It has been a very long time since I have bought Gold Toe athletic socks for myself.  The last time I bought Gold Toe sport socks for myself was probably 15 years ago.  I have just had to throw out a few 15 year-old pairs due to finally getting some holes in them - and I threw them out reluctantly and with great sadness.  My feet really did not want to say goodbye to their long-time friends.  These new socks have a totally different fit to them.  I did not find the same socks I bought years ago; they must not be available anymore.  I just bought my son some men's Gold Toe athletic socks and he said they already have a hole in them upon just about the first wearing.  I knew things had to have changed in the past 15 years.  I have worn my new socks in the past week and "so far so good" but it still remains to be seen how well and how long they will hold up.  I have a feeling they are not going to get me through the next 15 years.  Ten to fifteen years is not just nostalgia: it is proof of the quality of the materials - perhaps from a bygone era.  We will see what happens...