Why do we feel an electric sh0ck when we touch another person? Science explains

Shoes Matter More Than You Think

Your footwear affects how electricity flows.

Shoes with rubber or plastic soles:

• Insulate you from the ground
• Prevent charge from dissipating

Shoes with leather soles:

• Allow charge to flow away more easily

This is why shocks are more common when wearing sneakers indoors.

Why Touching Metal Feels Worse Than Touching People

Metal is a good conductor of electricity.

When you touch metal:

• Charge discharges instantly
• The spark is concentrated
• The sensation feels sharper

When touching another person, the discharge is often slightly slower—but still noticeable.