Cats can smell things we dont smell. One of my cats rubs herself all over my shoes too. I was thinking maybe she wanted to have her scent all over my shoes. Cats rub themselves on things to mark their territory. This way I take her scent with me wherever I go. It's a compliment in a cat way.

Sadie/ In loving memory answered on 6/9/10. Helpful? / 0

In Japan, we take off our shoes when we enter a house, and leave them in the entrance way. I've had kittens who were not quite toilet-trained mistake my shoes for a litter box (eew!), but since I don't wear my shoes in the house, they don't get a chance to lick the soles. Your cats could be rubbing themselves on the shoes to mark them with their scent in order to claim you as their own, or they could be smelling something from outdoors that fascinates them. Licking the soles worries me, however. Think of all the yucky things that you may have stepped on outside. You may have to think of some way to keep them from licking the soles--not punishment, but keeping your feet on the ground so that they can't access the soles, or putting away shoes you aren't wearing in a place cats can't access. And no, I don't think cats necessarily like the smell of human feet. I must admit, this is the first time I've ever seen this particular question on the Answers Board!

Lola answered on 6/9/10. Helpful? / 0