Sole Tattoos Are Rising In Popularity (& It's Giving Toy Story)

We've seen ankle tattoos, ink on the tops of our feet, and little delicate toe ring art, but tattooing the bottoms of our feet — much like the "Andy" written on Woody's boot sole in "Toy Story" — is the latest trend. Sole tattoos have become increasingly popular, and if you're looking for a new area for body art, they just might be your thing. They're also a popular option for those who want permanent ink but would like it in a discreet area — simply cover up your feet with some socks and shoes, and no one will be the wiser.

Of course, there are some things to think about before you hop on this trend. Authority Tattoo states that the skin of your soles is an extremely sensitive area, so expect the process to be painful. If it's your first time getting a tattoo, this may not be the best location. Additionally, since the bottoms of your feet get a lot of action, a tattoo there may fade quicker than one on other parts of the body. Still, with the proper care (and maybe some numbing cream during the session), the risks are minimal, and sole tattoos can be a fun way to add some decorative ink to your feet. Take a look at some of the designs making waves with this trend.

Sure, tattoos have a tough-person image, but they can be cutesy as well. If you have a favorite cartoon character or just want to feel nostalgic with a couple of teddy bear etchings, why not decorate your soles with them? When getting sole tattoos, Tattoo Spark advises having your artist use thick lines, since the ink will wear off over time due to the friction on your feet. They also recommend using black ink, as colors will fade easily.

If you're going to go through the painful process of getting sole tattoos, make sure that they're meaningful to you. You can opt for a special quote from someone important or an animal that you love. This person chose two insects for her tattoos, but you could pick anything you think is worth the pain. As long as you love your design, that's what counts!

Sometimes a single word is all it takes, and Cara Delevingne chose "bacon ..." to tattoo on her sole. She has admitted to loving the salty cured pork and stated on a "Jimmy Kimmel Live" show, "Anything bacon is good, am I right?" (via Marie Claire). While we don't disagree, if you're a vegetarian, perhaps you'd choose a more appropriate sole tattoo, like "broccoli."

Geometric shapes never go out of style when it comes to tattoos. Clean, simple triangles pointing in opposite directions will definitely stand the test of time. This easy tattoo will take minutes in the chair, which is a bonus because it means less pain time. After you get inked, stay off your feet as much as possible to let your skin heal, and keep the area clean so you don't get an infection. According to Red Mountain Foot Care, only wash gently with running water — soaking your fresh tattoo is a no-no.

While it's advised to keep your sole tattoos simple, you can go for detailed designs like this sun and skull. However, you'll have to keep on top of it and go for frequent touch-ups if you want to maintain the fine details. Caring for your new tattoo is important, and once it's healed, don't forget to apply sunscreen on the bottoms of your feet — since they're not exposed often, they're more prone to sunburn. Once you do so, put your feet up and show off your fancy new sole tattoo!