Combat Flip Flops
Combat Flip Flops is a veteran-founded, bootstrapped direct-to-consumer footwear and apparel brand selling rugged flip flops, shoes, and accessories through its own Shopify storefront, serving U.S. military veterans, patriotic consumers, amputees, and tactical/outdoor enthusiasts with manufacturing rooted in post-conflict regions (Colombia and Laos, formerly Afghanistan).
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersWashington, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Combat Flip Flops does
Combat Flip Flops is a privately-held, veteran-founded direct-to-consumer footwear and apparel brand established by three former U.S. Army Rangers — Matthew Griffin (CEO), Donald Lee (CMO), and Andy Sewrey (President) — headquartered in Washington state. The company designs and sells durable flip flops, men's and women's shoes, apparel, and accessories manufactured in post-conflict regions, including Colombia for footwear and Laos for jewelry, and historically Afghanistan for shemaghs and cashmere until that supply chain ended in 2021. The core footwear platform uses a zero-drop, fully contoured footbed, injection-molded arch support, a proprietary EVA midsole, and a proprietary rubber outsole branded StickyAF, with a notable co-developed Amputee Retrofit Strap (ARS) partnership with Tactical Tailor that allows prosthetic users to wear flip flops.
The business model is single-channel direct-to-consumer via the company's own Shopify storefront at combatflipflops.com, with no wholesale or third-party marketplace presence disclosed. Products are priced from $4.99 (Amputee Retrofit Strap) and $19.99 (apparel) up to $89.99 (high-top shoes); flip flops retail between $49.99 and $79.99. Customer segments span U.S. military veterans, patriotic consumers, amputees, and tactical/outdoor enthusiasts, served through earned-media-led acquisition via Shark Tank, TEDx, Forbes, NYT, BBC, and CBS News placements rather than through paid performance marketing. The brand is bound to a mission narrative: it previously funded 13 schools for over 1,000 Afghan girls through Aid Afghanistan for Education (terminated August 2021 with the Taliban takeover) and now supports One More Wave, a veteran surf therapy nonprofit. Operations are founder-controlled and bootstrapped, with 11–50 employees, lifetime product warranties, and 30-day returns.
Combat Flip Flops firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Combat Flip Flops
- Legal name
- Combat Flip Flops
- Website
- https://combatflipflops.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Combat Flip Flops is a veteran-founded, bootstrapped direct-to-consumer footwear and apparel brand selling rugged flip flops, shoes, and accessories through its own Shopify storefront, serving U.S. military veterans, patriotic consumers, amputees, and tactical/outdoor enthusiasts with manufacturing rooted in post-conflict regions (Colombia and Laos, formerly Afghanistan).
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Combat Flip Flops industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Footwear and Apparel
- NAICS
- Shoe Retailers (45821), Footwear Manufacturing (3162)
- SIC
- Retail-Shoe Stores (5661), Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sandals, Flip-Flops & Open-Toe Footwear Manufacturing (IMAOAIAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Athletic Footwear Manufacturing (Running/Training/Court) (IMAOAIAA), Casual & Lifestyle Footwear (CRAAACAB)
Keywords
Where Combat Flip Flops is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Washington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Combat Flip Flops business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Direct Product Sales: E-commerce sales of footwear, apparel, and accessories through own Shopify storefront. Products include men's and women's flip flops ($49.99-$89.99), shoes ($64.99-$89.99), apparel ($19.99-$34.99), accessories, jewelry, and books. One-time purchase model for all products.
- Gift Cards: Digital gift cards sold in denominations of $10-$100. Purchasers receive email with printable gift card.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Men's Flip Flops - $49.99 to $79.99 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Men's Shoes - $64.99 to $89.99 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Women's Footwear - $49.99 to $69.99 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Apparel - $19.99 to $34.99 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories - $4.99 to $44.99 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gift Cards - $10 to $100 |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Combat Flip Flops product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Combat Flip Flops designs, manufactures, and sells military-themed footwear, apparel, and accessories direct-to-consumer through its own online storefront. Products include men's and women's flip flops, shoes, t-shirts, hoodies, shemaghs, patches, jewelry, and books, with footwear manufactured by family-owned businesses in Bogota, Colombia, and accessories sourced from artisans in Afghanistan and Laos.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Men's Flip Flops (including AK47, Coyote Floperator, Falcon Blue Floperator, Overland Sandal, Spartan Race variants) Military-themed men's flip flops featuring proprietary zero-drop contoured EVA midsole, proprietary "StickyAF" rubber outsole, cow leather deck, rash guard lining, and military-grade tubular nylon upper; for everyday wear, outdoor use, and tactical/law enforcement users.
- Men's Shoes (including Shadowban High Top, LT-22 Grey/Black, RNRs, Weekender Black High Top) Men's tactical and lifestyle shoes with proprietary rubber outsole, proprietary EVA mid-layers, leather toe cap and tongue, priced $64.99 to $89.99 for everyday and tactical wear.
- Women's Flip Flops (including Floperator variants, SKIDS, Overland) Women's flip flops using the same proprietary contoured sole and military-grade construction as the men's line, priced $49.99 to $59.99 for casual and outdoor wear.
- Women's Shoes (including Weekender High Top) Women's tactical and lifestyle shoes including the Weekender High Top, priced up to $69.99.
- Apparel (Men's and Women's T-shirts and Hoodies) Military and lifestyle-themed t-shirts priced $19.99-$24.99 and hoodies priced $34.99, with graphic designs tied to the brand's veteran mission.
- Afghan-Made Shemagh Tactical shemagh headwear hand-made by artisans in Kabul, Afghanistan, priced $39.99 for tactical, outdoor, and lifestyle use.
- Amputee Retrofit Strap (ARS) Adaptive strap co-designed with Tactical Tailor to secure Combat Flip Flops flip flops to prosthetic feet for amputees, priced $4.99.
- Peacemaker Jewelry and Bangles/Coin Wraps Handmade jewelry and accessories including bangles and coin wraps crafted by artisans in Laos from repurposed materials, priced up to $44.99, designed to create economic opportunity in post-conflict regions.
- Floperator Patches and Patch Sets Military morale patch sets designed to attach to Combat Flip Flops' Floperator flip flops, priced $6.99.
- The Book ("Steps Ascending: Rise of the Unarmed Forces") Companion book and audiobook titled 'Steps Ascending: Rise of the Unarmed Forces' priced $9.99-$19.99, extending the brand's veteran mission storytelling.
- Digital Gift Cards Digital gift cards available in $10, $20, $25, $40, $50, $75, and $100 denominations, emailed to purchasers for printing and gift delivery.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1,000 young girls attended school in Afghanistan funded by Combat Flip Flops profits
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Combat Flip Flops
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Combat Flip Flops technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Combat Flip Flops partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and former core.
- One More WavecoreOne More Wave's mission is to provide wounded and disabled veterans with customized surfing equipment and a community to surf with. By equipping veterans and connecting them to our global network of surfing volunteers, they empower them to heal through surf therapy from coast to coast. Combat Flip Flops is proud to support One More Wave and their mission to empower veterans through community.
- Tactical TailorsupportingWith help from manufacturing partners Tactical Tailor, Combat Flip Flops created the Amputee Retrofit Strap (ARS) for their Floperator model. The ARS secures the flip flop to a prosthetic foot.
- Aid Afghanistan for Educationformer coreAid Afghanistan for Education (AAE) provides education to marginalized Afghan women and girls over the age of ten who are denied access to formal education. AAE was Combat Flip Flops' primary charity partner from founding until August 2021 when schools closed due to Taliban takeover. Combat Flip Flops helped fund 13 schools serving over 1,000 girls.
- Mines Advisory Group (MAG)supportingMAG is an international organization that saves lives and builds futures through the removal and destruction of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and other weapons remaining after conflict. Since 1989, MAG has worked in over 35 countries and was co-laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997.
- The Station FoundationsupportingThe Station Foundation (TSF) is a non-government agency providing resources to help all members and families of the Special Operations Community attain elite performance in their personal lives. TSF offers customized, year-round performance programs that begin in Montana.
- Colombia Manufacturing PartnerscoreCombat Flip Flops footwear is manufactured by several family owned businesses in Bogota, Colombia.
- Afghanistan Production Partnersformer coreCombat Flip Flops shemaghs and cashmere is made in Kabul, Afghanistan through local artisans. This manufacturing continued even through challenging conditions.
- Laos ArtisanssupportingThe Combat Flip Flops Peacemaker Jewelry line is made by artisans in Laos, creating economic opportunity in post-conflict regions.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Combat Flip Flops competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Oofos: Recovery and comfort footwear brand with proprietary sole technology and DTC-heavy model at comparable $45-$100 ASPs. Overlaps with CFF's comfort/contoured-sole positioning.
- Teva: Outdoor sport sandal brand with similar active/tactical consumer overlap. Comparable product category (sport sandals, outdoor footwear) with broader distribution.
- REEF: Established flip-flop and casual footwear brand with men's/women's lines in similar $40-$80 ASPs. Direct competitor in the casual/outdoor flip-flop category.
- Chaco: Outdoor sport sandal brand with strong adventure/outdoor positioning and similar $50-$110 ASP range. Comparable in target use case (active/outdoor) and durable construction emphasis.
- Havaianas: Global flip-flop category leader. Less premium positioning but a direct substitute product, particularly for the lower-priced Floperator line ($49.99-$54.99).
- Bedrock Sandals: Adventure sandal brand targeting outdoor enthusiasts with similar $80-$100 ASP and emphasis on durability/active use. Closest niche competitor in the 'tactical/outdoor adventure' positioning.
- Rainbow Sandals: Premium flip-flop and sandal brand with similar price points ($50-$90 range), lifetime guarantee, and single-layer construction emphasis. Most directly comparable premium DTC flip-flop peer.
Broad incumbents
- KEEN: Outdoor footwear brand with hybrid sandal/shoe products overlapping CFF's tactical/outdoor positioning. Broader portfolio incumbent with substantial retail/wholesale distribution.
- Birkenstock: Premium comfort footwear brand with similar quality/durability narrative and comparable $80-$150 ASP for sandals. A broader incumbent with established wholesale and DTC channels.
Emerging players
- Xero Shoes: Minimalist/zero-drop footwear brand that overlaps with CFF's zero-drop contoured sole technology. Comparable DTC distribution and barefoot/performance positioning.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Combat Flip Flops social profiles
Digital presenceCombat Flip Flops financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Combat Flip Flops leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Combat Flip Flops funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Combat Flip Flops M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Combat Flip Flops
What does Combat Flip Flops do?
Combat Flip Flops designs, manufactures, and sells military-themed footwear, apparel, and accessories direct-to-consumer through its own online storefront. Products include men's and women's flip flops, shoes, t-shirts, hoodies, shemaghs, patches, jewelry, and books, with footwear manufactured by family-owned businesses in Bogota, Colombia, and accessories sourced from artisans in Afghanistan and Laos.
Is Combat Flip Flops a public or private company?
Combat Flip Flops is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Combat Flip Flops founded?
Combat Flip Flops was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Combat Flip Flops based?
Combat Flip Flops is headquartered in Washington, United States, in the North America region.
How does Combat Flip Flops make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Direct Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are gift Cards.
Who are Combat Flip Flops's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Oofos, Teva, REEF, Chaco, Havaianas, Bedrock Sandals and Rainbow Sandals. Broad incumbents are KEEN and Birkenstock. Xero Shoes is listed as an emerging player.
Does Combat Flip Flops have an API?
No public API is recorded for Combat Flip Flops.
What industry is Combat Flip Flops in?
Combat Flip Flops's product category is Footwear and Apparel. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAOAIAG, Sandals, Flip-Flops & Open-Toe Footwear Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMAOAIAA, Athletic Footwear Manufacturing (Running/Training/Court). Its NAICS code is 45821 and its SIC code is 5661.