It is one of the most widespread forms of olfactophilia: In a 1994 study, 45% of those with a foot fetish were found to be aroused by smelly socks and/or feet, but most importantly by the intensity of the smell produced by such bacteria.[2] Foot odor is often caused by foot sweat and the accumulation of bacteria, which creates an odor. The odor can exhibit varying qualities depending on the state of the feet.