They're beautifully warm, but don't make your feet sweaty and you can do things like this-

and this

and even this!

Not something you'll ever get in the shops!
However all that knitting with little yarn, on little needles can seem a little scary so maybe a thicker yarn and a thicker pair of needles might help first time sock knitters.....
The wonderful people at p/hop have just released a new sock pattern in DK wool. I've not knitted it yet, but the next time I want a pair of man socks it might be just the ticket!