Hello -- first time posting, have already done some searching on this forum for answers. Longtime and experienced traveler, primarily through the US, Europe, and Canada.
Am looking for socks and shoes that are good for travel and fit certain criteria. Specifics:
-men's shoes: waterproof, wide width, very comfortable, lighter weight (can't wear boots or anything heavier than standard leather sneakers like New Balance, which are my everyday shoe). Should be black and look like typical black sneakers. I don't mind spending more if they're durable and will last a couple years or so. I have worn black New Balance sneakers when I travel in past, but if they get wet, they smell awful and are unusable. A search here suggests that ECCO shoes should fit all the criteria, but I'm open to other suggestions.
-men's socks: black or navy blue, crew length, medium weight, very comfortable, diabetic style (I'm not diabetic, but I can't wear anything that's the least bit tight, very painful), not wool (allergic nowadays). Should be easy to hand wash in sink and must dry fast overnight hanging over a hanger. I've been wearing Sole Pleasers cotton/poly blend socks for a few years now, and while they work fine otherwise, they don't dry so well overnight. In fact, none of the socks I've tried while traveling do so, not even smartwool/merino wool ones back when I was able to wear them.
-given my age, I need to start seriously considering the possibility of developing deep vein thrombosis when on longer flights, bus rides, or train trips. I've never worn compression socks, but have to wear diabetic socks nowadays and they may not be an option. What do you do to avoid DVT and similar issues? I'm guessing folks get up and walk periodically -- anything else to suggest?
Thanks!