Players take on the role of Kick Challenger: Air Foot 's protagonist, a walking tomato called Tomatobowerman, who must kick his way to victory against Girabir and his insect army. The goal is to rescue Princess Niketa and save the land of Vegitafruit from this insect invasion.
Kick Challenger: Air Foot features a novel movement system where each foot must be maneuvered and placed, one foot at a time, to simulate actual upright walking. Kicks can be fired off in eight directions using whichever foot isn't currently planted. The game's levels are tailored specifically for this movement style, with hazards like hills, narrow pipes, and other obstacles that require careful planning.
Power-ups can be found by kicking various fauna and bric-a-brac in the game's levels. These power-ups take the form of shoes that increase the tomato's stride or allow the player to walk on certain surfaces, as well as temporary abilities. The game follows a linear upwards progression with no way to retreat except by going through trap doors. To progress, the player must navigate the maze-like levels and defeat the boss waiting at the end.