Across this World Cup, a familiar sight is back: players cutting holes into the backs of their socks. Supporters say it eases calf pressure and helps comfort, while medical voices question the evidence—and some clubs have even treated the trend like an avoidab
Something is missing from this World Cup.
Not goals, drama, or storylines—there have been plenty of those. Instead, look down at the pitch side of the game. The players’ socks have become the headline: a holey mess that keeps showing up, whether fans want it or not.
The craze of players cutting holes in the backs of their socks is not new. It has been going on for at least eight years, but it refuses to fade. You could see the trend clearly in Australia’s defeat to the United States on Friday. when many of the Australians appeared to have taken the scissors to their kit.
Why do they do it—and what are the benefits supposed to be?
Primarily, it’s about comfort.
The modern football sock is made from polyester. That helps it keep its shape and means it doesn’t retain as much water. but it can still be tight and restrictive. Some players believe that cutting holes in those socks can reduce pressure on their calves. increasing blood flow to the area and reducing the risk of cramp and injury. The idea is that, with less restriction, they get more freedom and comfort—and therefore perform better.
The ‘scientific’ reasoning is unofficial. Still, the logic is easy to understand on a practical level: if something feels too tight, people will try to make it feel right.
Frank Nouble, a former West Ham United striker, told The Athletic in 2023: “You look good, you feel good, you play good. It’s always about being as comfy as possible on the pitch.”
There are also parallels in other sports. Fast bowlers in cricket sometimes cut holes in their boots so their toes can poke through, avoiding them rubbing against the end of the boot when their foot lands on the turf. But the practice appears more widespread in football than in any other sport.
Medical voices are far less convinced.
Dr Raj Brar, from 3CB Performance, told Tifo Football in 2023 that there’s no medical evidence to support cutting holes in your socks as a preventative measure.
He said: “One way of medically reducing pressure on the calves is the opposite of cutting holes in them, through using higher-pressure compression socks in between games as a recovery measure.”
Brar added: “That will increase circulation and reduce swelling to varying degrees based on the level of pressure (tightness) of the sock. Besides, footballers get more than enough activity through their calves to not worry about circulation and swelling pooling up.”
Other figures point to the sock itself—and what manufacturers are doing with materials.
Allan Vad Nielsen, the former CEO of Hummel, said: “Some brands knit their socks very tightly to improve the visibility and clarity of their logos, which can result in a snug fit that some players find uncomfortable.”
He continued: “But more advanced materials like polypropylene provide better consistency and durability. New technologies have enabled better cushioning zones in the ankles and compression zones that provide better blood transportation. reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing performance. Additionally. mesh inserts are now used in football socks to improve heat control and ventilation. keeping the feet dry and cool.”.
Even if socks are improving, scepticism still exists.
Former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville doubted the need for players to cut their socks on his Stick to Football podcast in 2024.
He said: “They have about 400 pairs of boots, they have everything made to measure,” adding, “I’m not having that Nike or a sponsor of a kit don’t make them a slightly bigger pair of socks.”
And down in non-league football, the debate can get practical fast.
At Northwood, who are now in the Combined Counties League Premier Division North (step five of the non-League pyramid), socks became a contentious and expensive topic.
Northwood’s club secretary, Alan Evans, told The Athletic in 2023 that he made players pay for their own socks as a result.
World Cup socks holey socks football boots player comfort injury prevention polyester socks calf pressure Gary Neville Mathew Leckie Bukayo Saka Alan Evans Northwood
So… scissors socks are the new strategy? lol
I don’t buy it. If it’s polyester and not retaining water then why are they even messing with it. Sounds like another “gimmick” thing athletes do.
Wait I thought the holes were for like ventilation because they sweat a ton. But the article is saying calf pressure? I mean I guess if it feels tight you cut it, right. Still seems kinda unsanitary to me? Like what if they cut too far and then it’s just… chaos.
This is why I hate soccer talk, everyone’s acting like it’s science. I heard somewhere it’s actually so their socks don’t rip in scrums or whatever, not for blood flow. Also you know those clips are gonna make kids do the same thing at school and then pretend it fixes cramps. If there’s no evidence why do teams even let them do it? Makes no sense, but whatever, they looked kinda fast in that US game so people will blame the socks anyway.