Murder Hippo flip flops

The Murder Hippo Flip-Flops: One-of-One, Born from the Wild

Crafted from the hide of a dominant rogue hippo in Botswana, these flip-flops are a singular force of nature. The leather is thick, brutal, and untamed — marked by scars earned in territorial battles and hardened under the unforgiving African sun. It’s not just rare; it’s prehistoric. Dense with history. Heavy with presence.

Before its hide was ever tanned, the hippo took a man’s life. No warning, no hesitation — a violent encounter that ended in silence. That weight lingers in the leather. You can feel it. The grain is uneven and wild, with a texture that looks more like cracked earth than finished material. The footbed molds slowly to its wearer, as if testing their worth.

It doesn’t yield — it challenges. Dark, almost black in parts, sun-bleached in others, the surface carries the tension of something that was never meant to be worn.

This is leather that fought back.

There is only one hide.

No replicas. No second chances. Just a one-of-one artifact born from power, chaos, and survival — flip-flops that feel less like footwear and more like a warning.

Leather: American Cowhide / Hippo

Our products are crafted from the finest American vegetable-tanned cowhide leather, a material known for its durability and timelessness. We incorporate our famous cowhide leather into the base and straps of every pair of flip flops.

Handmade Excellence

All of our flip flops are handcrafted in the USA. Each pair is created using a 550-step process that combines ancient leatherwork techniques with modern methods. This process ensures that superior quality, attention to detail, and expert craftsmanship are executed in every pair.

One of a Kind

Every pair of Toehold flip flips is unique, with individual characteristics that highlight the natural beauty of the leather. We have one of the most extensive leather collections in the world, featuring hides most people have never seen before. The leather contours to the shape of your foot and ages over time, producing a patina with a luxury look and feel.

Ethically Sourced Leather

We initially rejected the idea of using African leathers in our products. However, after learning about the role that exotic leathers play in conservation efforts, we changed our approach. 

Our research revealed a thorough and ethical process. When an animal perishes, game wardens respond to harvest its remains accordingly. They distribute the meat to local villagers and turn the hide over to government officials. Those officials tag the hide and send it to a government-regulated tannery, while tracking it to ensure compliance with ethical and conservation standards. Toehold follows strict CITES laws that regulate the trade of endangered species and products.

By choosing our products, you’re doing more than investing in unmatched craftsmanship. Your purchase helps fund game warden wages, supports anti-poaching initiatives, and protects these exotic animals and their habitats for generations to come.

Do your part by ordering a pair of flip flops today.