When one of my sons decided that he wanted a pair of handknitted socks, I designed this “manly” pair (but I like them enough to wear myself).
Stitches are cast on at the upper leg in a modification of the tubular cast-on technique. A twisted k1, p1 rib is worked along the leg and top of the foot, with a little zig and zag along the way. Instead of working the gusset stitches in stockinette as usual, I worked them in the twisted rib pattern.
These socks are snug and warm.