Tracy -
I can't help with the pedals since I use mountain pedals - Frogs - on my road bikes, and I sense that you're looking for road pedals...

But on the socks front, I've been wearing SmartWool socks exclusively and find them very comfortable. My favorites for cycling are their "cycling ultra lite mini crew" socks. You can see them at http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=14193.

Here's hoping that you find a quick (and easy!) solution to your foot hot spots problem.

--- Denise