Return policy comparison · 2026
Darn Tough vs Koio
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
Darn Tough
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
Koio
C+
2.3 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Darn Tough has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Koio's C+ (2.3/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 14-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Darn ToughKoio
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
| Darn Tough | Koio | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (regardless of wear; 120 days for holiday gifts) | 14 days (unworn, unaltered) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - $14 fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None | None separate from the $14 return processing fee |
| Return shipping | Free return shipping on all returns and exchanges | A $14 shipping and processing fee applies to all returns/exchanges; waivable by paying $7.98 for Checkout+ at time of purchase; international returns carry a $39 shipping label fee instead |
| Holiday extension | Gifted socks purchased during holiday periods get 120 days instead of the standard 90 | Orders placed November 14 - December 31 get an extended exchange/store-credit window through January 11 (refunds still cut off at the standard 14 days) |
| Holiday deadline | — | 2027-01-11 |
| Non-returnable | None published | Final sale items (50%+ off, non-returnable and non-exchangeable); items on sale at 25%+ off are exchange/store-credit only, not refundable |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
Darn Tough tip
Even socks that are years old and worn through get covered - after the 90-day return window, Darn Tough's Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee kicks in for socks bought anywhere, not just their own site.
Koio tip
Paying $7.98 for Checkout+ at checkout waives the standard $14 return fee and adds order protection - if there's any chance you'll return or exchange, it pays for itself on a single return.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Darn Tough or Koio?
Darn Tough has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Koio's C+ (2.3/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 14-day window (very tight).
What is Darn Tough's return window?
Darn Tough's return window is 90 days (regardless of wear; 120 days for holiday gifts).
What is Koio's return window?
Koio's return window is 14 days (unworn, unaltered).
Does Darn Tough or Koio offer free returns?
Darn Tough: Yes. Koio: No - $14 fee deducted.