The surprising science of squeaky sneakers

Nature

by Dan Fox

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The mystery behind why soft materials like rubber shoes squeak when sliding over hard surfaces has been unraveled by new research. Scientists used high-speed photography to study the interaction between a rubber block and a hard acrylic sheet, revealing that the noise is caused by dynamic frictional pulses—similar to those seen in earthquake mechanics—and tiny electrical discharges resembling lightning bolts. These findings shed light on the physics of friction at soft-rigid interfaces, which could have far-reaching implications for engineering, materials science, and even earthquake research. The study highlights how the interaction between a flexible material and a rigid surface generates complex vibrations and electric charges. By capturing these processes with advanced imaging techniques, researchers observed that as the rubber block slides, it creates localized stress concentrations that lead to sudden energy releases in the form of pulses. These pulses are responsible for the characteristic squeaking sound, while the electrical discharges contribute to the noise's sharpness and intensity. Understanding this phenomenon could lead to advancements in various fields. For instance, engineers might develop quieter tires or brakes by

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Originally published on Nature on 2/26/2026