It is a warm March day when people start to take their jackets off and wear just t-shirts or tank tops with a pair of jeans. Some people’s feet start to stink after a long day of working with their socks and shoes on. On a Friday night, a little before 11 p.m., a crowd of 20 or so start to enjoy the night at a San Francisco foot party. A foot model is lying down on a couch that is almost as big as a twin-sized bed. One older man starts to remove the model’s right shoe while another older man takes his left sock off. They both gently touch the model’s feet as one of the men licks and the other man sucks the model’s big toe. They then proceeds onto his second toe, then onto his third toe, each minute, as if kids are eating their favorite lollipop, while the crowd looks at the model’s feet in their favorite angles.

Not only the foot model is the one getting all the attention. In a different bed, one guy sniffs another’s foot as he massages it with his cold hands, and spits on others feet. A very old man, whose age is probably older than most people’s grandfather, takes his teeth out of his mouth as he readies himself to suckle other people’s feet and snorts loudly with excitement as he eagerly anticipates all the attractive feet around him. Some people sit side-by-side on the couch and begin to suck on each other’s feet comparing everything from their toes to their heels. If people were to look down at the party from above, most people might think this is a sex club. But this is a party where people worship other’s feet or watch people worshipping their enchanted feet.

A lot of people have fetishes, but some are especially obsessed with feet. Some people will even choose their partner according to the appearance of his or her feet.

According to the study by Fetish Psychology, an estimated 1.1 percent of people have foot fetishes worldwide, along with 5.6 percent BDSM related and 0.065 percent armpit fetishes.

It appears that a foot fetish is not something people would hide in today’s world. There are many Web sites related to foot themes such as Checkoutmyfeet.com, where people can post their own feet and see thousands of men’s foot photos and comments. Even on YouTube, if you search the word “foot fetish,” almost two thousand videos show up (and if you search “foot worship,” you will find crazier ones). Some argue that foot fetish is not a fetish anymore because it is more widely accepted than in the past.

When you hear the phrase “foot fetish,” you might think everyone’s into being barefoot. But everyone has different preferences. Some people are into bare feet while others are into dark or white socks, athletic socks, dirty socks, boots, sneakers, or flip-flops. Some like to view the topside while others are into watching a sole side. There are the people who like foot-to-foot contact in a library, MUNI, or airplane (whether he or she is a stranger or not). Many of them also like to role-play, or just like to watch other people’s feet, as well as others who are into getting their feet tickled or watch as their feet are tickled. There are even people who are aroused by watching a foot being tortured.

Furthermore, there is one fetish called “crushing fetish” where people like to watch others (whether it be sexy high heels or masculine feet) crush grapes, pies, toys, watermelons, vegetables, dog food, or anything you can think of. “Pedal pumpers” are into watching people push gas pedals. And some like to watch people opening a drawer or driving a car with their feet (but please do not try this while you really are driving unless you are an expert).

“People get off on the idea of power,” says Keith Freedman, promoter of the foot party. He admits that some people like to show their power by using their feet while others like this power to be seen.

Some get excited by “trampoline,” which means people who like to use or be used by a person as a trampoline (although some people do not consider this as a part of foot fetish).

Just in case you want to know more about this fetish, if you like the second toe bigger than the big toe, you are into “Morton’s toe.” Some people like to clip other’s toenails and eat them. Some are into “foot fucking” and “foot jobs” where you masturbate or have sex with others by using feet.

Jim Walton prefers thick, large feet with “nice sneaker” smell. He says he keeps his obsession to himself, unless he’s sure the other guy is also looking for the same.

“I keep [the fetish] a secret unless it’s a potential sex partner.” Walton says. “If I’m in the right situation with another guy into foot-to-foot, I’m in heaven.”

Brian Giesler, on the other hand, prefers small feet. He becomes extremely excited to find a pair submerged in white socks. He doesn’t exactly know why he is attracted to small feet, but thinks it may be because he has big feet.

“When I wear shoes, I look like I’m wearing a box,” says Giesler, who wears a size 15 shoe. “When other people wear them, it’s stylish.”

Jason Lum likes big feet that are well taken care of, with nicely trimmed toenails, and a defined arch. These are things that he will not sacrifice for a relationship.

“If I date someone,” Lum says, “it’s important for me what his feet look like.”

Everyone has his or her own fetishes. Some people like to tell what he or she is into, and some don’t. Some people are into eyes, necks, armpits, breasts, penises, asses, or some things you cannot even imagine. So the next time you want to check it out if you sit close to someone, and a total stranger is trying to play footsies with you, you might have to wonder if he’s attracted to your feet. Are we cool now?