My spouse has found these socks to be very comforting for his pressure sensitive tootsies.
They have enough elastic to keep their shape and not fall down, but are still loose and soft enough to be easy on the nerves.  They look good, and aren't too warm even on warmer days.
We wash them in cold water with other wool or delicate items in the washer, then let them dry flat; they dry within a few hours.  I just want to create as little lint as possible so they will last longer.