system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
What would happen if you had literally frictionless shoes?

While thinking about a certain speedy hedgehog, I came across the tidbit that apparantly his shoes are completely frictionless, and this is supposed to be one reason why he's able to run so fast.

What would happen if you had shoes that were literally frictionless, and how would that affect your ability to run?
gpt
Without friction, you would not be able to run at all. Friction is what you use to push of the ground. When you are running, you want as much friction as possible. That is why competitive athletes in track, soccer, football, etc. wear cleats: to increase their grip on the ground so they can push off better. Soles of shoes are usually made out of rubber because rubber has such high friction.

UPDATE: Contrary to what some others have said below, it would not be strictly impossible to stay standing on a frictionless surface. It would be very hard to stay standing, but not impossible. For a human to stay standing, they have to keep their center of gravity in the area between the two legs. On friction-full ground, your center of gravity drifts towards the outside of this safe zone by regular movements, small perturbations, etc. but you are able to move your center of gravity back well within the safe zone by pushing against the ground. Without friction, this is not an option. But, you can also change your center of gravity by adjusting the position of your arms and torso. For instance, if you hold both arms out to the left, your center of gravity shifts slightly to the left. You can use this fact to keep your center of gravity well within the safe zone. You won't be able to walk, but you will be able to balance by swinging your arms and head about in the right way. It is hard and takes a lot of practice, but is doable. Picture a person standing on very slick ice flailing their arms about and managing to stay up.