Hi @MoiraC
I've managed to avoid socks and sandals by doing socks and sand shoes, and pretending I look trendy. I got some cotton canvas sand shoes very cheaply at a low-end chain store; the soles were really soft but too thin for sore feet so bought spongy inner soles so now they are really soft underfoot and because they were cheap, there is not much to them so they are light. And they lace up firmly so there is minimal friction. They also can come in natty patterns and colours because they are cheap fashion. I'm currently looking for some plain white ones (hopeful of an end of summer $5 bargain) so I can paint them with acrylic paint to make them more fun! :)