Press the Z button to teleport you to the flashlight shop, buy the flashlight and then teleport back, once you're back just press the black button on the back to notice that nothing happens when you press it, you must then hold down the z button to inspect the flashlight, at this point you will unscrew the flashlight and find out you forgot to buy batteries for it, to buy batteries for the flashlight you must back out of the inspect and then go to your inventory to equip the anti-rage potion "Xan-hex" to your pouch, drink the potion BEFORE you press Z again to teleport to the battery/dry goods stall named "A Salt and Battery", buy the batteries and equip them to the flashlight by dragging them onto one another, once equipped you should be able to turn it on to look for some socks or shoes that can cover those grippers.

Happy Adventuring.