A Complete Guide to Boot Worship

For those who have an interest and inclination, the world of BDSM is endlessly fascinating. Understanding the rich tapestry of kink and power exchange requires both zooming out and zooming in. We zoom out to see the broad themes involved in the practice. Power exchange is an example. The exchange of control is a foundational concept that is present in almost all BDSM activities. The expression of Dominance and submission can take on as many nuances as the number of those who indulge in the ritual. Entire books can be written on the topic.

At other times it is instructive to zoom in and investigate a single, specific practice. For those who adore this lifestyle lasering in and focusing on one activity, a sole moment in an interaction, or a single sensation can inspire hours of lingering thoughts and indulgent fantasies. The beauty of kink is in the details.

Boot Worship is one of those marvelous details.

What is Boot Worship?

Boot worship is a strong attraction or love for boots in BDSM practices where the boots are typically worn by the Dominant partner. This practice is closely related to foot worship, foot fetishism, and boot fetishism. In boot worship the submissive partner displays reverence, adoration, or submission to the Dominant partner by kissing, licking, massaging, or worshipping the boot they are wearing.

Why did boots become an object of worship? After all, a boot is simply a sturdy type of shoe covering the foot and ankle, and sometimes the leg. Boots have been part of human history ever since early civilizations. And most of that time they were strictly utilitarian piece of clothing. Rugged and ready to take on tough terrain, these durable pieces of footwear were more about practical considerations than looking stylish.

However, from the beginning power, class, and privilege were intertwined with the wearing of boots. Ancient Greek soldiers wore baggy pieces of leather tied to their feet and legs with pieces of raw twine. Yet as society developed leather was a costly material that average people could not afford. Leather boots were mostly worn by soldiers and the military. Ruling classes were wealthy enough to afford leather boots. The styles worn by the elite were much more ornate than those worn by the militia. Early kings and emperors had decadent boots that were covered in jewels and featured intricate embroidered accents.

Over the centuries the types of boots and their uses multiplied. Yet the fundamentals remained. Boots were tough and rugged, meeting the practical needs of working, hiking, riding, and protection. And those who had wealth and power could afford to wear expensive, ostentatious boots as a symbol of their elite status.

Boots were a popular style of women’s footwear in the 1800s. However, they were not recognized as a high fashion item until the 1960s. At the same time, the fetish world began to explore clothing as a signifier of control Dominance, obedience, and submission. Boots were recognized early on as symbols of ultimate power.

Wearing boots can make any Dominant feel strong and sexy. They provide a sense of confidence and power. Boots give added height and make the feet look bigger. They accentuate the shapeliness of the leg and feet. As an accessory, they are bold and elegant – a true fashion statement. Leather is raw and masculine. Wearing boots makes any Dominant want to strut down the street exuding power.

Lick My Boots

“Lick My Boots”.

Issuing this crisp command evokes feelings of superiority and control in the Dominant. Hearing these harsh words inspires feelings of inferiority and obsequiousness in the lowered submissive.

Bootlicking is a foundational act of power exchange. Outside of BDSM contexts, it has no purpose other than a historical one – an act of debasement demanded by a conqueror or ruler, imposed as humiliation on the conquered or subject. When performed in front of others it was a raw public display of power. There was no purpose other than the cold cruelty of humiliating another to glorify yourself.

So it is no surprise that bootlicking has been transformed from historical curiosity to the ultimate symbol of power exchange within the BDSM community. A Master or Mistress who has their boots kissed, licked, and worshipped has full control. The submissive who debases and lowers herself willingly gives up power to be in the presence of the Dominant.

The Appeal of Boot Worship

Beyond its core purpose of emphasizing power differences, boot worship offers many erotic pleasures and meets many psychological needs.

Adoration and Reverence

A Dominant has a primal need to be worshipped and praised. The submissive has a strong urge to please and exult. Through the respectful kissing and licking of their Master’s boots, a submissive’s adoration and reverence can be ritualized. Loyalty and devotion are symbolized through the act and embedded in the submissive’s psyche.

Tease and Denial

For many submissives, boot worship isn’t humiliating at all. It is a deeply desired act. They crave control and ache to submit. Kissing and licking boots symbolize what they desire most. In this situation, a Dominant can use this power to her advantage. What becomes desired is denied. The Dominant may order the submissive to get their face as close to the boot without touching. The Dominant may insist that the submissive begs for the privilege of groveling at her feet. The Dominant can tease the submissive, by informing them that they are not worthy of the boots. The added insult of wanting to be a bootlicker but being denied the privilege magnifies the submissive sense of powerlessness.

Humiliation and Degradation

Humiliation can be cathartic to some submissives. They may have common feelings of inferiority in their personal life that they struggle with. BDSM offers a ritualized way to explore and conquer those feelings. Bootlicking is the ultimate humiliation. Being told to grovel, to cringe, to debase yourself, and then to engage in those behaviors without resistance evokes extreme feelings of inferiority. For the Dominant, there is the sadistic thrill of watching another human being debase themselves through the force of their personality.

Lowering

Symbolism is an important aspect of power exchange. The power difference is often expressed by differences in height. The Dominant is allowed to stand tall or sit on furniture proudly. The submissive is often required to kneel and bow, low to the floor. The Dominant can raise their head high and proud, while their partner is often required to look down. A Master struts, and a submissive crawls. These physical differences in power are often a part of boot worship. The boots are already on floor level, where the submissive dwells. The submissive’s head is as low as it can be, while the Dominant towers above the partner. The submissive is in a stressful uncomfortable position. The Dominant is at ease and in control, reveling in the power over their partner.

Sadism and Masochism

Boot worship is a rich display of power exchange. However, the act can also be an environment for exploring sadistic and masochistic desires. The power of bootlicking to inflict emotional sadism on a willing partner has been discussed. The ability of boot worship to involve physical torments is also deeply intoxicating for many. A spiked heel digging into tender flesh inspires even more servile kissing. Kicking a lowered submissive with the boots they adore inspires feelings of power in a Dominant. The boots that are an object of reverence and devotion are also a source of suffering and pain.

Sensuality

Boots provide a rich resource of sensual delights. The scent of leather is intoxicating to many, evoking raw, earthy emotions. The sight of the gleaming fabric, black and shiny, inspires awe. The taste of the bitter fabric on the lips and tongue evokes deep feelings of inferiority and submission. The tight fit against the legs and feet makes the Master or Mistress accentuate the appeal of their bodies.

Service

Worship is not only a physical act of kissing and licking. The deep reverence that a submissive has for the Master’s boots inspires ritualistic devotion and obedient service. Some submissives take pride in being the bootblack for their Dominant. They have the direct responsibility for the care, cleaning, and polishing of the boots. Their submission is channeled into the worshipful devotion of not only their Dominant but to the boots themselves.

The Bottom Line

Boot worship is one of the most beautiful exchanges in BDSM. The connection to power exchange is obvious. The stunning display of a Master or Mistress towering over their submissive while they grovel at their feet, licking their boots, begging for the privilege of debasement, is a potent symbol of BDSM.

Like all BDSM activities, the deep attraction of this practice involves highly charged, potentially disturbing psychological impulses. Approach boot worship as you would any other kink practice. All activities must be consensual. Ensure that you have proper ways of communicating your desires and fears. Play only with people with which you have developed a foundation of trust. Be aware of risks and take safety precautions. Indulge in aftercare following an intense session to reclaim your center and renew feelings of normalcy.