the ascription of sexual characteristics to non-sexual items or bodily parts. To climax or be aroused, fetishists typically require their fetish. Because the fetish can prevent partners from experiencing actual intimacy, it can lead to relationship issues. When someone has a shoe fetish, they require contact with shoes to become aroused or climax.

Even though shoe and foot fetishes are somewhat common in society, popular representations of shoe fetishists, such as in Sex in the City, typically portray them as somewhat peculiar. To feel aroused or climax, shoe fetishists enjoy touching, licking, or coming into contact with shoes. To satiate their sexual urges, some people even need to make genital contact with shoes.

Shoe fetishists may nevertheless feel uncomfortable or ashamed of their fetish despite it being more common than many other fetishes.