Socks for all day city walking
 

I've read all the comments about fashion vs. comfort when it comes to which type of shoe to wear in European cities. As a veteran traveler I side with comfort due to my tendency to walk great distances and stand for great lengths of time. So comfort and support comes first because one blister can ruin an otherwise wonderful trip, a close encounter for me last year when I wore sandals without socks for a day. I ended up doctoring a very sensitive big toe and lost precious time that I otherwise would have had to enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris. To salvage the extension of my trip to Tuscany and Rome, I ended up buying socks.

Whether or not to wear some kind of sock is no longer an issue for debate. I need the extra protection they provide during very long days on my feet.

My request is for suggestions on how to pair socks with my sturdy but supportive and comfortable, nondescript black mary jane walking shoes. I usually wear black slacks, so black socks more or less extend the look. The black on black look works well enough in Paris.

But what about Amsterdam, which is a bit less formal and where I'm considering wearing capris and tennis shoes? Should I go with some kind of bright shoe and pair them with a wacky and colorful print sock, or stick with footies and hope they're not too obvious? The capris will likely be black, as I travel with only a small carry on and stick to basic colors, especially black pants, punctuated with bright accessories.

So as not to be thought a total fashion disaster, I will take one pair of colorful sandals for use if I change for dinner, but more often than not I eat early at casual cafes, and usually don't dine at fine restaurants. If I do, I promise I'll leave the socks behind.

Thoughts about what kind of sock I should wear?

Hmmm... if it were me, I might get footies in coordinating colors, although I don't often wear socks unless my feet are cold (live in Los Angeles, so feet are rarely cold.)

I would go with the "wacky and colorful" socks! Live a little!

Smartwool socks. Hands down the best and they're made in a variety of styles and colors. The light are good for most seasons with ultra light being better for very hot weather. A little pricey but so worth it and they last a long time.
http://www.smartwool.com/womens/socks.html

Either stick to the Mary-Janes, with colourful socks, or go for footies with your tennis shoes.
Asuuming it ever gets warm enough here for such frivolities that is.

Smartwool! If you live in the US then REI has their annual sale going on now. They usually include some Smartwool in their sale and you could also check their online clearance section too.

Thank you so much! I looked up Smartwool; wasn't aware of them, and they're terrific. Just what I need.

Both of us use a mid weight wool sock, generally lamb's wool. Cotton should be avoided. The sock is as critical as a good fitting shoe.