An image of Portugal forward Pedro Neto’s cleats at the World Cup has reignited a practice among some soccer players: modifying their cleats to relieve heel discomfort.

Nell'ottavo di finale tra Portogallo e Spagna gli spettatori più accorti avranno notato che il calciatore portoghese ha cambiato le scarpette con un paio prive di tallone

But what is it? How does it affect athletes? And is there a cure?

An image of Portugal forward Pedro Neto’s cleats at the World Cup has reignited a practice among some soccer players: modifying their cleats to relieve heel discomfort.