FIFA World Cup fans have spotted a bizarre detail on the pitch, with some of the tournament’s biggest stars modifying their boots with a hole in the heel.
Soccer supporters have spent years wondering why so many England players slice holes in the backs of their socks before matches. Now, a similar trend has made its way to their footwear, with some of the biggest names in the game taking scissors to boots worth hundreds of dollars.
The unusual customization caught widespread attention during Portugal’s World Cup clash with Spain, when winger Pedro Neto appeared to damage one of his bright pink Nike Mercurial boots during the challenge.
As Neto showed the torn heel of his almost $400 football boot to the referee before changing footwear, eagle-eyed viewers noticed something even stranger. His replacement pair also had a hole cut into the back.
The difference was that the new boot had a fresh cutout in the heel – not one that appeared to be torn from wear.
Internet questions heel hole
Photos of the boots quickly spread across social media, prompting fans to wonder whether the unusual design was part of a new trend or simply a damaged pair of cleats.
“Why do footballers cut open the back of their boots? I spotted Pedro Neto doing it yesterday against Spain,” one X user asked while sharing an image of Neto and his holey boots.
“I think this was a tackle that spoilt his boots he had them changed mid game,” a second user suggested in the comment section, inspiring the original poster to reply: “Bro they changed the boot and brought him this one with cut at the back.”
Another wrote that it’s “a symbol of commitment and resilience as a player,” reminding the player “of the dedication and hard work put into what he has achieved today.”
Meanwhile, a frustrated parent added, “I don’t know why they do that or their socks [and boots] but it’s pissing me off because my son wants to copy them!!”
Although the internet had plenty of theories, the real reason is surprisingly simple – and medical.
‘Pump bump’
Just as some professionals cut holes in the backs of their socks to reduce pressure on their calves, others now modify their boots to ease pain around the heel during matches.
According to Footy Headlines, many elite players are dealing with Haglund’s deformity, leading them to modify their boots with a “controlled hole.”
The Cleveland Clinic explains that the condition – often called the “pump bump” – develops when constant friction causes “a bony lump to form at the back of the heel.”
“Haglund’s deformity can cause heel pain, especially when you wear shoes that press tightly against the back of your heel. Over time, pressure and irritation on the growth can cause other conditions in your heel and feet,” the medical site reports.
For elite soccer players who spend 90 minutes sprinting, twisting and changing direction in tightly fitted boots, that pressure can quickly lead to inflammation around the Achilles tendon and painful bursitis.
Removing part of the rigid heel counter allows the sensitive area to move more freely, reducing the rubbing that can make every stride uncomfortable.
Doctor weighs in
The growing trend has caught the attention of medical experts as well.
Dr. Donald Grant told UNILAD the condition is “particularly common among athletes, including football players, due to tight boots, repeated sprinting and sudden changes of direction, all of which can increase the risk of irritation, leading to this injury.”
“Haglund’s Syndrome is typically associated with three main issues: a bony enlargement at the back of the heel bone, an inflamed bursa (which is the fluid-filled sac between the heel bone and Achilles tendon), and irritation of the Achilles tendon itself,” the doctor explained, adding that a heel cutout shouldn’t be mistaken for a medical treatment.
“While this can definitely reduce pressure on the heel and help avoid friction, it should not be viewed as an effective way to treat the injury,” he said. “Many players use this as a quick, practical way to manage discomfort during a match, but it’s not a proven way to prevent it.”
“Cutting shoes can relieve immediate pain caused by Haglund’s Syndrome, and creating space in the shoe may reduce rubbing against the affected area, but it will not address the bony prominence, inflammation or any irritation affecting the Achilles tendon,” he added.
What’s the most bizarre thing you’ve seen during the World Cup? Please let us know your thoughts and pass this story along so we can get the conversation going!
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