IDK what a step up would be. It's underwear. As long as it doesn't chaff or crush my nuts or constantly ride up my crack, I'm happy. And since these also tend to be the cheapest brands with the most "bang for your buck," I buy them. The only time I really changed underwear was discovering boxer briefs. Briefs chaff, boxers bunch up so I hated both. But boxer briefs are the middle ground that is perfection.