Cannot enchant unenchanted items

I am not sure if this is an intended feature or not, but after a lengthy session of enchanting and dissenchanting via a grindstone and anvil/enchanting table my netherite boots now say 'too expensive' in an anvil while unenchanted. Could someone please explain/fix this as it is very annoying and I may now have to get new boots. Anything that could be done would be appreciated.