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Most people think of flip flops as throwaway shoes, thin rubber soles from the gas station, good for a weekend at the lake before the straps snap. They don’t make you think about grit, resilience, or service.

That’s where Combat Flip Flops changes the game. Founded by Army Rangers, this veteran-owned company builds sandals tough enough for real use and meaningful enough to carry a mission. Every pair represents a shift from war to peace, from combat boots to comfort but still with backbone.

When you buy from Combat Flip Flops, you’re not just grabbing footwear. You’re supporting veteran entrepreneurs, funding programs for soldiers and communities, and wearing a story that matters.

1. The Story Behind Combat Flip Flops

From Rangers to entrepreneurs

Matthew “Griff” Griffin and Donald Lee served as Army Rangers in Afghanistan. They saw war’s toll: destroyed infrastructure, families without work, children without schools. Local craftsmen had skills but no outlets.

Instead of walking away, they asked: what if we created jobs instead of dropping bombs? The surprising answer was flip flops simple, useful, and easy to produce with local labor.

Shark Tank moment

In 2016, they pitched Combat Flip Flops on Shark Tank. The bold tagline “Bad for running, worse for fighting” grabbed attention, but the mission sealed the deal. Mark Cuban and Daymond John invested, giving the brand a national platform (Forbes).

Expanding the mission

At first, products were made in Afghanistan, with profits funding girls’ education and landmine clearance. Over time, the company adapted, moving production but keeping its promise: trade instead of aid. Today, Combat Flip Flops supports programs like One More Wave, which gives wounded veterans custom surfboards and therapy in the water (We Are The Mighty).

Symbolism in every product

Their branding leans heavy on transformation. Logos show rifles that bloom into flowers. Product names include Floperator, Shadowban, The Shammah, they echo the language of combat while re-imagining it for peace. It’s not just footwear. It’s a statement that says: “we’ve been through fire, now we build.”

2. How the Products Mix Rugged Style + Comfort

Built tough

Most flip flops collapse under real use: straps tear, soles slick, and arch support is nonexistent. Combat Flip Flops flips that narrative. Their Floperator sandals feature:

• Reinforced nylon straps built for durability.

• Zero-drop soles that promote natural foot alignment.

• Aggressive tread patterns for grip on wet, rocky, or uneven terrain.

• Comfort midsoles that mold to your feet over time.

These sandals aren’t made for sitting poolside. They’re made to hold up when life gets messy.

Rugged, not clunky

Unlike tactical boots or bulky outdoor shoes, these flips balance function with a clean, wearable look. Neutral tones including coyote brown, black, olive and they blend into casual outfits. They transition smoothly from mowing the yard to grabbing dinner.

Real-world tested

Combat Flip Flops put their products through the wringer. In partnership with Spartan Race, their sandals were tested in mud pits, obstacle runs, and endurance courses and survived (Endurance Sportswire). Customers back it up too, reporting stability on slick docks, gravel driveways, and creek crossings where cheap flips fail.

Beyond sandals

The company now sells boots, high-tops, apparel, and accessories. The DNA is consistent: rugged, practical, and tied to a mission. Buy a pair of flips, and chances are you’ll come back for a hoodie or a pair of high-tops.

3. Why Supporting Veteran-Owned Brands Matters

The transition is tough

Each year, more than 200,000 service members leave the military. Many struggle to find work or purpose afterward. Veterans face higher unemployment rates than civilians at times, and challenges with PTSD or mental health can add to the uphill climb (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).

Supporting veteran-owned businesses isn’t charity. It’s about giving vets a chance to lead in a new way and to turn their training, discipline, and grit into ventures that help communities.

Integrity and accountability

In the military, cutting corners can cost lives. That same mindset shows up in veteran-run businesses. When Combat Flip Flops says their gear is built to last, it’s more than marketing. It’s a reflection of a culture where reliability matters.

Direct impact

This company channels part of every purchase into programs that make a difference:

• Education for children in conflict zones.

• Landmine clearance in areas torn by war.

• Rehab programs like surf therapy for disabled veterans.

That’s impact with receipts. Your dollar doesn’t just buy footwear, it fuels healing and rebuilding.

4. Everyday Wear Uses: From Riverbank to Backyard BBQ

Crossing creeks and rivers

Ever tried stepping on slick rocks in $10 flip flops? They’ll slide out, straps twist, and you end up wet. Combat Flip Flops’ tread grips those rocks, keeping you steady while you fish or wade.

Yard and shop work

These flips shine in the “in-between” moments when you need to grab tools from the garage, haul bags of feed, or sweep the porch. They’re quick to slip on but won’t quit halfway.

Backyard BBQs and social hangouts

Picture this: standing in damp grass with a plate of ribs and a cold beer, talking with friends. Cheap flips sink, slip, or tear. Combat Flip Flops stay steady, comfortable, and casual enough to fit in.

Travel and airports

At TSA, slip them off in seconds. On long layovers, walk miles without sore arches. Unlike foam sandals, these flips don’t leave your feet aching halfway through.

Post-work recovery

After a long day in boots or work shoes, your feet need air and comfort. These flips double as recovery sandals as they are breathable, cushioned, and sturdy enough to still handle a quick store run.

Everyday versatility

The real beauty is versatility. One pair covers yard work, errands, travel, downtime, and social life. You’re not buying “special use” gear. You’re buying a workhorse you’ll wear daily.

Combat Flip Flops proves that even something as simple as sandals can carry grit, purpose, and meaning. Born from war but built for peace, their products combine toughness, comfort, and a mission bigger than profit.

Every purchase helps veterans find purpose, funds education, and supports rebuilding in places scarred by conflict. And at the same time, you get gear that won’t quit when life gets rough.

So if you want footwear that’s more than just footwear, gear with grit, purpose, and a story worth telling, the choice is simple:

👉 Get yours today at Combat Flip Flops