Some World Cup players have been making a surprising tweak to their kit before stepping onto the field.
Viewers following the tournament may have spotted an odd detail in the gear worn by certain footballers.
England players including Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker have all been seen doing it.
The unusual adjustment involves deliberately cutting holes in parts of their kit before a game.
In many cases, the cuts appear on the back of their socks, giving them the look of having torn open.
It is not down to wear and tear from the demands of the match. The holes are being made intentionally.
One explanation behind the practice is that it helps ease pressure on the calf muscles.
Socks at elite level are often tightly fitted, especially when players are also wearing grip socks or tape underneath, so cutting into them may reduce tension during an intense match.
Given how much elite players sprint, turn and control the ball, even a small restriction can become a nuisance.
It may look strange from the outside, but at the highest level tiny physical adjustments can matter.
The practice has become more visible in recent tournaments and is now one of the more eye-catching pieces of football kit “customisation” on display.
It is not only socks drawing attention either, as some players have also been noticed wearing boots with the heel area cut away.
That is seen less often than altered socks, though it has still caught the eye of fans.
And no, players are not making a fashion statement by wearing kit with holes in it.
Anyone who has broken in a fresh pair of shoes during a long walk or run will know how easily they can rub, especially around the heel.
Because of that, some believe players remove the section of the boot most likely to cause friction, helping them avoid discomfort and blisters during a match.
One user took to social media, suggesting it is ‘to relieve pressure on the Achilles/heel and avoid blisters.’
There is also a condition known as ‘Haglund’s Heel’, referred to as ‘pump bump’ by Cleveland Clinic, which can become especially painful when wearing snug footwear such as trainers.
For players who are already dealing with tight boots, sore heels or Achilles irritation, cutting away part of the back of a sock or boot can be a quick workaround that makes them feel more comfortable on the pitch.
Sports scientists and boot specialists have also noted that the habit is usually about comfort and pressure relief rather than a guaranteed performance boost.
That said, not every player does it, and not every modified sock or boot is made for the same reason. For some, it may be about reducing calf compression; for others, it may be about protecting a sensitive heel or easing a pressure point that develops during play.
So while the torn look may seem bizarre to fans, it is usually just another example of players trying to fine-tune their kit for a few extra minutes of comfort in the middle of a high-intensity match.