Scientists Uncover the Secrets Behind Basketball Shoe Squeaks

New study reveals the physics behind the iconic sound of sneakers on the court

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Researchers at Harvard University have uncovered the science behind the ubiquitous squeaking sound of basketball shoes on the court. By sliding sneakers against a glass plate and recording the process with high-speed cameras, the team discovered that the squeaks are caused by tiny sections of the shoe sole rapidly changing shape as they lose and regain contact with the floor thousands of times per second, creating high-frequency vibrations that produce the distinct pitch.

Why it matters

Understanding the physics behind shoe squeaks could have broader implications beyond just satisfying basketball fans' curiosity. The research could help improve the design of shoes to either enhance or eliminate the squeaking sound, depending on the desired application. It also provides insights into the complex mechanics of friction that are relevant to a wide range of fields, from earthquake science to improving energy efficiency.

The details

In the study, the researchers found that the ridge-like patterns on the bottom of shoes help organize the rapid bursts of friction that create the squeaking sound, compared to flat, featureless rubber which produced more chaotic vibrations. They also discovered that adjusting the thickness of the rubber could change the pitch of the squeak, suggesting future shoes could be engineered to produce squeaks at frequencies inaudible to humans.

  • The research was published on February 27, 2026 in the journal Nature.
  • The study was conducted after the researchers noticed the ubiquitous squeaking sound while attending a Boston Celtics game at TD Garden.

The players

Adel Djellouli

A materials scientist at Harvard University who conducted the research on basketball shoe squeaks.

Bart Weber

A physicist who wrote an editorial accompanying the new research, noting the practical importance of understanding friction despite the difficulty in predicting and controlling it.

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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, Harvard University (indy100.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 (indy100.com)

What’s next

The researchers suggest that the insights from this study could help guide the design of future basketball shoes to either enhance or eliminate the squeaking sound, depending on the desired application.

The takeaway

This research not only satisfies the curiosity of basketball fans, but also provides valuable insights into the complex mechanics of friction that have broad implications across various scientific and engineering fields.