FIFA World Cup enthusiasts have noticed a peculiar detail on the field, as some of the tournament’s top players are altering their boots by cutting a hole in the heel.
Soccer fans have long been curious about why many England players create holes in the backs of their socks before games. Now, a similar trend has emerged with their footwear, as some of the sport’s biggest stars are using scissors on boots that cost hundreds of dollars.
This unusual modification gained significant attention during Portugal’s World Cup match against Spain, when winger Pedro Neto seemed to damage one of his vibrant pink Nike Mercurial boots during a challenge.
As Neto displayed the ripped heel of his nearly $400 football boot to the referee before switching shoes, sharp-eyed viewers noticed something even more unusual. His new pair also featured a hole cut into the back.
The difference was that the replacement boot had a fresh cutout in the heel, rather than one that looked worn out.
Internet users question the heel hole
Images of the boots quickly circulated on social media, leading fans to speculate whether this odd design was a new trend or just a damaged pair of cleats.
“Why do footballers cut the back of their boots? I saw Pedro Neto doing it yesterday against Spain,” one X user inquired while sharing a picture of Neto and his modified boots.
“I think a tackle ruined his boots, and he had to change them mid-game,” another user suggested in the comments, prompting the original poster to respond: “Dude, they swapped his boot and gave him this one with a cut at the back.”
Another commenter remarked that it’s “a symbol of commitment and resilience as a player,” reminding the athlete “of the dedication and hard work that led to his current achievements.”
Meanwhile, a frustrated parent expressed, “I don’t understand why they do that to their socks and boots, but it’s driving me crazy because my son wants to imitate them!!”
While the internet offered numerous theories, the actual reason is surprisingly straightforward –
‘Pump bump’
Just like some athletes create holes in the backs of their socks to alleviate pressure on their calves, others are now customizing their boots to relieve heel pain during games.
As reported by Footy Headlines, numerous top players are experiencing Haglund’s deformity, prompting them to alter their boots with a ‘controlled hole.’
The Cleveland Clinic describes this condition – often referred to as the ‘pump bump’ – as occurring when continuous friction leads to ‘a bony lump forming at the back of the heel.’
‘Haglund’s deformity can result in heel discomfort, particularly when wearing shoes that fit snugly against the back of your heel. Over time, the pressure and irritation on the growth can lead to additional issues in your heel and feet,’ the medical site states.
For elite soccer players who engage in 90 minutes of sprinting, twisting, and changing directions in tightly fitted boots, that pressure can swiftly result in inflammation around the Achilles tendon and painful bursitis.
By removing part of the rigid heel counter, the sensitive area can move more freely, minimizing the friction that can make each step painful.
Doctor weighs in
This rising trend has also garnered the attention of medical professionals.
Dr. Donald Grant shared with UNILAD that the condition is ‘especially prevalent among athletes, including football players, due to tight footwear, repeated sprints, and sudden directional changes, all of which can heighten the risk of irritation, leading to this injury.’
“Haglund’s Syndrome is generally linked to three primary concerns: a bony growth at the rear of the heel bone, an inflamed bursa (the fluid-filled sac located between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon), and irritation of the Achilles tendon itself,” the doctor noted, emphasizing that a heel cutout should not be confused with a medical solution.
“Although this can certainly alleviate pressure on the heel and help prevent friction, it shouldn’t be considered a reliable method for treating the injury,” he remarked. “Many athletes utilize this as a quick and practical way to cope with discomfort during a game, but it’s not a validated method for prevention.”
“Altering shoes can ease the immediate pain associated with Haglund’s Syndrome, and making room in the shoe may lessen the rubbing against the affected area, but it won’t resolve the bony protrusion, inflammation, or any irritation impacting the Achilles tendon,” he continued.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve witnessed during the World Cup? We’d love to hear your thoughts and share this story to spark a discussion!
