The Science Behind the Squeak of Basketball Shoes

Researchers uncover the complex physics behind the familiar sound of sneakers on hardwood floors.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A materials scientist at Harvard University, Adel Djellouli, investigated the surprising complexity behind the squeaking sound of basketball shoes on hardwood floors. By sliding a sneaker against a smooth glass plate and recording the process with high-speed cameras, Djellouli and his team discovered that the squeaking is caused by tiny sections of the shoe sole changing shape thousands of times per second as they lose and regain contact with the floor. This creates a high-frequency rippling effect that produces the familiar squeak. The findings could help scientists better understand friction and lead to the development of squeak-free shoe designs in the future.

Why it matters

Understanding the physics behind the squeak of basketball shoes has implications beyond just satisfying the curiosity of sports fans. The research could help scientists better comprehend fundamental problems in physics, such as how tectonic plates move during earthquakes, and lead to innovations that reduce friction and energy waste. It may also enable the development of shoes designed to eliminate embarrassing squeaks in quiet environments.

The details

Djellouli and his colleagues at Harvard recorded the squeaking sound of a sneaker sliding against a glass plate and used high-speed cameras to analyze what was happening. They found that as the shoe grips the floor, tiny sections of the sole change shape thousands of times per second, momentarily losing and then regaining contact. This rapid rippling effect creates the high-pitched squeak. The researchers also discovered that the ridge-like patterns on the bottom of shoes help organize these bursts of friction to produce a clear, audible sound.

  • Djellouli first noticed the squeaking sound while watching a Boston Celtics game at TD Garden in 2026.

The players

Adel Djellouli

A materials scientist at Harvard University who investigated the physics behind the squeaking sound of basketball shoes.

Bart Weber

A physicist who wrote an editorial accompanying the research, noting that understanding friction is an important but difficult problem in physics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This squeaking sound when players are sliding on the floor is omnipresent. It's always there, right?”

— Adel Djellouli, Materials Scientist

“Friction is one of the oldest and most intricate problems in physics. Yet, despite its practical importance, it is difficult to predict and control.”

— Bart Weber, Physicist

What’s next

The researchers believe their findings could help scientists better understand fundamental problems in physics, such as how tectonic plates move during earthquakes, and lead to the development of squeak-free shoe designs in the future.

The takeaway

This study not only satisfies the curiosity of basketball fans, but also has broader implications for advancing our understanding of friction and its applications in fields ranging from earthquake science to energy efficiency.