
Gear With Grit: Combat Flip Flops Built for Anglers Who Live on the Water
Fishing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. From dawn on the riverbank to late nights cleaning gear in the garage, you need equipment that holds up. Rods, reels, tackle boxes, they get all the attention. But what about the gear on your feet?
Most anglers settle for cheap rubber flip flops that barely survive a season. One slip on a wet dock or a broken strap while hauling in gear, and you realize how much footwear matters. That’s where Combat Flip Flops steps in.
Founded by Army Rangers, these sandals are built for grit and mission. They’re rugged enough for creek crossings, docks, and muddy boat ramps, but comfortable enough for hours on your feet. And when you buy a pair, you’re also supporting veterans and funding programs that change lives.
👉 Check them out here: Combat Flip Flops
1. The Story Behind Combat Flip Flops
From boots to flip flops
Matthew “Griff” Griffin and Donald Lee were Army Rangers serving in Afghanistan. They saw firsthand how war left families without work and kids without schools. Local craftsmen had skills but no opportunities.
Instead of walking away, they asked: what if we built something here, created jobs, and turned warzones into workshops? The surprising answer: flip flops. Something universal, practical, and capable of fueling real income.
Shark Tank spotlight
In 2016, the founders took their mission to Shark Tank. Their pitch “Bad for running, worse for fighting” caught attention, but it was their purpose that sealed the deal. Mark Cuban and Daymond John invested, giving Combat Flip Flops the backing to grow nationwide (Forbes).
From Afghanistan to veteran support
The brand started by making sandals in Afghanistan, with profits helping clear landmines and fund girls’ education. As operations shifted, the mission expanded. Today, Combat Flip Flops backs programs like One More Wave, which gives injured veterans surf therapy and custom boards (We Are The Mighty).
For anglers, it’s a story worth wearing: a product born in service, repurposed for everyday grit.
2. Built for Anglers: Rugged Style + Comfort
Gear that doesn’t quit
Any fisherman knows cheap flip flops don’t cut it. Straps tear while loading coolers. Soles slick up on wet boat decks. They collapse halfway through summer.
Combat Flip Flops are made different:
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Reinforced nylon straps - tough enough to handle mud, saltwater, and long wear.
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Zero-drop soles - flat from heel to toe for better balance while standing on uneven ground.
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Aggressive tread - grips wet docks, boat ramps, and rocks.
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Cushioned midsoles - comfortable enough for long days by the water.
Whether you’re casting on the riverbank or cleaning fish at the dock, they stay solid.
Rugged meets casual
Fishing doesn’t stop when you head home. These flips transition easily from dock to dinner. Earth-tone colors like coyote brown, olive, and black match jeans, shorts, or fishing pants. They’re not flashy. They’re functional.
Field-tested toughness
Combat Flip Flops aren’t just talk. They’ve been tested in extreme conditions, including Spartan Race obstacle courses, where mud, water, and punishment are the norm (Endurance Sportswire). For fishermen, that means confidence that they won’t give out halfway through a long day.
3. Why Supporting Veteran-Owned Brands Matters
Veterans and the next chapter
Every year, over 200,000 service members transition to civilian life. Many face challenges higher unemployment, PTSD, and finding purpose again. Supporting veteran-owned companies helps bridge that gap (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
Combat Flip Flops takes it further, putting profits into programs that support both veterans and communities scarred by war. Buying a pair isn’t just a transaction it’s backing a mission.
Integrity and grit
Military service instills discipline and accountability. That’s baked into how this company operates. Their products aren’t gimmicks. They’re built with care, tested in the field, and tied to a code: serve with integrity.
For fishermen, that resonates. Just like you trust your gear on the water, you can trust a veteran-owned brand to deliver on its promises.
4. Everyday Fishing Life: Where Combat Flip Flops Fit
On the dock
Walking down a slick dock at sunrise with rods and tackle in hand is no place for flimsy sandals. Combat Flip Flops grip wet planks and give you balance where it counts.
On the riverbank
When you’re wading shallow water or standing on muddy banks, these flips keep traction and dry fast. Perfect for summer smallmouth runs or catfishing after dark.
In the yard and garage
Fishing life doesn’t end on the water. These flips are just as useful at home washing the boat, cleaning gear, or filleting the day’s catch.
At the BBQ after the trip
End of the day, cooler full of fish, grill fired up these flips slide right into the social side of fishing. Casual enough for a backyard BBQ, rugged enough to stand in damp grass for hours.
Travel-ready
Heading to a tournament or fishing trip? They’re easy to pack, easy to slip off at airport security, and tough enough to double as daily shoes while traveling.
Fishing is about preparation. You trust your rods, your reels, and your tackle box to perform. Why not expect the same from your footwear?
Combat Flip Flops are built tough for anglers who live outdoors. They grip wet docks, stand steady on muddy banks, and hold up under long days. And every pair funds veteran causes and community programs that make a difference.
So next time you head out on the water, think about what’s on your feet. Don’t settle for throwaway sandals. Choose grit, purpose, and reliability.
👉 Get your pair here: Combat Flip Flops