Why post this here? This is an article about medical support hoisery...
I bought a pair for $80, my first and now older pair of compression socks, which look and feel the same as when I first bought them. All of my other pairs, which were less expensive, are getting worn out. Spend the $$$!
Is there a dump in the cheaper pair?
The socks you get at Walmart/drug store aren't as durable/anti-microbial and are not designed to wear while running. However, there is no research evidence saying you need to wear the socks 'while running', to get the recovery benefits. Thus, there's nothing wrong with getting the cheaper brand (you can pick up some awesome full-length, firm-compression pantyhose at CVS- might be goofy for men) and then wearing them outside of running/while you sleep.
I have owned 4 different brands of compression socks and the best by far are the CEP socks Made In Germany. Like yourselves, I am very hard on my gear due to constant training and travel. The CEP socks are now 9 months only and are showing no signs of wear. They were expensive, about 60 bucks for the pair.
My UnderArmour compression socks, on the other hand, all have holes in the toes. One pair was toast after only 1 hard session.