Shoe Fetish (retifism)
Research indicates that the concept of a shoe fetish among women is often misconstrued as merely an enthusiasm for purchasing and collecting shoes, typically characterized by an interest in current fashion trends and styles. In contrast, a true shoe fetish signifies a more profound and complex psychological engagement with footwear, encompassing a broad spectrum of shoe types, including high heels and various forms of boots, each distinguished by its own design attributes and materials. Individuals exhibiting this particular inclination may derive gratification from diverse activities associated with shoes, such as analyzing their display in retail environments, valuing their artistic craftsmanship, and engaging with their tactile qualities. This fascination can extend to physical interactions, such as the sensation of contact with the shoe’s surface, the olfactory experience of its material, and the act of wearing the shoes, which may provide a heightened sense of personal identity and aesthetic expression. For many subjects, the engagement with footwear transcends conventional appreciation, evolving into a unique and profound passion that merits further scholarly exploration.