In Super Mario Bros. 3, Hot Feet inhabit the candles of fortresses, first appearing in World 4- 1. A Hot Foot's behavior is similar to that of a Boo. If Mario or Luigi looks at one, it will stand still, and if they look away, the Hot Foot will resume walking towards them. Unlike Boos, Hot Feet can only move along the ground. Hot Feet can only be defeated by Hammer Mario's hammers or touching them while invincible.
In the Nintendo Adventure BookKoopa Capers, a large number of Hot Feet appear guarding a coin-filled cave Luigi can find in the Magma Pits. After Luigi collects some of the coins, the Hot Feet will chase him, leading him to either a Fire Chomp (which can lead to a Game Over) or a door leading to a chamber filled with Fire Snakes. Referencing the confusion over the plural version of their name, Luigi is unable to decide on whether or not to call them Hot Feet or Hot Foots.