Something is missing from this World Cup.<\/span><\/p>\n Not goals, drama or storylines \u2014 there have been plenty of those. Instead, we should focus on the players\u2019 socks, which are, to put it bluntly, a holey mess.<\/p>\n 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 shows no sign of being a passing fad, as anyone who watched Australia\u2019s defeat to the United States on Friday can testify. In that game, many of the Australians seemed to have taken the scissors to their kit.<\/p>\n But why do they do it and what, if anything, are the benefits?\u00a0The Athletic<\/em> explains all.<\/p>\n Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in <\/i>The Athletic app<\/i><\/a>.<\/p>\n \n Australia\u2019s Mathew Leckie sports his holey socks against the United States (Luis Veniegra\/SOPA Images\/LightRocket via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Primarily, it\u2019s a comfort thing.<\/p>\n The modern football sock is made from polyester, which is good at keeping its shape and doesn\u2019t retain as much water, but it can be tight and restrictive.<\/span><\/p>\n 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. This will consequently give them more freedom and comfort, allowing them to perform better.<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s the (unofficial) \u2018scientific\u2019 reason, but there\u2019s also the benefit of players expressing their individuality, and the psychological benefits that can follow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Former West Ham United striker Frank Nouble told<\/a> <\/span>The Athletic<\/span><\/i> in 2023: \u201cYou look good, you feel good, you play good. <\/span>It\u2019s always about being as comfy as possible on the pitch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n There are examples of other sportspeople doing similar things \u2014 fast bowlers in cricket sometimes cut holes in their boots to allow their toes to poke through, avoiding them rubbing against the end of the boot when their foot lands on the turf \u2014 but it seems more widespread in football than any other sport.<\/p>\n Dr Raj Brar, from 3CB Performance, told Tifo Football<\/a> in 2023 that there\u2019s no medical evidence to support cutting holes in your socks as a preventative measure.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOne 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,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThat 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n Bukayo Saka has regularly cut holes in his socks (Alex Pantling\/FIFA via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Former CEO of Hummel, Allan Vad Nielsen, said: \u201cSome 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. <\/span>But more advanced materials like polypropylene provide better consistency and durability.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cNew 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. <\/span>Additionally, mesh inserts are now used in football socks to improve heat control and ventilation, keeping the feet dry and cool.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Very much so. Former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville doubted the need for players to cut their socks on his Stick to Football<\/a> podcast in 2024.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have about 400 pairs of boots, they have everything made to measure,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m not having that Nike or a sponsor of a kit don\u2019t make them a slightly bigger pair of socks.\u201d<\/p>\n Further down the football pyramid, there are different concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At Northwood, who are now in the Combined Counties League Premier Division North <\/span>(step five of the non-League pyramid), socks proved to be a contentious and expensive topic.<\/span><\/p>\n Northwood\u2019s club secretary, Alan Evans, told The Athletic<\/em> in 2023 that he made players pay for their own socks as a result.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2026\/06\/20093142\/GettyImages-2281888226-scaled.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nWhy do players cut holes in their socks?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What have medical professionals said about cutting holes in socks?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2026\/06\/20093124\/GettyImages-2282264191-scaled.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nAre there holey sock sceptics?<\/strong><\/h2>\n