I use a pair of Adidas flip-flops which are really what I use post-run. I put them on at the checkpoint in full view of the screeners and change back into my real shoes (Rockports with metal or my running shoes) at the end of the conveyor belt. I think just the act of going through all of this theatrics really impresses a lot of the screeners. I get comments like: "Here's a guy who really knows the drill about shoes." or some other equally insightful comment.

The strange irony about all of this is that my Adidas flip-flops have a thicker sole than my dress shoes or my running shoes! They are well in excess of the dreaded 1".

I just chuckle and head to my gate.