Dynamics during controlled slips from standing in alternative footwear

Flip-flop style footwear is assumed to increase slip risk due to shallow treads and non-rigid coupling to the foot. For provoked slips in dry and wet (water) conditions, differences in adhesion effects, absolute normal force, and contact area are suspected to have influenced the coefficient of friction. There was no effect of water on relative foot-sandal motion nor on peak slip velocity; however, foot-sandal uncoupling tended to occur during slips when both the foot and floor were either dry or wet. While greater slip severity in wet conditions was not entirely supported, evidence for uncoupling implies that slip-recovery may be impaired when wearing flip-flops.