If You’re a Fan of Tactical Flip Flops, You Should Reconsider

Do you like walking around in flip flops, or as some of us in the tactical world like to call them, tactical flip flops? I get it. They’re comfortable, you can slide them on and off, you don’t need to wear socks, and they allow your feet to breathe and stay cool in the hot summer months.

While many may look at this article on tactical flip flops as something specific to those who actively dedicate time and training for self-defense, everyday carry, and the likes, this is something that everyone should consider — including those who don’t carry a firearm on their person daily.

Related Article: Jon Hauptman Talks PHLster and Improving Concealed Carry

The video below is cringe-worthy…

So, why am I not a fan of tactical flip flops (I’m going to refer to them as such just because it’s fun)?

In this article, I want to present some scenarios and talk a little bit about mindset to hopefully cause you to think about the clothing you wear and what you put on your feet daily that can help or hinder your ability to survive a bad situation.

Disclaimer: As always, go out and get the proper training needed to be proficient with your firearm(s) and EDC gear. I am not an instructor or tactical ninja, and I don’t pretend to be one on the weekends. I’m simply someone who seeks knowledge, improvement, and proficiency when it comes to self-defense and the ability to protect my family and those around me. You are your own first line of defense, seek the training of a certified and experienced instructor. I am also not an attorney, and nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice.

Tactical Flip Flops Are Comfortable But Not Really Comforting

When we talk about conceal carrying firearms, we commonly hear people say that carrying a pistol isn’t always comfortable, but it’s comforting having one on your person. In the case of tactical flip flops, it’s the complete opposite. You’re wearing them because they are comfortable but not exactly comforting. What do I mean?

As mentioned earlier, people wear tactical flip flops for their looks, for comfort, for ease of wear, and to be fashionable. I see quite a few people in the industry wearing Oakley Operative Sandal Flip Flops. They look both good and comfortable. I totally get it. But there comes a major disadvantage to wearing tactical flip flops (not a jab at Oakley, just using their tactical flip flop as an example and visual).

Related Article: The Overweight Tacticool Gun Guy is a Liability to Everyone

It should also be noted that women tend to wear more footwear that resembles tactical flip flops, whether they are heels, slides, flats, etc. Thing along the lines of footwear that isn’t tied securely to the foot.

Why do I bring this up in particular? It’s quite simple… who is targeted most often by attackers? Women. They have a purse with valuables inside, they tend to be weaker than men from an overall strength (and fighting) standpoint, and many of them are not as quick to run or react as men are. This isn’t a gender bias thing coming from my perspective, it’s just facts (no hard feelings, ladies, but it means you need to be more situationally aware of your surroundings). Are there women who are stronger than men? Absolutely. But as statistics would show, that’s not the norm.

The real concern here is mobility when it comes to tactical flip flops. How quickly can you move or run? That can be the difference between life and death during a deadly or threatening encounter.

Get Off the X and Do It Quickly

The fastest way to go from point A to point B is in a straight line. In addition, how quickly you move in that direction is also important. If you are caught in a situation (let’s just throw out a scenario such as an active shooter), you need to get to cover immediately if you’re unarmed. If armed, you may have to decide to flee or fight depending on the situation (like you have your family with you, etc.).

Related Article: Should We Rethink Gun-Free Zones for Schools and Businesses?

If you’re rocking some tactical flip flops, how quickly will your movement be? Can you even sprint in tactical flip flops? Will they go flying off your feet, and now you’re running through the city streets barefoot (that’s definitely not ideal on top of trying to get away from a threat).

I’ll speak from my personal experience and why tactical flip flops will never be on my feet is due to mobility. I know for a fact that I cannot run or even sprint in tactical flip flops. It’ll never happen. I’d look like a duck trying to run down the street.

Other Scenarios to Consider

Since you may be reading this thinking, I walk out of my house expecting to get in some sort of gunfight, it’s not like that at all. I merely like to be prepared for just about any situation I encounter during the day. So, let’s think of a few more reasons you should reconsider wearing tactical flip flops.

What if your car breaks down and you need to walk several miles to get help, gas, etc.? Do you think that would be an enjoyable experience in tactical flip flops? Probably not (but also a good reason to have an extra pair of shoes in your trunk).

What if you’re somewhere and all of a sudden, the building is on fire, and you need to exit immediately and as quickly as you can? Not only are your feet now exposed to the fire and intense heat, but you need to run to safety with a thong between your toes. What if you lose a tactical flip flop in the chaos, and now you’re running on a floor that is 1,000+ degrees? What would that do to the skin on the bottom of your feet? Not pleasant, right?

You don’t need to think about the evil that lurks in cities across the nation, but rather, think about what gives you the best advantage in any situation you face during the day and have a contingency plan in place. Think about the clothes you wear. The EDC (everyday carry) items you carry. The bag or purse you walk out the door with and what contents are inside.

Most of all, from this article, I want you to take away the fact that you need to be more prepared. Be more situationally aware of your surroundings. Stop burying your face in your phone when you’re walking down the street. Don’t go to stupid places at stupid times where stupid things can happen.

Related Article: EDC Medical Kit — More Important EDC Item Than a Firearm?

I’m not sure if I’ve convinced you enough to skip tactical flip flops, and the decision is ultimately up to you. I simply wanted to give you something to think about and consider before you walk out the door each day, what you may be faced with, and how you’ll respond to the situation. As always, I wish you all the best regarding your health and safety, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

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