Hand knit kilt hose take a lot of skill and care to get right.... even stitches, symetrical patterns, etc.

It's not fair to compare them to what you buy off the rack at the men's department.

In my experience, hand knit hose look fabulous but don't have quite the wear resistance of every day socks. In fact, I've been known to wear a pair of thin nylon socks underneath to reduce the wear impact of heels and toenails because they are quite expensive.

Machine mass produced knee socks, sport socks, socker socks etc. are passable for general wear, but with ghillie brogues they just don't pass muster IMHO.

I have paid up to $90 for hand knit hose.
My dear mother (80+ years) has knit a couple of pair as gifts.

The next best alternate is probably Heritage kilt hose at ~$70

The hand knit tartan kilt hose are in an even higher price range.