I really like that these socks come over the calf and have a wide, not too tight, comfortable elastic band that falls just below the knee. They move very little during the day, so you don't spend a lot of time pulling them up like shorter socks that rise only half-way of the calf. There is a little bit of a toe seam, but it doesn't feel sharp or intrusive on the toe. The fabric is thick enough that you don't feel like you will snag or tear it.

Well worth the extra cost to save on aggrivation of cheaper socks.

Edit: After I saw the other review about the 2nd pair being solid black and short, I came back to comment.

Yes, the second pair was solid black, but it didn't bother me b/c I was just looking for some long, comfortable socks. I seem to remember the solid black pair being a little shorter than the basketweave ones, but perhaps that's because the basketweave fabric gives more when you pull on them.