Why RR fast bowler Jofra Archer makes holes in the toe area of his shoes - Explained

Saurav Goyal

Why RR fast bowler Jofra Archer makes holes in the toe area of his shoes - Explained image

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Rajasthan Royals are going through a bad phase in the IPL season 2025. It has been hard for RR to win games and currently they are at the seventh position on the points table.

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With just 4 points and 7 defeats in 9 matches, it is now looking almost impossible for them to reach the playoffs.

In the middle of this tough time, something unusual has caught everyone's eye. Fast bowler Jofra Archer did something very strange- he made a hole in his shoe. Let’s try to find out why Archer did that with his shoes.

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Why did Jofra Archer make holes in his shoes?

Rajasthan Royals posted a short video where Jofra Archer could be seen making a hole in his new shoe.

It looked odd at first but there was a real reason behind it.

Archer explained that when he runs hard while bowling, his toe feels a lot of pressure. It gets squeezed inside the shoe and causes pain. To avoid that, he makes a hole near the toe area, so there is space for the thumb and no extra pressure while bowling.

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Is making holes in the shoes common for fast bowlers?

Actually, yes. This trick is not totally new among fast bowlers. In longer formats like ODIs and Test cricket, where a bowler has to bowl many overs, it is common to see them cutting holes near the toe area.

Fast bowlers cut or modify their cricket spikes, often in the toe area, to relieve pressure and reduce friction on their feet, particularly during the delivery stride and landing.

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How has Jofra Archer performed in IPL 2025?

Even though Rajasthan Royals have struggled badly, Archer has shown some good signs with the ball. He has picked up 9 wickets from 9 matches so far. 6 of those wickets have come inside the powerplay itself.

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Saurav Goyal

Saurav Goyal is a content producer for The Sporting News’ India edition.