I bought these for my husband for use after he had knee replacement surgery.  The pair the hospital gave him were scratchy and got lots of piles once washed.  These are really soft and yet they provide the gripping action to the floor that he needs.  I'm glad I bought 2 pairs because he wears them all the time.  They have been washed and dried a bunch and have held up well, but I am careful not to over-dry in the dryer to preserve the grips on the bottom of the socks.