My first reaction to the original post was: Where do you get irritation and how extensive is it? Are blisters actually forming? Are they just hot spots? What have you tried already? Do you have inserts or just the standard insoles for the boots?
Are there already existing skin issues in the area? Warts? Callouses? Fungus?
I've been carrying a minimum of three pairs of socks on my last few trips (3-4days) and have used/soaked all three pairs. It's not just the sweating, it's the sloppy snow and stream crossings as well.
Have you recently waterproofed your boots? Never mind if they're Gore-tex or not, you'll probably want to spray the outside, again, due to the snow/slop conditions out there right now.
My friend Len swears by the socks with the separate toe slots. I tried a pair and hated them. Trial and error is key, don't try something new on the day of the hike.
