During the Australia versus US match at the 2026 World Cup, many Australian players caught attention wearing socks with slits cut into the calf area. This trend has been present in professional football for about eight years, associated with stars such as Bukayo Saka of England and Leroy Sane of Germany.

The main purpose of cutting socks is to seek comfort. Modern football socks, often made from polyester, are designed to maintain shape and resist water absorption but can feel restrictive. Many players believe that creating holes reduces pressure on the muscles, improves blood circulation, and thus helps prevent muscle cramps.

Some players also view this practice as a psychological solution. Former striker Frank Nouble told The Athletic in 2023, "Every detail is geared towards maximizing player comfort."

This phenomenon is not exclusive to football. Some cricket bowlers also cut holes in their shoes to prevent their toes from rubbing against the toe box during landing. However, cutting socks is more prevalent in football.

Illustrative image: NY Times

However, the actual benefits of this trend are met with skepticism by the medical community. Doctor Rajpal Brar, a physical therapist in Los Angeles, US, stated that there is no medical evidence to prove that cutting socks helps prevent injuries.

He explained, "If one wants to reduce pressure on the calves from a medical perspective, the actual solution is to use compression socks during the recovery phase between matches."

Doctor Brar added that compression socks can support blood flow and reduce swelling. Players are constantly active on the field, so poor blood circulation is not a primary concern for them.

From the manufacturer's perspective, Allan Vad Nielsen, former chief executive officer of Hummel, noted that some sock designs were quite tight to ensure the brand logo was clearly visible. However, material technology has significantly evolved, now incorporating compression zones and heat-dissipating mesh panels.

Among football professionals, former England defender Gary Neville once expressed his bewilderment. Neville commented, "They have about 400 custom-designed pairs of shoes. I do not believe that sponsoring companies cannot make them a wider pair of socks."

In semi-professional leagues, cutting socks creates financial issues. Alan Evans, secretary of Northwood FC in England, said the club has to ask players to pay for new socks themselves due to the continuous damage caused by cutting them.

Ngoc Ngan (According to The Athletic, NY Times)