That's funny - I wonder if it's all hit or miss depending on the specific pair or which batch you end up with?

I started with a thinner pair of Darn Tough socks (maybe it was the "lightweight" or "lifestyle" kind?) and developed holes in the big toes within a few months. To their credit, they stick by the lifetime warranty and replaced them.

Since then I only buy thicker Darn Toughs with a bit of padding (hiking style socks) ... those are both more comfortable and have proven more durable.

With Smartwool, I've only owned 2 pairs of their socks and a pair of convertible glove/mittens, but those are still going strong.