Flip Flops vs Tennis Shoes

Sean: Dani and I had a disagreement during a discussion about proper footwear. I asserted that not only are tennis shoes safer, but they are faster. She respectfully disagreed, so I proposed a scientific experiment to settle the matter.

Dani: I believe that flip flops are better because they are more comfortable, and I'm fine walking, running, or jogging in them. Flip-flops rule, tennis shoes drool!

Competing Hypothesis:

Sean: Tennis shoes should be faster because they are more securely bound to the foot. This should allow for more efficient conveyance.

Dani: Flip flops should be faster because they are more comfortable. This should allow for more efficient conveyance.

Materials:

1. Stopwatch
2. Tennis Shoes
3. Socks
4. Flip-flops
5. Dani

Testing Method:

Dani will don a pair of flip-flops and perform 3 tests over varying terrain. Each terrain will have 3 tests, measuring time over distance using a stopwatch. The three times will be averaged. After testing flip-flops, she will take a short break and don tennis shoes, then repeat the tests.

The terrains used will be stairs, rocky terrain, and smooth terrain.

Results:

Over stairs, tennis shoes were faster. A single flight of wooden stairs was used, and Dani started and finished at the top of the flight. The averaged times were as follows:

• Tennis Shoes: 12.2 seconds
• Flip-flops: 12.5 seconds

Over rocky terrain, tennis shoes were faster. A demarked section of large round gravel was used. Dani started and finished in the same spot. The average times were as follows:

• Tennis Shoes: 15.2 seconds
• Flip-flops: 15.8 seconds

Over smooth terrain, tennis shoes were faster. A demarked section of smooth pavement was used. Dani started and finished in the same spot. The average times were as follows:

• Tennis Shoes: 12.4 seconds
• Flip-flops: 12.8 seconds

Overall average

• Tennis Shoes 13.3 seconds
• Flip-flops 13.8 seconds

Abstract:

A test over grassy terrain was considered, but the grass available for testing was too tall to comfortably and safely walk in flip-flops. It is therefore assumed that tennis shoes are more appropriate and faster for grassy terrain.

We also considered more accurate means of testing. Longer distances, and more trials could lead to more accurate results. Though we are confident that these times over short distances reflect reasonable results.

Conclusion:

Tennis shoes are a faster means of conveyance as compared to flip-flops.

Sean: I was right! I knew it! In your face!

Dani: You suck at life Sean! I still like flip-flops better. My poor feet. :'(

Pics coming soon