Call these socks an instance of reverse camouflage. The yarns and threads that make them up are of modest shades, but somehow they are combined in a way that stands out. Not being an artist or colorist, I can't explain it, but if you decided not to get a pair of these socks, you could decorate your feet with olive drab neon and get a similar effect. After I received them in the mail, I blithely wore them to work at a buttoned down office, and felt a trace of embarrassment as co-workers smirked at my feet during the course of the day. However, Keen socks are very comfortable and these follow in the family tradition -- this is a strong plus in their favor. Nevertheless, the merino wool misbehaves as any fine sweater would after a few rounds at the laundromat. After every two or three washes, I find myself taking a "sweater shaver" to these socks in order to remove fuzz and restore their out-of the-box newness. I think that the best way to put these socks in perspective is to call them "fairly classy clothing for your feet," and you will find that they make a merely decent pair of shoes comfortable, and a comfortable pair of shoes close to divine.