National Flip Flop Day

For those folks who are tired of the winter months that require them to keep their feet in stuffy shoes and are looking for an excuse to expose those toes, Flip-Flop Day may just be the answer! 

People have been wearing flip-flops and other styles of simple sandals for thousands of years, with the earliest wearers being the Ancient Egyptians in 4000 BC. Since then, this type of sandal has been worn throughout the world and has become a favorite for people enjoying a relaxing day at the beach or walking around in the sunshine.

Flip-flops got their name because of the slapping sound they make against the ground when you walk in them – and now some people have taken to shortening it by referring to them as simply “flips”. Other names around the world may include pluggers (in Australia), slops or plakkies in South Africa and Zimbabwe, or jandals in New Zealand.

No matter what folks want to call them, these little lightweight sandals have a day all their own each summer dedicated to celebrating them. It’s time to get excited about National Flip Flop Day!

History of National Flip Flop Day

National Flip Flop Day was founded by Tropical Smoothie Cafe in 2007 with the intention of encouraging everyone to get into the spirit of summer by breaking out their favorite pair of flip flops after a long winter.

National Flip Flop Day was originally scheduled to occur on the third Friday in June. In 2023 the date was changed to the Wednesday after Memorial Day, to coincide with the arrival of summer and warmer weather. Customers who visit a participating Cafe on Flip-Flop Day wearing – you guessed it, flip-flops – have the option to receive a free smoothie.

But there’s more exciting news! Not only does Tropical Smoothie Cafe give its customers a free drink and the chance to air their feet, it also uses National Flip-Flop Day as an opportunity to raise money for Camp Sunshine – a camp that offers respite and support to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. In fact, in the years since this day began, more than eight million dollars has been raised in support of this charitable organization!

How to Celebrate National Flip Flop Day

National Flip Flop Day offers a wide range of opportunities to get involved not only with flip flops, but also with smoothies and with camp. What could be a better combination?! Try out some of these ideas for celebrating the day in style:

Wear Flip Flops

Obviously, the first order of business on National Flip Flop Day is to dig those sandals out from the box under the bed or at the top of the closet and wear them. Those who aren’t feeling like their feet are quite ready for summer might want to head over to get a pedicure first.

After locating that favorite pair of flip-flops, head outside to take a stroll along the beach or through the park. If the weather isn’t quite right for sandals, it might be fun to put on some warmer footwear and go shopping for a great new pair of flip-flops to be more prepared for when the sun does arrive!

Not feeling like leaving the house at all? Why not put on flip-flops instead of the usual slippers and wear them at home to get yourself in the mood for summer?

Although flip-flops can be great to wear on a fun casual day out, just be careful not to wear them for too long – the lack of support in flip-flops and their thin soles can lead to sore or injured feet!

Get a Free Smoothie

Another delightful way to observe National Flip Flop Day would be to pop over to a local outpost of Tropical Smoothie Cafe. With locations in more than 40 states as well as Washington, DC, there is almost always an option for hitting up one of these stores. Order up a favorite flavor, like the Strawberry Margarita Smoothie, or try something new and unique, such as the Chia Banana Boost.

Those folks who don’t have a Tropical Smoothie Cafe nearby can still certainly find their own way to celebrate the day, by ordering a smoothie at a different cafe, or even whipping out the blender and making one at home!

Support Camp Sunshine or Another Charity

Anyone who wants to celebrate in style can start by wearing a pair of sandals on National Flip Flop Day and then consider making a financial donation to a charity. Choose to partner with Tropical Smoothie Cafe by supporting Camp Sunshine, which is a nonprofit organization based in Maine that welcomes children who are facing life-threatening illnesses and their families to join in for some rest, respite and recreation.

Or, if preferred, take this opportunity to get involved with another charity of choice. The main goal is to do something kind for someone else, and bring some smiles and happiness to the world in celebration of National Flip Flop Day!