hi tracy! for my every day rides... i just wear the little low cut athletic socks from target... they are thin.... but they are cotton... however i don't have any issues with them!

almost any of the cycling socks from an LBS will be thin.... (and you have to remember.... unless i have on leg warmers... i won't wear the higher socks cuz of tanlines!)

perhaps you need to try a different shoe? i love specialized... my first pair were WSD.... and VERY comfortable! i had (yes had) to go with the men's version when i got new ones for the new bike (cuz the men's were black.. the women's carbon were fugly! but i digress!) hubby used to wear the expensive sidi's... when they were wearing out... he tried specialized and is HOOKED! says they are WAY more comfy than the sidis... which are supposed to be such dookie hot shoes!

as for pedals... i use speedplay! i don't have any problems with hot spots *knock on wood*.... plus they are really easy to clip in and out of!