Patenting a sandal? #26

http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2013/04/patent-conscious-preparation-for-a-summer-at-the-beach.html

After reading this article I am conflicted. On one hand I want to commend the inventor for patenting such a simple stupid idea probably with the hopes that Crocs will buy it from him. On the other hand this guy sucks and so does whoever let it slide through the patent office.  I understand this as a design patent but as a utility patent? How was this classified as new and useful. The concept of sandals that make imprints has always been out there. I remember as a young kid seeing cheap plastic sandals from China on the beach that would do the same thing. And I have no idea how this is useful. Im sure I could come up with a bogus excuse as to why it is useful. But again, this guy played it smart he took the chance to patent it and it worked. I highly doubt he will go ahead and produce these sandals. The more realistic route is to sit on this patent and wait to be bought or for someone to infringe.  Im torn.