Officers hope it will reduce the burden on emergency services by stopping women staggering around in stilettos twisting their ankles.
But campaigners say the move is a waste of money and police should be concentrating their efforts on solving serious crime.
The rubber footwear will be introduced next month in the centre of Torquay, Devon, which is a popular destination for hen and stag parties.
The scheme - footed by a Home Office grant - is part of a £30,000 drive to crackdown on alcohol-related problems in the area.
But Susie Squire, campaign manager of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "It shouldn't be the taxpayers' job to pay for drunk women to get home.
"It's nannying, and it's a total waste of public money.
"People provide their taxes so police can catch criminals - not to give out flip-flops to people going home."
The flat shoes with a safe-drinking message on them will be available from Torbay Council's 'Safe Bus' and given to anyone whose footwear is "uncomfortable, inappropriate or soiled".
It is being run by Safer Communities Torbay, a partnership between police, councillors and the Local Education Authority.
Inspector Adrian Leisk defended the scheme and said the flip-flops were only a small part of their drink awareness project.
He told Sky News Online: "The reason the Home Office granted us the £30,000 was that the whole package of measures will save us money in the long run.
"We are freeing up doctors and nurses' time to treat those who are really in need. And it will free up ambulances in periods of high demand."
Torbay Police Commander, Superintendent Chris Singer, said he hoped the flip-flops would protect dozens of women who are vulnerable to injury after a night out.
