Initially I thought they were priced a little on the higher end and at the same time curiosity got the best of me. I purchased these socks for someone who had mentioned their footsies were always cold. Not to say that this can not happen to anyone on certain parts of the year. As soon as the socks arrived they were put to good use. No hiking or outdoor setting, just in a conventional setting in the middle of what in this place is considered winter. Before long the report came back that they were performing very well and since they also look and feel very sturdy I came to the conclusion that sometimes paying a little more than usual can be a good thing. 4 Stars.