National Flip Flop Day

National Flip Flop Day History

National Flip Flop Day is designed to kick off the summer season and to embrace the casual, laid-back vibe often associated with wearing flip flops. This event showcases the iconic summer footwear, encouraging everyone to don their favorite pair and partake in fun, beach-themed activities.

The inception of National Flip Flop Day was in 2007 by Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a fast-casual cafe concept specializing in sandwiches, flatbreads, wraps, and smoothies. The special day was established as a rewarding gesture for customers, and over time, it became a nationwide fundraising opportunity to support Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The cafe offers a free smoothie for each customer wearing flip flops, and in return, encourages donations to fund these children’s camp experiences.

National Flip Flop Day is synonymous with warm weather, colorful footwear, and the commencement of a blissful summer, all while providing a means to support a benevolent cause. The take-home message is not only about embracing the footloose spirit but also about celebrating the power of giving. National Flip Flop Day falls on the third Friday in June each year.

Top 9 Facts for National Flip Flop Day in 2026

• National Flip Flop Day was established in 2007 by Tropical Smoothie Cafe to commemorate the brand's tenth anniversary and promote a relaxed summer lifestyle.
• The observance serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for Camp Sunshine, a specialized retreat in Casco, Maine, that provides cost-free vacations and medical support for families of children with life-threatening illnesses.
• Fundraising efforts tied to the holiday have generated over eight million dollars in total donations, helping to fund thousands of family sessions at the Sebago Lake facility.
• The term "flip-flop" is an onomatopoeic name derived from the rhythmic slapping sound the sandals make against the wearer's heels while walking.
• While thong-style sandals date back to ancient Egypt in 4000 B.C., the modern American version was inspired by the zori, a traditional Japanese sandal popularized by returning soldiers after World War II.
• Environmental awareness groups often use the holiday to highlight the impact of plastic footwear pollution, noting that discarded sandals are a significant component of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
• Many participating locations offer a complimentary twelve-ounce smoothie, such as the Mango Monsoon or the Jetty Punch Smoothie, to any customer who visits wearing the namesake footwear.
• The global market for this footwear is projected to reach nearly twenty-four billion dollars by 2025, driven in part by the massive output from Brazil and the popularity of the Havaianas brand.
• Although they are synonymous with beach comfort, podiatrists often caution that standard versions lack arch support, which can lead to foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis if worn for extended periods.

In the News and Trending for National Flip Flop Day

Top things to do for National Flip Flop Day

• Wear your flip-flops. If you don't own a pair, today is the perfect day to find someone that fit you.
• Take a trip to the beach. Flip-flops are perfect casualwear for the beach. Some would say they're an iconic piece of footwear made for the sandy coasts.
• Visit a Tropical Smoothie Café near you. Be sure to wear your flip-flops so you can get a free smoothie.