There are lot things I do and don’t do because of my self-defense philosophy. I don’t wear earphones when exercising. I always look in the backseat of my car before entering. I always observe a store before walking in to make a purchase, and I’m always aware of my surroundings and am constantly planning for situations that can occur in the location where I’m at.

While some people would call this being paranoid, I call it being prepared. I decided a long time ago that I was not going to become a victim to some degenerate who has no regard for other’s property or life. However, this tip might reach over to the paranoid side of the line.

What I’m talking about is flip flops. My hatred of flip flops is well known to my family and friends, and some of them think this might be going a little far. Yes, I do dislike the funny little clopping noise flip flops make as someone walks, but my dislike goes further. Yes, flip flops are considered to be cool and comfortable during the summer months, but they have to be the worst footwear for self-defense situations. In fact, it is my belief that flip flops actually make a person a target.

First, you can’t move quickly in flip flops. Flip flops can also easily trip you up or fly off your feet when moving quickly, limiting your fight or flight response to an attack. Second, flip flops leave your feet open to attack. An assailant can easily stomp the feet of someone in this open-toed footwear, breaking toes and limiting that person’s response. I know I have no problem stomping feet in a fight.

Substantial footwear is an important part of keeping yourself safe. While wearing real shoes, you can move away from danger or stand and fight with fist, feet or gun. Keep yourself safe by wearing real shoes or boots and leave the flip flops for what they were designed, the beach and shower.