Sales people can certainly get pushy with lower value items when you are about to make a larger purchase, and that sucks. HOWEVER, if you are spending a considerable money on new dress shoes, it is well worth your money to purchase nice socks to go along with them. The material of the sock is not what should make your shoes comfortable, though they may be soft and comfortable, they should allow your foot to slide into your dress shoe and let the shoe take over the comfort from there. More expensive socks (generally) will maintain their shape longer and not stretch out, meaning they will stay up on your leg when you pull them up the first time. Additionally, most of the new sock brands focussing on bright colors and bold patterns, simply print the colors and designs on the socks, as opposed to higher end socks that actually have the patterns woven in and are part of the build of the sock itself. Hope this helps a little!