Peculiarity at World Cup baffles fans: Why are footballers doing this?

A peculiar sight at the 2026 World Cup has captured the attention of fans: several players are competing with football boots featuring unusual cut-out holes in the heel area. This modification, first observed on Portugal's Pedro Neto during a match against Spain, has led to widespread curiosity and discussion among supporters.

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I see something like this for the first time.

Many fans admitted to never having seen such a modification before. While it might appear to be a mere aesthetic quirk, the prevailing theory points to a medical reason. The cut-out is thought to alleviate pressure caused by Haglund's heel, a condition characterized by a bony prominence at the back of the heel. Constant friction from a stiff boot heel against this growth can lead to painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon and surrounding bursa.

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This reduces pressure on the Achilles tendon and heel, and prevents blisters.

By removing a section of the boot's heel, players aim to reduce direct pressure on the affected area, thereby preventing pain, blisters, and inflammation. One social media user explained, "This reduces pressure on the Achilles tendon and heel, and prevents blisters." This practice is not entirely new, as Brazilian stars Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho have also been seen wearing similarly modified boots in the past.

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Companies earning billions still can't create boots that don't cause problems for players.

However, the situation has also drawn criticism from some fans directed at the sports footwear manufacturers. They express surprise that professional athletes, despite the high cost of their equipment, are reportedly forced to alter their own boots to play without pain. "Companies earning billions still can't create boots that don't cause problems for players," one commentator lamented. Others speculate that the cut-outs might be related to players intentionally choosing smaller boot sizes for better ball control, a practice reportedly followed by players like Lamine Yamal, who wears several sizes smaller than usual.

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Most footballers wear smaller sizes to better feel the ball. For example, Lamine Yamal wears shoes several sizes smaller than usual.