That's exactly what they seem to be. Short, thin wires.
I buy them every time I use DIP ICs work. Save me from sorrow. Nothing to say. Uxcell is reliable and consistent in quality and packaging. My previous experience with Uxcell made it easy for me to choose their product and I have no regrets.
Pros
As an IC carrier, the IC socket can replace the IC and circuit board with repeated welding and disassembly without damaging the IC, saving the time and cost of the IC