I can relate to what you said here:

My biggest complaint at the moment is the altered sensation on my foot soles. Even comfy cotton or polyester socks can feel prickly. I'll take that over the ache and the burning all day everyday. I still get sore feet with extended standing or walking but it seems to be slowly improving and I'm able to slowly extend activity times.

Birkenstocks are my friends, sandals at home and as often as possible weather permitting, clogs are my second choice. Soft Spot Supremes seem best for me for the other times. Shoes for the gym are another matter, I have yet to find any that I can wear for more than an hour. Socks it seems like the newer the better, a few too many washings and they seem to hurt even more.

Good luck, hope you continue in the "right" direction.