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Harvard Study Uncovers Physics Behind Basketball Shoe Squeaks

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Nature study by Harvard University researchers and collaborators reveals the physics behind the high-pitched squeaks of basketball shoes, caused by rippling deformations from the sole's ridges traveling at near-supersonic speeds.
The mechanism differs from prior stick-slip theories.
The squeak frequency corresponds to the sole's shape and stiffness.
The findings may also offer insights into earthquake dynamics due to similarities with fault movements.

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Story summary

A Nature study by Harvard University researchers and collaborators reveals the physics behind the high-pitched squeaks of basketball shoes, caused by rippling deformations from the sole's ridges traveling at near-supersonic speeds.
The mechanism differs from prior stick-slip theories.
The squeak frequency corresponds to the sole's shape and stiffness.
The findings may also offer insights into earthquake dynamics due to similarities with fault movements.