Fear of feet (podophobia)

Podophobia is a fear of feet, whether your own, other people’s or both. Summer sandals, swimming pools, changing rooms and having your feet touched can all become difficult. For many, disgust plays as big a part as fear.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek pous, meaning foot. It is an uncommon fear rather than a separate clinical diagnosis. Some people link it to a dislike of bare skin or to worries about hygiene.

What it feels like

• Strong discomfort or disgust at the sight of bare feet
• Keeping socks on at all times, even in bed
• Avoiding pools, beaches or anywhere people go barefoot

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is it a phobia or just a strong dislike of feet?

Plenty of people find feet unappealing, so a dislike alone is common. It becomes more like a phobia when it causes panic, affects relationships or stops you going to places like pools or beaches. Thinking about how much it limits you is a useful way to tell the difference.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

See all session options and prices