Skeptical is the wrong word, but I definitely didn't expect these socks to be as good at wicking moisture as they are. They are very comfortable, warm, genuinely seem well-made. I can't speak to the longevity since I have only had them a few weeks, but they seem like they will last a good while. The one thing I would mention, is that if you are used to their main competitors socks (that they mention in all their ads), these are a fair bit thicker - not drastic or bulky, but definitely thicker...