Here’s how to pleasurably (and safely) give your partner a footjob.

‍Whether you’re just curious about foot jobs, have a slight sexual interest in feet, or have an established foot fetish, footjobs can be hot. They involve a little sexual taboo with a whole lot of finesse. “Knowing how to flex the feet to bring about sexual pleasure is an amazing skill, especially since the feet don't have the same range of motion as hands,” certified sexologist Tyomi Morgan-Najieb tells O.school.

But how do you give a footjob? If you’re not sure where to start, these footjob tips can help. ‍

1. Communicate and get consent.‍

As with any sex act, it’s important to communicate wants, needs, and boundaries before engaging. Be sure you and your partner are on the same page and that consent has been given. Be clear that consent can be withdrawn at any time. 

You can then discuss the ways you’d like to experiment with footjobs and how you and your partner would like to be stimulated. Should toes be involved? How much pressure feels good, will sexy shoes come into play? Communication such as this can happen before, during, and after play. ‍

2. Make sure your feet are clean. 

Plan ahead for a footjob by cleaning your feet. While some folks may be turned on by calloused, smelly, or dirty feet, it’s important to keep feet clean if they are coming into contact with genitals, especially vulvas.

Morgan-Najieb explains that skin covering the vagina is more sensitive than that of the penis. “The labia minora also covers the urethra and protects it from being infected with foreign invaders,” she adds. “So, making sure the feet are well-groomed is essential to maintaining the health of the vulva.” 

Clean feet can also just be a turn-on. Some people love smooth feet, painted toenails, a certain arch, etc. ‍

3. Get into position. ‍

Ideally, both the receiving partner and giving partner will get into a position that is mutually comfortable. Lying on your back, Morgan-Najieb says, with the giving partner in between the receiving partner’s legs is a prime position.

“The giver can adjust themselves according to how much room they need for their knees to feel comfortable, in extending the leg for the foot to reach the genitals,” she says. “Performing on penis-owners will require more lower body and core strength, to help support the legs and feet in their work. There is less stress placed on the lower limbs and abdominals when performing on vulva-owners.” 

Don’t be afraid to experiment and figure out which position is a good fit for both you and your partner.‍

4. Experiment with pressure.

Using pressure can come into play when giving a footjob to a person with a penis. From the base of the shaft to the tip of the head, Morgan-Najieb suggests using the toes to trace the outline of the penis. You can try spreading the toes to grab and massage the sides of the shaft. Then, she says, “place the shaft in between both soles, apply slight pressure, and stroke up and down slowly.” Ask your partner what feels good and if they’d like more or less pressure applied. 

If your partner’s penis is uncircumcised, the foreskin “acts as an assistive masturbation sleeve,” Morgan-Najieb says.

5. Use your toes.‍

If you and your partner what to incorporate toes into the footjob, this technique can be especially effective if your partner has a vagina. 

“Use the tips of the toes to trace the bikini line, and then work their way onto the labia majora, by applying slight pressure to give a massage,” says Morgan-Najieb. Another idea she has is “using one big toe to pull back on the mons [or pubic mound] to reveal the head of the clitoris, and using the other big toe to stimulate [the clit] in circles or linear strokes.”

If you want to dip your toes inside your partner’s vagina, ask them first. Again, grooming is crucial. Make sure that your toenails are clipped, especially if you’ll be using your toes for penetration. ‍

6. Don’t be afraid to lube up your feet. ‍

Knowing how to use lube can make all the difference in a footjob because lube helps soften friction against genitals. ‍

7. Get experimental with more positions and types of play. ‍

Something your partner might get a kick out of is having their genitals stimulated from behind with your foot. Morgan-Najieb suggests having the receiving partner be on all fours, while the giving partner lays on their back — “another easy access position for a footjob.”

Another thing you can try is using your feet to create new sensations for your partner. Morgan-Najieb suggests blindfolding your partner, using ice between your toes while giving, or using socks or textured foot coverings as ways to kick footjobs up a notch.

Whether you take it slow with a few experimental strokes or go all in with lube, blindfolds, and ice cubes, you’ll surely put your best foot forward with these tips.