shoes

Combat Flip Flops: The Floperator

I have owned numerous pairs of flip flops, most of which are just plain junk.  The toe thong would dig into the web between my toes, the straps would cut into the top of my feet and they were just uncomfortable.  They were everything from cheap tourist flip flops to the expensive ones purchased at department stores.

A few months ago I purchased a pair of Combat Flip Flops.  When I first tried them I noticed the straps were comfortable and the sole cushioned my feet nicely.  They have been worn during all facets of daily life from the house to running errands.  These were different from any other set of flip flops I have ever owned.  They felt comfortable and fit well.  Most importantly they did not cut into the web between my toes or dig into the top of my feet. The traction was good, especially on wet or slippery surfaces. The velcro patches allow you to add small patches to personalize them.  

The biggest issue was the logo cut into the heel.  This felt uncomfortable the first few times I wore them, however, they felt more comfortable as the logo wore down with use. .

As a side note, they have several charitable endeavors including educating Afghan children and giving women the ability to start their own businesses.  

As stated on Combat Flip Flops’ web site, these are bad for running and worse for fighting, but make a great pair of flip flops.  .

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

High Quality Flip Flop

Target Market:

Anyone who wears flip flops.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • High quality construction

  • Comfortable fit.

  • Good traction on various surfaces

  • Velcro patches on straps.

  • Charitable Endeavors

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black, Coyote, Shadow

What others are saying?:

Review on the Combat Flip Flop Web Site:

Five Stars  (https://www.combatflipflops.com/collections/mens-flip-flops/products/mens-floperator-shadow)

Sorry it took me so long to find y'all, these are the best Combat Flip Flops EVER! From the comfort to the details from the logo at the bottom the removable patch to the strap around the toes! These sandals are built for anything outdoor and so comfortable to wear indoor and all day! I know what everyone is getting for Christmas keep up the great hard work..

Link to other reviews:

Article from Recoil Web.

Price point:

MSRP = $39.99 (Combat Flip Flops)

I need it now! Availability:

Combat Flip Flops 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • High quality construction

  • Comfortable fit.

  • Good traction on various surfaces

  • Velcro patches on straps.

  • Veteran Owned

  • Charitable Endeavours

Cons:

  • Logo in heel

  • Hard time running or fighting in them.

Score: 8.00 Great

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Combat Flip Flops "Sneakers"

 This review is really more about the story, then the shoes. Combat Flip Flops (CFF for short) manufactures flip flops, of course, but also a Hi-top style sneakers. CFF sent my daughter and I some of the hi-tops to try out. They are stylish and comfortable.

  I met Matt Griffin, “Griff” as everyone calls him, at Triggrcon. Griff is one of the co-founders and CEO at CFF. He explained to me a little about what the story is behind the combat flip flops. I had heard some of the story before, but what really interested me was the sneakers they were now making

  The Combat Flip Flop story started in Afghanistan. Griff had joined the Army Rangers to make a difference. After various time spent in war torn nations, he saw people making good with what they had. When standing outside a combat boot factory, in Afghanistan, he came up with the idea of making combat flip flops. What a better way to help these countries, then by having them make products for US markets. Sourcing the materials locally if available. And thus the story began.

  Many of the items sold by CFF help to fund a day of school for an Afghan girl. CFF does this because they understand that female literacy is the key to improving nations. It is real easy for corrupt governments to radicalize children if the can not read. Since women are the teachers of their families in these countries. Teach the girls and then they will teach their families. Illiteracy rates among women, in Afghanistan, is around 15%. Seems like a reasonable idea to me. 

  The shoes are currently made at a factory in Columbia. CFF chose Columbia because of the free trade agreement with the USA. The free trade was put into effect to help pull Columbia out of its Narco state. As many materials as possible, come from the local area. This helps the local economy. Rubber for the shoe sole is made from rubber tree plantations that were once producing cocaine. All aspects of shoe manufacturing is done there. Then they are shipped to the US to be sold.

  CFF sent me a women’s Weekender and men’s MK-19 shoe, both in hi-tops. The MK-19, and the Weekender, are both a canvas material. Think Chuck T’s style. Both use natural rubber soles, but I thing the women’s Weekender’s are grippier than the MK-19’s. The soles are also sewn on and glued, not just glued like other brands. Both have cordura lace security. This means that the nylon laces go through the cordura, keeping the tongue of the shoe in place. Cordura is also used for the pull strap, the one at the rear of your shoe, to help you pull it on. They also use an EVA mid-layer. What is EVA, I asked google: “An EVA midsole, made from ethylene vinyl acetate, helps to disperse weight and provide stability. This foam-like material is lightweight, flexible, and cushions the foot with each step.” 

  I’m not a big flip flop guy, which is why the MK-19’s are perfect for me. They are really comfortable. I did put in an insole, mainly because I needed more arch support. The MK-19’s are pretty flat inside. As of me looking on CFF’s website, the MK-19’s in tiger stripe camo, are not on it, but those are the ones I received. They are all black, with a green and black sole. All the MK-19’s are the same except for looks. When CFF says the shoes are “StickyAF” they are. My feet stick to the floor, no matter what the floor is made of. So far the MK-19’s have held up great.

  My daughter also received a pair of the Weekender’s. These are the female version of the MK-19. Hers are in the Green/Gum color, which is an almost OD green with a brownish sole. The also use a yellow canvas inside. A really nice looking shoe. She gets all kinds of compliments on them. I think the rubber sole on these is even stickier than the MK-19, but I am just going off of pushing them across the table. Griff did informed me that the soles are stickier because they have less color additive in them. Everything else is pretty much similar to the MK-19’s

  Here are my daughters thoughts:

  These Weekender’s have an incredible flexibility and fit. The sole molds to your feet and has a relaxed feeling to it. The sole is not too firm and not too soft, and it would be an understatement to say that these are the most comfortable shoes to wear all day. Everything about them is comfy and extremely wearable. The price is affordable and amazing for the quality of these shoes. I am so impressed with these shoes and I wear them almost everyday. They’re stylish and absolutely adorable. I would highly recommend these to anyone who is looking for a casual, but chic shoe, and one that is incredibly worth the price.

  If you are interested in Combat Flip Flops, go check them out. The shoes are awesome, the mission statement is fantastic, and they are helping to do good things. If your interested in the long story of how it all got started, go check out “Steps Ascending: Rise of the Unarmed Forces”. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Shoes made in war torn countries to supply girls with education

Target Market:

Those liking the mission statement and needing shoes

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Men's boot/shoe size 7–15

  • Women's sizes 5–11

  • HALF SIZES GO DOWN IN SIZE

  • Proprietary rubber outsole (StickyAF)

  • Proprietary EVA mid-layers

  • Canvas upper

  • Nylon laces

  •  8 eyelets on mens, 7 on womens

  • Cordura lace security

  • Funds 1 day of school for an Afghan girl

  • Combat Flip Flops Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Lots, just go to Combat Flip Flops

What others are saying?:

MK-19:

Great everyday shoe! 

5/5 stars on Combatflipflops.com

The soles are absolutely as grippy as advertised. I wouldn't suggest doing any facing movements wearing these, you'll be crying "corpsman!" in no time. The included insole is better than I thought, I didn't want to strip it out right away like most flat-soled shoes I buy. I probably still will eventually, but it's nice to have a shoe out-of-the-box comfy. The look is styling as all hell, blends great with almost any outfit. Even is reasonably water resistant, though I wouldn't suggest fording a creek or anything.

Only gripe is though while grippy beyond belief, the soles are thin. You feel everything through them. I wouldn't take these truly off-roading or hiking too much - definitely not deliberately. But for my urban commuter lifestyle, they're absolutely perfect.

Weekender

SO CUTE

5/5 stars on Combatflipflops.com

I received these shoes a couple of months ago in size 7 I wear a size 7.5 but they fit perfectly. They are SOOO comfortable and I'm always getting compliments on them. Seriously I could walk for ages.

Price point:

MSRP = $64.99 mens

$59.99 womens

I need it now! Availability:

Combat Flip Flops

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Great story and mission statement

  • Comfortable

  • Sticky AF

  • Metal shoelace eyelets

  • Sewn on soles

  • Long shoelaces

Cons:

  • No half sizes

  • Color options

Score: 8.00 Great

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