Why Professional Soccer Players Are Cutting Holes in Their Boots Before Matches
An Unusual Equipment Trend Draws Attention
Soccer fans have long noticed that some England players cut holes in the backs of their socks before stepping onto the field. More recently, a similar practice has appeared in their footwear, with several high-profile professionals deliberately altering expensive boots by cutting away part of the heel.
The unusual modification attracted widespread attention during Portugal’s World Cup meeting with Spain. Winger Pedro Neto became the focus of discussion after one of his bright pink Nike Mercurial boots appeared to be damaged during play.
As Neto showed the referee the torn heel section of his boot before switching to another pair, viewers noticed an unexpected detail. His replacement boot also featured a hole cut into the back.
The second pair did not appear to have been damaged through normal use. Instead, the heel opening looked intentionally created, leading many spectators to question why a player would deliberately alter footwear that costs nearly $400.
Fans Search for an Explanation
Images of Neto’s boots quickly spread across social media, sparking debate among supporters trying to determine whether the unusual appearance resulted from match damage or was part of a growing trend among professional players.
One user asked, “Why do footballers cut open the back of their boots? I spotted Pedro Neto doing it yesterday against Spain,” while sharing a photo of the modified footwear.
Another person suggested, “I think this was a tackle that spoilt his boots he had them changed mid game,” prompting the original poster to respond, “Bro they changed the boot and brought him this one with cut at the back.”
Different theories continued to emerge as more people joined the discussion.
One commenter believed the modification carried symbolic meaning, writing that it is “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.”
Others viewed the trend with frustration rather than curiosity.
A parent commented, “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!!”
Despite the wide range of opinions, the explanation has little to do with fashion, superstition, or personal symbolism.
The Real Reason Behind the Heel Cutout
The growing practice is connected to comfort and pain management rather than appearance.
Just as some professional players cut holes in their socks to reduce pressure around their calves, others now modify the heel section of their boots to relieve discomfort during matches.
The adjustment is linked to Haglund’s deformity, a condition that affects the back of the heel. Many elite players reportedly create a carefully positioned opening in the heel area of their boots to reduce direct pressure on the affected spot.
Instead of allowing the rigid heel section to press continuously against sensitive tissue, the cutout creates additional space where irritation would normally occur.
For athletes who spend an entire match accelerating, sprinting, turning, and changing direction inside tightly fitting footwear, even a small reduction in pressure can make movement more comfortable.
Understanding Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s deformity is commonly referred to as the “pump bump.” The condition develops when repeated friction causes “a bony lump to form at the back of the heel.”
As the bony enlargement develops, wearing footwear that fits tightly around the heel can become increasingly uncomfortable. Continuous rubbing may worsen irritation over time.
“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.”
Professional soccer boots are intentionally designed to fit closely around the foot in order to maximize control and responsiveness. While that close fit offers performance benefits, it can also increase pressure on sensitive areas of the heel.
For players competing at the highest level, every sprint, quick stop, and rapid change of direction places additional stress on the back of the foot.
Repeated contact between the rigid heel counter and the enlarged bone may contribute to inflammation around the Achilles tendon as well as painful bursitis.
By removing a portion of the stiff heel material, players create more room for the affected area, reducing friction that might otherwise make every step uncomfortable during competition.
Medical Perspective on the Growing Practice
The increasing number of modified boots has also drawn attention from medical professionals familiar with sports-related foot injuries.
Dr. Donald Grant explained that 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.”
He further described the condition by saying, “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,” while emphasizing that altering footwear should not be mistaken for medical treatment.
Although cutting away part of the heel can lessen pressure and reduce rubbing, the modification is intended primarily as a practical method of improving comfort during play.
“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.”
The comments highlight the difference between easing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause of the condition.
Creating extra space inside the boot may help reduce immediate discomfort, but it does not eliminate the structural changes associated with Haglund’s Syndrome.
As Dr. Grant explained, “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.”
A Practical Adjustment Rather Than a Fashion Statement
What initially appeared to many supporters as an unusual style choice is actually a practical adaptation used by some professional soccer players to remain comfortable during demanding matches.
The growing visibility of heel cutouts has sparked widespread discussion among fans, particularly after Pedro Neto’s modified boots were seen during Portugal’s World Cup contest against Spain.
While social media produced a variety of creative explanations, the reason behind the altered footwear is rooted in managing heel discomfort caused by repeated pressure inside tightly fitted boots.
For players coping with Haglund’s deformity, removing part of the rigid heel structure can provide temporary relief during competition. Even so, medical experts emphasize that the modification should be viewed only as a way to manage discomfort rather than as a treatment for the condition itself.