Combat Flip Flops Update | Shark Tank Season 7

Donald Lee and Matthew Griffin were deployed in Afghanistan when they saw how war left people struggling to survive. With no jobs or education, many had no choice but to join extremist groups just to feed their families. To change this, they started Combat Flip Flops, a business that gives people in war-torn countries jobs making footwear, clothing, and accessories. Every purchase helps fund education and clear landmines, giving communities a chance to rebuild. Will the sharks get behind their mission? Let’s find out in our Combat Flip Flops update and pitch recap.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Combat Flip Flops after Shark Tank.

Donald and Matthew pitched Combat Flip Flops on Shark Tank Season 7, seeking $150,000 for 10% equity. After their pitch, they got a deal from Daymond John, Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban for $300,000 for 30% equity.

In terms of a Combat Flip Flops update, the company experienced a 600% revenue increase that fueled expansion and social impact initiatives. However, the 2021 U.S. troop withdrawal forced the company to shut down its Afghan factories.

Shark	Result
Daymond John, Lori Greiner, Mark Cuban	Accepted offer of $300,000 for 30% equity
Kevin O’Leary	No offer
Robert Herjavec	No offer

Shark Tank Combat Flip Flops Pitch

• Entrepreneurs: Donald Lee and Matthew “Griff” Griffin
• Business: Flip-flops made from combat boot soles with a social purpose
• Ask: $150,000 for 10% equity
• Result: $300,000 for 30% equity
• Sharks: Daymond John, Lori Greiner, Mark Cuban

Donald and Matthew entered Shark Tank seeking $150,000 for 10% equity in Combat Flip Flops.

They explained that their business created jobs in war-torn areas by producing footwear, clothing, and accessories. Their flip-flops were made in Bogotá, Colombia, supporting local craftsmen instead of cartels.

Meanwhile, their sarongs, belts, and scarves were produced in Afghanistan by women with limited job opportunities.

Additionally, they partnered with a mine-clearance charity to create jewelry from recycled landmines.

Matt acknowledged that their idea might seem risky, but he believed business was more powerful than bullets. To demonstrate their product, they handed out samples to the sharks.

Robert Herjavec tried on a pair of AK-47 Flip Flops, their best seller, and immediately commented on how comfortable they were. Daymond John agreed, calling them well-made and high quality.

Mark Cuban then asked about their backgrounds. Lee explained that both had served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, where they met.

Their experience in those regions motivated them to start a business that could provide economic opportunities to the communities they had once served in combat.

Kevin O’Leary asked about production costs, and Matt responded that each AK-47 Flip Flop cost $20 to manufacture and the retail price was $70, with an additional $5 for air shipping.

Lori Greiner questioned why they were using air shipping instead of a more cost-effective method.

Matt explained that demand was so high that they couldn’t keep products in stock long enough to justify slower shipping.

Daymond was curious about their sales channels. Matt shared that 89% of their sales were online, with the remaining portion going to wholesalers.

Robert then asked about total revenue. Matt revealed that they made $137,000 last year and were on track to reach $300,000 by year-end.

Robert questioned their broad product range, advising them to focus on one category instead of spreading themselves too thin.

Kevin acknowledged that their mission was noble but remained skeptical about profitability. He felt the business lacked focus and decided to drop out.

However, Robert still had doubts about their ability to scale and followed Kevin in stepping away.

With two sharks out, Lori expressed interest in making an offer but preferred to partner with another shark.

Before she could finalize a deal, Mark and Daymond had a private discussion and offered $200,000 for 25% equity.

Lori wanted to join but insisted on equal terms with Mark and Daymond. However, Mark responded that bringing Lori in would require raising the equity stake to 30%.

Matt countered that the investment should increase as well. Kevin encouraged them to make a counteroffer, and after consulting with Lee, Matt proposed $300,000 for 30% equity.

Mark and Lori immediately agreed, and after a brief pause, Daymond joined them. With that, the deal was sealed.

Now, let’s check in for a Combat Flip Flops update.

Shark Tank Combat Flip Flops Update

Our Combat Flip Flops update found that the deal from Daymond John, Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban closed successfully.

After Shark Tank, the company saw a 600% increase in revenue, allowing them to expand their mission.

Since their appearance, they expanded their impact, funding education for over 200 Afghan girls and providing jobs in conflict zones.

However, the 2021 U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan forced the company to shut down its factories in the country.

Despite this setback, the company remained operational and continued selling its products.

As of June 2022, annual revenue stands at $4.6 million, and their products, including flip-flops and other footwear, are available on Amazon and their official website.

Hopefully this won’t be our final Combat Flip Flops update.

Look below for our company updates for the other products featured in Season 7 Episode 16.

• R. Riveter Update
• BearTek Update
• Major Mom Update

For more on companies and products, be sure to stop by our Season 7 Products Page.