We have a weird topic for today, one that almost no-one ever thinks about.
If an extremely dangerous situation were to occur while you happen to be wearing flip flops, would it hamper your survival odds?
Flip Flop Problem : With Comfort comes Major Compromise
In a world plagued by incidents of danger (e.g. active shooter situations), personal safety should always be a priority. Equipping oneself with appropriate footwear can contribute significantly to survival and maneuverability during such crises. It may even be the most important factor.
Obviously, the ideal situation would be to wear close toed shoes. Consider an active shooter scenario. An every day person isn’t going to be carrying a rifle and plate carrier. Instead, we opt an inferior concealed carry pistol because it is convenient. This is because the odds of an extreme event are very low as weight against the tactical disadvantage. This is also true for footwear, which is just as much a part of your EDC as your gun.
I realize that people are going to make compromises for comfort. People are going to choose flip flops over shoes when its hot. I make this compromise all the time in Florida. For this reason, I am promoting Birkenstocks as an alternative to traditional flip flops.
Birkenstocks are the Alternative
In this blog post, we will explore the disadvantages of flip flops and highlight the benefits of Birkenstocks as a better option in such scenarios.
Birkenstocks
This is the only flipflop that doesn’t slide around and that I can run in. Flip flops are terrible tactically, but if you’re going to wear them for comfort, you should make sure your flip flops are grippy and form fit to your feet.
Stability and Traction
One of the foremost reasons why flip flops are a poor choice for active shooter situations is their lack of stability and traction. These flimsy, thin-soled shoes provide minimal support. Their loose-fitting design can lead to an increased risk of slipping or tripping in high-stress environments.
In contrast, Birkenstocks feature durable, contoured soles which provide superior stability and excellent traction. This enables wearers to maneuver more effectively during moments of crisis versus typical flip flops.
Protection and Durability
Flip flops offer minimal protection for the feet and expose them to potential injury during dangerous situations. Due to their open-toe design, feet are vulnerable to sharp debris, falling objects, or blunt force injury.
Birkenstocks, on the other hand, while still open toed, feature a more enclosed design with durable materials that provide a greater level of protection for the feet. They are still less ideal than shoes. However, their robust construction ensures a better degree of durability and longevity versus flip flops.
Comfort and Quick Movement
Comfort is crucial when choosing footwear, even in light of dangerous situations. Comfort also directly impacts mobility and speed. You can’t operate effectively in dress shoes. Likewise, Flip flops, despite their convenience in certain casual settings, lack the necessary arch support and cushioning for long periods of walking or running. In short, they aren’t great if you have to get out of dodge on foot in a hurry.
In contrast, Birkenstocks are renowned for their contoured footbeds, which allow for even weight distribution and superior comfort. This comfort translates into quick and efficient movements, enabling individuals to potentially run from danger more effectively and for longer.
Conclusion
Choosing appropriate footwear plays a vital role in increasing personal safety during active shooter situations. Flip flops, despite their casual appeal, are ill-suited for such emergencies due to their lack of stability, protection, and durability.
However, Birkenstocks emerge as a potential alternative, offering stability, comfort, protection, and subtle improvements. By prioritizing practicality over style, individuals can enhance their chances of survival and maneuverability during these critical moments while still maintaining a high level of every day comfort in warm weather.
Remember, it is always better to be prepared with the right footwear than to risk your safety with inadequate choices.
Birkenstocks
This is the only flipflop that doesn’t slide around and that I can run in. Flip flops are terrible tactically, but if you’re going to wear them for comfort, you should make sure your flip flops are grippy and form fit to your feet.
