Several Australian players drew attention during their 2026 World Cup match against the United States by wearing socks with holes cut into the calf area. The trend began around eight years ago and has been embraced by stars such as Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka and Bayern Munich midfielder Leroy Sané, bringing it wider attention.
According to The Athleticplayers say the main goal is comfort. The socks are typically made of polyester, a material that holds its shape and resists water absorption but can feel restrictive. Many players believe cutting holes relieves pressure on the calf muscles and improves blood circulation. For some, the practice is also psychological.
“Every detail is about creating maximum comfort for the player,” former English Premier League striker Frank Nouble told The Athletic in 2023, explaining why players go to such lengths over something as minor as their socks.
Footballers are cutting holes in their socks. Photo from Instagram |
The phenomenon is not unique to football. Some fast bowlers in cricket cut a hole in their shoes to prevent bruising of the big toe as they land a foot to bowl. As their body weight and forward momentum suddenly halt, the foot slides forward violently inside the shoe and the big toe repeatedly jams into the hard toe box with a force equal to several times their body weight.
Medical experts are skeptical about the benefits of sock-cutting in football. Dr. Rajpal Brar, an American physiotherapist, says there is no medical evidence that cutting holes in socks helps prevent injuries.
“If the goal is to reduce calf pressure from a medical perspective, the real solution is to use compression socks during recovery periods between matches.”
Compression socks aid blood circulation and reduce swelling, bur since footballers are constantly moving during matches, poor circulation is not a concern anyway, he adds.
Allan Vad Nielsen, former CEO of sportswear brand Hummel, says some socks have traditionally been designed to fit tightly so that brand logos remain clearly visible. Advances in materials technology have since introduced compression zones and breathable mesh panels, developments that should reduce players’ need to cut holes in the first place, he adds.
Former England defender Gary Neville is also skeptical: “They have about 400 pairs of boots, they have everything made to measure. I’m not having that Nike or a kit sponsor can’t make them a slightly bigger pair of socks.”
At a semi-professional level, the trend has even created financial headaches. Alan Evans, secretary of England’s Northwood FC, says the club now requires players to pay for replacement socks themselves because too many pairs were being damaged by players cutting holes in them.
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