Inertia switches in insulating housings are used to make or break electrical contact. The switches may be small in size, and may be used with flashing light systems in footwear or other articles. One embodiment is a directional switch sensitive to the orientation of the switch and the motion of the switch due to outside forces. Footwear with flashing light systems that use these inertia switches may make the wearer or user more visible at night, adding a measure of safety as well as fun. Flashing light systems using these inertia switches may also be used to illuminate personal accessories and articles of clothing.