Sneaker Squeak Mystery Solved by Basketball Court Physics

New study uses high-speed cameras to uncover the science behind the iconic basketball court sound.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A new study published in Nature has uncovered the physics behind the ubiquitous squeaking sound of basketball sneakers on the court. Researchers from Harvard University used high-speed cameras and microphones to analyze the rapid changes in the shape of sneaker soles as they grip and slip on the hardwood floor, finding that these fast rippling motions produce the characteristic squeak. The insights could help design future sneakers to eliminate or fine-tune the squeak.

Why it matters

Understanding the science behind sneaker squeaks not only satisfies the curiosity of basketball fans, but could also have broader implications for improving our understanding of friction and how it can be better controlled. Reducing unwanted friction and noise could lead to energy savings and more comfortable experiences in a variety of settings beyond the basketball court.

The details

The researchers, led by materials scientist Adel Djellouli of Harvard University, conducted experiments where they slid a sneaker against a smooth glass plate and recorded the resulting squeaks with high-speed cameras and microphones. They found that as the shoe grips and slips on the surface, tiny sections of the sole rapidly change shape thousands of times per second, creating rippling motions that match the frequency of the audible squeak. The specific tread patterns on the bottom of shoes also seem to play a role in organizing these bursts of friction to produce a clear, high-pitched sound.

  • The researchers conducted their experiments after attending a Boston Celtics game in 2025 and being intrigued by the omnipresent squeaking sounds.
  • The study was published in the journal Nature on February 26, 2026.

The players

Adel Djellouli

A materials scientist at Harvard University who led the research study on sneaker squeaks.

Bart Weber

A physicist who wrote an editorial accompanying the sneaker squeak research, noting its potential to improve our understanding of friction and its applications.

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What they’re saying

“That squeaking is basically your shoe rippling, or creating wrinkles that travel super fast. They repeat at a high frequency, and this is why you get that squeaky noise.”

— Adel Djellouli, Materials Scientist, Harvard University (latimes.com)

“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 (latimes.com)

What’s next

The researchers suggest that their findings could help guide the design of future sneakers to either eliminate the squeak entirely or fine-tune it to a pitch that is inaudible to the human ear.

The takeaway

This study not only satisfies the curiosity of basketball fans, but also has broader implications for improving our scientific understanding of friction and how it can be better controlled to reduce unwanted noise and energy waste in a variety of applications beyond the sports arena.