Return policy comparison · 2026
Ariat vs TOMS
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Ariat) and July 24, 2026 (TOMS)
Winner
Ariat
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
TOMS
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Ariat has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against TOMS's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
AriatTOMS
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Ariat | TOMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (unworn, original tags and packaging) | 30 days from order date |
| Free returns | Yes | Yes (within contiguous US) |
| Restocking fee | — | $4.99 restocking fee if refunded to original payment method; waived entirely if you choose store credit instead |
| Return shipping | Free (prepaid label for domestic purchases; original shipping charges not refunded) | Free prepaid return label provided within the contiguous United States |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | Final sale items; items purchased at authorized third-party retailers (follow retailer's own policy - unconfirmed on fetched page) | Items marked 'All sales are final - No returns', gift cards (physical and digital), altered items including those customized with TOMS shoe tattoos, items showing wear or use |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
Ariat tip
If you originally paid with an Ariat gift card, refunds are issued as a new gift card rather than back to your original payment method, so factor that in before buying with gift card balance.
TOMS tip
Take store credit instead of a card refund and you skip the $4.99 restocking fee completely - an easy way to keep the full value if you're likely to buy from TOMS again anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Ariat or TOMS?
Ariat has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against TOMS's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Ariat's return window?
Ariat's return window is 90 days (unworn, original tags and packaging).
What is TOMS's return window?
TOMS's return window is 30 days from order date.
Does Ariat or TOMS offer free returns?
Ariat: Yes. TOMS: Yes (within contiguous US).