why are kids’ hiking sandals so hard to find?

So here’s my dilemma: I’ve been on a wild goose chase for a pair of closed toe sandals for my son that actually have those grippy nubs on the bottom. You know, the kind that keep you from sliding all over the place when you’re hiking on loose gravel or scree. We live right in the mountain foothills, so every trail seems to be a mix of rocks and slippery dirt. Here’s the kicker—my son can’t really wear stiff hiking boots because of a connective tissue disorder. His doctor said sandals are better to keep his foot muscles working, but all the sandals I’ve found lately are either totally flat on the bottom or have barely-there grooves. I swear, we spent 30 minutes in the local outdoor store last weekend, and every single pair was as smooth as a pancake. I even tried searching online, but it’s like the grippy kind just vanished! Is it just me, or did shoe companies stop making practical sandals for kids? Or am I missing some secret brand? If anyone’s found a pair with serious traction (he’s a size 1, by the way), please let me know! Or if you’ve figured out a workaround, I’m all ears. I can’t be the only parent frustrated by this, right? #parentingstruggles #hikingwithkids #foothillslife #shoeshopping #needadvice #Travel