Tactical Assault Flop Flops, or the impact of footware on proper concealed carry

KLRANGL · January 12, 2011, 02:46 PM

How many people here feel like footwear should be another personal item that needs to be curtailed to fit the requirements for concealed carry?

We typically (should) wear belts proper for carry and use proper cover garments for the same. Some people even go as far as using 5.11 pants or the like, but the point I am trying to make is that to some degree clothing must be tied to the objective of properly carrying and possibly utilizing a concealed weapon. I think we can all agree to this...

Now I absolutely hate shoes. Only wear them when it is a must, but 90% of the time I wear flip flop sandals when out and about. And yes, that does include winter time. Knowing this, I shoot at the static range with them on, but it is certainly a lot harder to convince a training instructor that you should wear them when in a training class. Especially when that class involves movement. I never had a problem doing physical things in sandals, but the possibility that they can trip you up is certainly there. On the other hand, they can also be dumped at a moments notice...
I have started wearing those Vibram five finger shoes lately, and I have to say they are awesome. People sometimes stare, but whatever, they feel a million times better than any shoe and they are perfectly secure.

So what do you all think? Are "proper" footwear that important for the average joe citizen who concealed carries? If so, what is considered proper and why?

smince · January 12, 2011, 02:56 PM

I know this thread will get locked, but I can't resist:

No, I don't wear flip flops except on the beach. I prefer some support and protection on my feet.

If I were to end up on the ground fighting with someone over my gun, I would rather be able to kick them with a pair of hikers over a pair of flip flops. If I have to move off the line of fire as I shoot, good solid traction is pretty important.

I can think of a couple hundred scenarios beside everyday life where actual shoes are much better.

R1145 · January 12, 2011, 03:05 PM

The awareness mindset goes beyond weaponry and strictly self-defense situations. I would not want to be in any number of situations, not necessarily even emergencies, without sensible shoes.

Check out the footwear available at sporting goods stores that's a slip-on synthetic rubber-soled shoe for water use (not the SCUBA booties, the ones with a mesh upper). They can get kinda stinky, but they're comfortable and a much better option.

Wildalaska · January 12, 2011, 03:13 PM

The day I start worrying about the tactical implications of my everyday footwera is the day I give everything away and go live in Taktsang Dzong

KLRANGL · January 12, 2011, 03:20 PM

Quote:

The day I start worrying about the tactical implications of my everyday footwera is the day I give everything away and go live in Taktsang Dzong

My thoughts exactly... I wear what I wear because it fits my lifestyle better.

But its nice to know what others think.

Quote:

I prefer some support and protection on my feet.

Both given to you naturally btw... You only lose it because you never use it

This whole thread wasn't supposed to be a joke btw. I think its certainly a topic on carry that I haven't see on TFL before. Hopefully we can look at the question rationally and not pass it off as nonsense.
And its not about whether flip flops are good or not. But more along the lines of do you consider concealed carry when choosing footwear, and if so to what extent?

ZCORR Jay · January 12, 2011, 03:42 PM

A person who is wearing flip flops took the chance that they wont be running for their life that day.

Brian Pfleuger · January 12, 2011, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLRANGL

And its not about whether flip flops are good or not. But more along the lines of do you consider concealed carry when choosing footwear, and if so to what extent?

Never thought about it, but I wear high-sided hiking type boots or restaurant type work shoes.... never anything else for day to day life.

In the case of someone who wears flip-flops, I suppose that so long as you are aware of when they need to get lost, so you don't trip and/or can maneuver and your feet are used to functioning with minimal or nonexistent support, I doubt it matters a whit.

curt.45 · January 12, 2011, 04:04 PM

running is not an option, last time I ran was 2003 when mom called and said "your father isn't responding".

WW2 · January 12, 2011, 04:05 PM

Check out the descriptions of the Roman footwear on this site:

http://www.lore-and-saga.co.uk/html/...equipment.html

about half way down the page. These sandals protect the feet and the hob-nails driven through the sole provide traction and are pointed rearward to prevent the soldier from being pushed back during battle. Also note that these are ankle height rather than the over the calf lacing that most people think of as being Roman sandals.

This type of footwear can give you the comfort and openness of flip-flops while providing the security needed in a "battle" situation. Also, you would not need to shed them in an emergency as you do with flip-flops.

I would think this a good compromise between flip-flops and combat boots.

WeedWacker · January 12, 2011, 04:26 PM

Flip flops? What is the world coming to? Next I suppose you'll be wanting to wear a kilt!

Anyway, I wear Keen sandals with covered toes during the summer. The toe cover actually provides better protection than a standard running shoe or leather boot.

Mike38 · January 12, 2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

A person who is wearing flip flops took the chance that they wont be running for their life that day.

I agree. That Bruce Willis movie Die Hard comes to mind. Remember the scene where he had to walk bare foot over broken glass?

derekb · January 12, 2011, 04:52 PM

Pretty much every day I wear an ankle-height steel or composite toed boot, of the style that's ANSI rated for slip/electrical/etc protection.

I've been wearing shoes of this style almost exclusively for four or five years. I find them comfortable enough to wear every day, without having to worry about my feet when I'm in the shop (My work puts me in wood/metalworking situations with regularity, as well as loading or unloading trucks) or other potentially dangerous situations.

The only other pair of shoes I own at the moment is a pair of dress shoes.

Wildalaska · January 12, 2011, 05:28 PM

Quote:

I agree. That Bruce Willis movie Die Hard comes to mind. Remember the scene where he had to walk bare foot over broken glass?

The statistical probability of having to walk through broken glass while fighting off terrorists in an Office Building are so small so as to defy description.

Too much TV and movies fellas, lets get real....Now me? I dont care how much it effects my tacticality, in the summertime, Im wearing my Jerusalem Cruisers or my Tevas

markj · January 12, 2011, 05:28 PM

I only wear black flip flops, they is more "tacticool" than the pink ones I used to wear.

Steel toed flip flops would be keen.

In the winter I choose my lead filled number 9 snow shoe and never eat thet yella snow.... when you go where the eskimos go...

kozak6 · January 12, 2011, 07:05 PM

It's probably not a good idea to wear flip-flops while shooting if only to protect your feet from hot brass.

bigghoss · January 12, 2011, 07:11 PM

I don't even own flip flops or sandles. I don't like them for many reasons not the least of which is being ready for anything. not just confrontations but things like moving a fridge or something.

I like LE "duty" type boots and I have to buy them for work anyway so I just wear those most of the time. they worked well for me during my last job too and the side zip feature is really nice.

Glenn Dee · January 12, 2011, 07:57 PM

Wear your flip-flops dude... wear the gun....you dont have to let the gun wear you.

Wildalaska · January 12, 2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

I don't like them for many reasons not the least of which is being ready for anything. not just confrontations but things like moving a fridge or something.

I dont move fridges

I hire folks to do it

Seriously guys, dont you all think this is going a bit to far?...I mean I can understand wearing Glocks on a rope in the shower, open carrying for pizza delivery guys and duct taping your CCW to your butt when SWMBO deigns to let you perform your husbandly duties, but choosing footwear for tactical reasons? Whats next, Kelvar underwear

KLRANGL · January 12, 2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:

It's probably not a good idea to wear flip-flops while shooting if only to protect your feet from hot brass.

From personal experience, its an annoyance at worst...

I feel like anything I can do with shoes on, I can do barefoot better. But that is off topic...

Quote:

Wear your flip-flops dude... wear the gun....you dont have to let the gun wear you.

Haha I like that...

Quote:

Seriously guys, dont you all think this is going a bit to far?...I mean I can understand wearing Glocks on a rope in the shower, open carrying for pizza delivery guys and duct taping your CCW to your butt when SWMBO deigns to let you perform your husbandly duties, but choosing footwear for tactical reasons? Whats next, Kelvar underwear

I don't think anyone is choosing footwear for tactical reasons... Or am I mistaken? I was merely curious if footwear played a role in peoples concealed carry lifestyle like belts, shirts, etc do.

YARDDOG(1) · January 12, 2011, 08:24 PM

"[I feel like anything I can do with shoes on, I can do barefoot better]"

I love flip flops & bear feet & train like itmost of the time, That I don't have to ride in veical too far To each his own ; )
Y/D

curt.45 · January 12, 2011, 08:27 PM

Quote:

MLeake · January 12, 2011, 08:40 PM

From experience, hot brass zeroes in between the straps. No big deal, but do maintain muzzle control while hopping.

Not a huge fan of flip-flops due to arch support and back pain issues. Plus, I hate the flloppiness. I wear some Oakley beach sandals that rise around the ankle, when in open shoe mode, since they don't flop so much.

But I don't really worry about it, with regard to every day tactical planning, even if I don't recommend them as range wear.

kaylorinhi · January 12, 2011, 09:24 PM

Love my Slippahs, but I can actually do most things better bare foot so they would come off about the time as I warn BG to rethink his options! Ever seen a man kick-off his slippahs to whoopyoazz??? Winter it is Timberlands, actually laced and tied, or my coyote tan SWAT's but the zipper broke onn my last trip to the deerstand!

Catfishman · January 12, 2011, 10:21 PM

Quote:

I dont move fridges I hire folks to do it

I'm not surprised

Back on topic

Boots just make you feel more confident. They provide protection for the feet, good traction and make kicking things or people much more effective.

Nnobby45 · January 12, 2011, 10:45 PM

Well, I bought my Magnum Technology shoes, made in USA, in a uniform shop. They give better support than regular low cuts, and they're rugged enough for tramping through rough stuff. And yet they look reasonably nice and aren't out of place with casual dress--they don't attract attention.

They're also compfy and they're insulated so they can be worn in winter, while not too hot in summer.

Glad someone started this thread, since mine are becoming worn, and the uniform shop where I bought them doesn't stock them anymore--I need to start looking around.

Those of us who carry guns for protection are aware (most of us) that we can't always precict the places or circumstances we might find ourselves in.

No, I don't worry about footwear. But you can count me among those who choose their footwear, to some extent, based on CCW and the circumstances that can arise as a result.

January 12, 2011, 02:46 PM	#1
KLRANGL Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 958	Tactical Assault Flop Flops, or the impact of footware on proper concealed carry How many people here feel like footwear should be another personal item that needs to be curtailed to fit the requirements for concealed carry? We typically (should) wear belts proper for carry and use proper cover garments for the same. Some people even go as far as using 5.11 pants or the like, but the point I am trying to make is that to some degree clothing must be tied to the objective of properly carrying and possibly utilizing a concealed weapon. I think we can all agree to this... Now I absolutely hate shoes. Only wear them when it is a must, but 90% of the time I wear flip flop sandals when out and about. And yes, that does include winter time. Knowing this, I shoot at the static range with them on, but it is certainly a lot harder to convince a training instructor that you should wear them when in a training class. Especially when that class involves movement. I never had a problem doing physical things in sandals, but the possibility that they can trip you up is certainly there. On the other hand, they can also be dumped at a moments notice... I have started wearing those Vibram five finger shoes lately, and I have to say they are awesome. People sometimes stare, but whatever, they feel a million times better than any shoe and they are perfectly secure. So what do you all think? Are "proper" footwear that important for the average joe citizen who concealed carries? If so, what is considered proper and why? __________________ And it's Killer Angel... as in the book

January 12, 2011, 03:05 PM	#3
R1145 Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 351	Mindset The awareness mindset goes beyond weaponry and strictly self-defense situations. I would not want to be in any number of situations, not necessarily even emergencies, without sensible shoes. Check out the footwear available at sporting goods stores that's a slip-on synthetic rubber-soled shoe for water use (not the SCUBA booties, the ones with a mesh upper). They can get kinda stinky, but they're comfortable and a much better option.

January 12, 2011, 03:13 PM	#4
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	The day I start worrying about the tactical implications of my everyday footwera is the day I give everything away and go live in Taktsang Dzong WildooooooooooomAlaska ™©2002-2011

January 12, 2011, 03:42 PM	#6
ZCORR Jay Member Join Date: July 23, 2010 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 99	A person who is wearing flip flops took the chance that they wont be running for their life that day. __________________ ZCORR Products 10% Forum Member Discount Code ZCORR-FORUM2013 Free shipping on all domestic & APO/AFO orders over $75

January 12, 2011, 04:26 PM	#10
WeedWacker Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2006 Location: Body: Clarkston, Washington. Soul: LaCrosse, Wisconsin Posts: 1,591	Flip flops? What is the world coming to? Next I suppose you'll be wanting to wear a kilt! Anyway, I wear Keen sandals with covered toes during the summer. The toe cover actually provides better protection than a standard running shoe or leather boot. __________________ - Jon Disequilibrium facilitates accommodation. 9mm vs .45 ACP? The answer is .429

January 12, 2011, 02:56 PM	#2
smince Junior member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Northeast Alabama Posts: 2,580	I know this thread will get locked, but I can't resist: No, I don't wear flip flops except on the beach. I prefer some support and protection on my feet. If I were to end up on the ground fighting with someone over my gun, I would rather be able to kick them with a pair of hikers over a pair of flip flops. If I have to move off the line of fire as I shoot, good solid traction is pretty important. I can think of a couple hundred scenarios beside everyday life where actual shoes are much better.

January 12, 2011, 04:04 PM	#8
curt.45 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2008 Location: Fort Wayne Ind. Posts: 866	running is not an option, last time I ran was 2003 when mom called and said "your father isn't responding".

January 12, 2011, 04:52 PM	#12
derekb Member Join Date: January 2, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 73	Pretty much every day I wear an ankle-height steel or composite toed boot, of the style that's ANSI rated for slip/electrical/etc protection. I've been wearing shoes of this style almost exclusively for four or five years. I find them comfortable enough to wear every day, without having to worry about my feet when I'm in the shop (My work puts me in wood/metalworking situations with regularity, as well as loading or unloading trucks) or other potentially dangerous situations. The only other pair of shoes I own at the moment is a pair of dress shoes.

January 12, 2011, 05:28 PM	#14
markj Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2005 Location: Crescent Iowa Posts: 2,971	I only wear black flip flops, they is more "tacticool" than the pink ones I used to wear. Steel toed flip flops would be keen. In the winter I choose my lead filled number 9 snow shoe and never eat thet yella snow.... when you go where the eskimos go...

January 12, 2011, 07:05 PM	#15
kozak6 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 3,113	It's probably not a good idea to wear flip-flops while shooting if only to protect your feet from hot brass.

January 12, 2011, 07:11 PM	#16
bigghoss Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2006 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 2,664	I don't even own flip flops or sandles. I don't like them for many reasons not the least of which is being ready for anything. not just confrontations but things like moving a fridge or something. I like LE "duty" type boots and I have to buy them for work anyway so I just wear those most of the time. they worked well for me during my last job too and the side zip feature is really nice. __________________ I don't collect guns, I accumulate them.

January 12, 2011, 07:57 PM	#17
Glenn Dee Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,560	Wear your flip-flops dude... wear the gun....you dont have to let the gun wear you.

January 12, 2011, 08:24 PM	#20
YARDDOG(1) Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: GATOR COUNTRY HA HA HA! Posts: 721	"[I feel like anything I can do with shoes on, I can do barefoot better]" I love flip flops & bear feet & train like itmost of the time, That I don't have to ride in veical too far To each his own ; ) Y/D __________________ There's a GATOR in the bushes & She's Callin my name >Molly Hatchett<

January 12, 2011, 08:40 PM	#22
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	From experience, hot brass zeroes in between the straps. No big deal, but do maintain muzzle control while hopping. Not a huge fan of flip-flops due to arch support and back pain issues. Plus, I hate the flloppiness. I wear some Oakley beach sandals that rise around the ankle, when in open shoe mode, since they don't flop so much. But I don't really worry about it, with regard to every day tactical planning, even if I don't recommend them as range wear.

January 12, 2011, 09:24 PM	#23
kaylorinhi Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2010 Location: The brown eye of america Posts: 463	Love my Slippahs, but I can actually do most things better bare foot so they would come off about the time as I warn BG to rethink his options! Ever seen a man kick-off his slippahs to whoopyoazz??? Winter it is Timberlands, actually laced and tied, or my coyote tan SWAT's but the zipper broke onn my last trip to the deerstand! __________________ Buy your guns by Yardline, Not Looks.

January 12, 2011, 10:45 PM	#25
Nnobby45 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2004 Posts: 3,150	Well, I bought my Magnum Technology shoes, made in USA, in a uniform shop. They give better support than regular low cuts, and they're rugged enough for tramping through rough stuff. And yet they look reasonably nice and aren't out of place with casual dress--they don't attract attention. They're also compfy and they're insulated so they can be worn in winter, while not too hot in summer. Glad someone started this thread, since mine are becoming worn, and the uniform shop where I bought them doesn't stock them anymore--I need to start looking around. Those of us who carry guns for protection are aware (most of us) that we can't always precict the places or circumstances we might find ourselves in. No, I don't worry about footwear. But you can count me among those who choose their footwear, to some extent, based on CCW and the circumstances that can arise as a result.