Written by Dr.Natthakhet Yaemim (Dr.Deyn) Founding Director.
Last update: 23 October 2019 Written on 23 March 2021

Toe-sucking is so sexy… and here are the ways to do it right!

Toe sucking. The art of toe sucking, or shrimping if you want the technical term is a fine one. While some people are grossed out by the thought, it’s an incredibly intimate act and can be extremely sexy.

We’ve all had that ‘Ahhhh’ moment when getting a foot rub, well imagine that but warmer, wetter, and with a happier ending. Toe sucking feels good because we have tonnes of nerve endings there, in fact, we have more nerve endings per square centimeter in our feet than any other part of our body. All of these nerve endings are ripe for stimulation and with the right technique and partner, it can take your foreplay from one to one hundred in a matter of moments.

Toe-sucking can be super sexual—but it also doesn't have to be

Case in point: Armie Hammer and his little dude. I mean, when you think about it, kids tend to, put pretty much anything in their mouths, and it means nothing.

But the root of these fetishes often comes on earlier in life. "Usually, when someone has a bizarre arousal pattern, there has been something in their past that has made them susceptible to something deviant, or something unusual occurred," Dr. Deyn said. People, for instance, who were raped in childhood and had their mouths covered during the act will be more likely to develop asphyxiation fetishes.

"In the first 10 years of someone's life, there is hardwiring of sexual arousals and then, at puberty, it sort of turns on, then, over time, the fetish gets cemented through the repetition of masturbation to the arousing object and it becomes relatively permanent."

For plenty of people toe sucking—a.k.a. shrimping—can be highly arousing and pleasurable for both the giver and the receiver. While some people enjoy sucking toes as part of an overall foot fetish, others like it largely for how it stimulates their partner since many get aroused from feeling like great lovers or seeing their partner's reaction. For the receiver, having their toes sucked can be super pleasurable, because toes and feet are particularly sensitive, thanks to a ton of nerve endings down there (think: ticklish feet). That makes it an epic addition to foreplay. 

And let's not forget about the brain, which can connect feelings of sexuality to any body part if it's been tied to a sexual memory, So if your first sexual encounter involved feet or toe sucking during foreplay or sex, then you very well might be turned on by this little deed going forward.

Being Into Toe Suckign Doesn't Necessarily Mean You Have A Foot fetish

Toe sucking is often considered to be part of the foot fetish category while “toe sucking is something a partner does for their mate as foreplay, typical foot fetishes focus on shoes, stockings, or the shape of the foot and toes.

Foot fetish (Podophilia)

A foot fetish is a sexual interest in feet. In other words, feet, toes, and ankles turn you on. This particular preference for feet can vary from person to person. Some people are turned on just by looking at their feet. Others may find painted nails, jewelry, or other adornments appealing. Still, others get sexual satisfaction from foot treatments, such as massaging or worshiping feet. A foot fetish is considered a mainstream sexual kink. That is, it’s more commonly talked about and understood than some other types of fetishes.

How to give pleasure by sucking someone's toes?

Here are my easy steps (pardon the pun!) to first-class foot fornication.

1. First you have to talk about it!

We don't want to do it by surprise because our partner might freak out or reflexively kick your face (LOL). Not to mention in all sexual acts, consent is the most important thing. If you don't know how to start a conversation just remember "If you don’t start the conversation, you will never know what is possible. Planting seeds is the way to go". You can try something like "I have been sucked on my toes and it felt great, now I'd love to try, can I try it with you?" or "I think your feet are sexy, and I'd enjoy sucking on those delicious toes of yours. Would that be cool with you?"

2. You might get a "NO" so you have to deal with rejection.

If your partner turns down the idea, instead of being upset about rejection. You can ask why, and if it is because of ticklishness you can start with giving a nice strong massage to help get rid of the ticklishness. If it's a mental roadblock about cleanliness, you could suggest showering together and then getting the licking on. At the end of the day, however, you need to honor your partner's feelings and boundaries. That being said, if it's something you really love, try to bring it up again in the future.

3. Before you start

Before you start you’ll need to make sure that the toes to be sucked are nice and clean, you might want to kick things off early with a romantic shower together, cleaning up before you get dirty is a great way to ensure your foot play is nice, hygienic and thoroughly fabulous.

4. Get in the position

Have your partner sit on the side of the bed, then you kneel in front of them and bring their foot to your mouth. If the bed's not high enough, ask your partner to lie down on the bed and take it from there. Lift their feet up and you can start to give yourselves the pleasure.

5. The feet need foreplay

Feet need foreplay too so you shouldn’t dive straight into toe-sucking. Take it slowly and ‘prepare’ the feet. If you jump straight in the likelihood of laughter is increased, which can diminish sensuality in an instant. Start with a foot massage, working your fingertips into the skin in soft, circular movements. Most of the time, your saliva is the best massage oil.

6. Introduce lip actions

Mouth to mouth, or foot in this case. Once your partner is relaxed and used to the sensation of having their feet played with you can introduce your lips. Kiss, lick, and nibble the feet first, slowly making your way towards their toes. To gauge your partner's response and level of sensation, start slowly with a light lick, kiss, or delicate touch on their foot. If they seem into it, go slightly further, adding tongue pressure and suctioning harder. The key here is reading your bae's body language.

7. Start with the big toe

Because the big toe is, well the biggest, it’s easiest to start with that. Gently take your partner’s big toe in your mouth and suck gently. Try putting the big toe in your mouth, and then move toward licking and sucking the rest of the toes. Remember to gauge your partner’s reactions to see if this is working for them, taking time out to ask ‘Is this ok’ or ‘Do you like that’ is not only advisable but also a great way to learn what works for your partner. 

8. Try a few toes or more in your mouth and see the reaction

You can lick one toe at a time or lick across the top or bottom of all of the toes. You can also suck on each toe individually or try a couple or few at a time." Or try tracing your tongue between your toes. Clearly, with 10 toes, the options are endless.

9. Get handsy

Sure, toe-sucking is all about the mouth, but it doesn't need to stop there. To up the ante, hold or massage your partner's foot (or ask them to do that to you) while your/their tongue starts going to town. That way, you get the dual sensation of wetness, suction, and touch, mimicking (in a lot of ways) sex.