During the 2026 World Cup, Portuguese forward Pedro Neto drew attention by playing with the backs of his boots deliberately cut off just above the heel. The modification was intended to relieve pressure on a sensitive part of his foot, and although the image went viral, the practice is not new: professional players have long altered their boots this way to reduce friction between the shoe and the heel. In a sport where boots are fitted to the millimetre and constant sprinting and sharp changes of direction are required, even minor heel discomfort can affect a player's comfort and performance.

Heel discomfort can stem from causes ranging from chafing and blisters to tendon inflammation or chronic bone deformities. One frequently cited explanation is Haglund's syndrome, a bony growth on the back of the heel that can rub against the Achilles tendon, causing pain and inflammation. Recommended treatment begins with modifying footwear, but because boots are required by regulation and cannot simply be replaced, players instead alter them — a "loophole" comparable to cutting soccer socks. There is no public confirmation that Neto has been diagnosed with the syndrome, nor any statement explaining his choice. The boots in question were Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite.