There is a class of socks that is way superior to the typical dress or athletic tube socks most people wear. Go to an outdoors store and check out the socks that wick moisture away, are cushioned, are a blend of natural and synthetic fibres...that are in the $15 to $20 range. They make a huge difference.
I love wearing sandals. Usually like the open toed Chaco model, but just bought these Keen sandals for my upcoming trip to Peru and Bolivia -
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d... 1272916793670 and really enjoying them and they get lots of great reviews on REI...