They may not be all that "interesting" but I've actually had really good luck with the grey socks Cabela's usually puts on sale a few times a year in multi-packs. I don't know what exact "type" they are, they're just the cheap generic ones, light grey with a darker grey top stripe. They're not fancy padded or merino wool ones but they're light, very comfortable, and long enough for even the tallest boots and longest feet. (I have trouble with short socks - I wear a size 12.5.) I bought my first bunch 3-4 years ago and buy another pack each year or so.
When I'm hiking I always bring a change of socks and ALWAYS change them at lunchtime. On a long hike it's amazing how much better you feel when you get back to the truck if you haven't been in the same pair all day long...