Scientists explain why soccer players cut their socks

Calf Physiology

According to the biomechanical analysis by researchers, during accelerations and rapid changes of direction, the main calf muscle contracts and temporarily increases in volume to generate the necessary force to propel the athlete. This process repeats thousands of times in a single game.

For certain players, this continuous muscle expansion, combined with sock compression, can cause a feeling of pressure. Over time, a belief has emerged among the athletes themselves that creating holes in the material would allow the muscle to 'breathe', mitigating pain or cramps.

Absence of Proven Benefits

Experts in sports medicine and physical recovery, cited by WIRED, emphasize that there are no studies demonstrating any benefit derived from the act of cutting socks. On the contrary, most research on compression wear indicates that when properly designed and fitted, it helps limit muscle inflammation after intense exercise.

Although lacking scientific basis, the custom persists among professionals and is currently viewed as behavior based on personal experiences, rather than scientific data. Football rules allow for the modification of socks, provided the equipment remains safe and the shin guards are covered, unlike torn jerseys, which are prohibited.

Possible Psychological Factor

Given the lack of physiological proof, specialists suggest that part of this phenomenon may be linked to the athlete's own perception of comfort. In high-performance sport, the feeling of well-being can impact the player's self-confidence during competition.

If an athlete feels that a piece of clothing is limiting their movements, removing that discomfort can make them feel freer to run or change direction, even if their actual performance does not change. Researchers warn, however, that this does not imply that the discomfort is illusory, as the perception of pressure or restriction varies according to individual anatomy and sensitivity. Therefore, two players with the same equipment may have different sensations.

In summary, current evidence indicates that cutting socks does not confer a competitive advantage nor reduce injury risks, appearing to be a ritual with a predominantly psychological, rather than physiological, effect.