Explained: Why football players cut holes in their socks

England stars like Jude Bellingham have been wearing socks with holes during the Euros

England's Jude Bellingham with a ripped pair of socks during the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands in Dortmund. EPA

England have provided many incredible memories for their fans so far in the European Championship, rallying from seemingly impossible positions to go all the way to the final of the tournament in Germany.

Gareth Southgate's team looked riddled with problems, but when the time came, the Three Lions rose to the challenge. Just like they did against the Netherlands in the semi-final as they came back from a goal down to secure victory at the stroke of 90 minutes through a stunning effort from substitute Ollie Watkins.

England fans have had to develop nerves of steel watching their team leave it late to get over the finish line – they are the first team in European Championship history to reach the final despite trailing in both the last 16, quarter-final and semi-final.

And fans must have also spotted another trend among some of their players in the tournament – large holes in their socks.

It is a strange addition to the game, but is a quick fix to a problem that can be serious if not attended to in time.

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Conor Gallagher have all been spotted wearing socks with gaping holes in them, leading to questions about the utility of them.

Brazil forward Rodrygo wears a torn pair of socks during the Copa America quarter-final against Uruguay in Las Vegas. AFP

Why do football players cut holes in their socks?

First, let's look at the problem. Football players are some of the most well-trained athletes in the world, with their legs requiring incredible levels of conditioning. That means highly developed calf muscles, among others.

While a lot of attention goes in the development of their footwear, not a lot of thought had been given to the apparel covering their legs.

The socks footballers wear during matches need to cover their calves as it also has to contain the shin pads. That means they must be fairly tight.

That can lead to reduced blood circulation as muscles swell after constant running. So players have started cutting holes in their socks to ensure the skin can breathe and there is easier blood circulation.

England and Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has been wearing socks with holes in for years. Back in 2021, he explained the rationale behind it, saying: "The socks were actually too tight so it was causing pressure on my calves. It was just to release my calves – or release the tension. I just cut holes in them and all of a sudden I had a few alright games, and I was like, 'Ok, I'm keeping this now!'"

Do other sports use similar strategy?

Cutting holes in playing gear is seen in cricket as well. There, fast bowlers have been known to cut holes in the shoes to reduce the strain on their toes.

Fast bowlers are known to push five to eight times their body weight through their knees at the time of delivery. That means their landing foot bears the brunt of the force, which pushes the toes against the shoe.

Pacers usually have heavily damaged toes, a problem that many try to mitigate by cutting holes in their shoes to release the build-up of pressure.