That should a monkey wrench in your discussion.

But if I could, would the slippery silk stockings slide off of my feet?

That's just how I roll.

Or at least that's what I've heard hikers and joggers say.

Accept no substitutes.

They have a lower wool content than I prefer. The advantage to a higher synthetic content is they don't pile or shrink as much, but it also means they don't wick moisture away as well as higher wool content socks which is the biggest reason I go with wool socks. So if you are drying them in the dryer, Wigwams are the ones to get as they will last far longer. However, I prefer these.

and have some wool tights.
I also have a few pair of wool socks. I hand knit them - wool wears well (they last for years), are really warm, and great in wet weather .

Smartwool is a nice brand but I think a ripoff. I have some from Costco and from Sam's and they last forever.


Peace

In my experience I don't know that they last a lot longer than cotton, but they perform much better. I wash them inside out on the gentle cycle and hang them to dry which greatly extends their life. Cotton is a bit more trouble free as you don't have to worry as much about shrinkage or piling.

So sweat stays near the surface of your skin which can lead to smelly feet and blisters unless you are swapping your socks out more often. Wool wicks moisture, which is why it insulates far better, even when wet. It draws moisture away from the skin, so you are cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. All of my dress and casual socks are at least 70% wool, although I do have and like a couple of pair of synthetics. It's not necessarily misguided to prefer synthetics as some more advanced synthetic fibers also wick moisture.

I do have some cotton socks I use for working out for short periods because they are cheap and serve the purpose. For long bike rides I use better ones that I have.