I was hoping and expecting that they would be a lot softer but they are not. They're not as bad, just not as soft as I was hoping. I ordered size XL for my ladies height 8ft based on reviews and size chart. When I received them I found the sizing to be a bit larger than I would have liked, but I'll keep them in case they shrink a bit and because I like that the upper doesn't cut off your circulation like many knee socks. . I don't have big calves (5ft 6in, 125lbs) but so many stockings are awfully tight. All in all these are the best golf courses I have found over the last few years as golf courses are not easy to find. .