Is New Balance PFAS-free?
Across 16 graded products, New Balance averages F (48/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. None of its products grade C or better yet. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Graded and flagged D and F, we’d swap these
New Balance
Knit Gloves
knit textile, likely acrylic or wool blend
Lower concern; knit gloves unlikely to contain PFAS, no water-resistant treatment typical.
⚠Risky category by default
New Balance
NYC Borough Gloves
textile (likely cotton/polyester blend)
Likely lower concern; no water-resistance coating detected.
⚠Risky category by default
New Balance
Pro Run Crew Socks
polyester, nylon, elastane blend
Lower concern for typical crew socks; no waterproofing expected.
⚠Risky category by default
New Balance
Unisex Coolmax Crew Socks 2 Pack
Cotton blend with Coolmax polyester
Lower concern. Basic crew socks with no water-resistant or stain-resistant treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
New Balance
Active Crew Socks 6 Pack
Cotton blend athletic socks, no specified coating
Lower PFAS concern. Cotton-based socks with no water-repellent coating treatment typical.
⚠Risky category by default
New Balance
Men's Cushioned Low Cut Moisture Wicking Socks
Cotton blend with synthetic moisture-wicking fibers, no stated water-resistant treatment
Lower concern; no water-repellent coating treatment typical for low-cut cushioned socks.
⚠Risky category by default
New Balance
Women's Cushioned Ankle Socks
Cotton/synthetic blend, standard construction
Lower concern, standard socks without water treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
New Balance
Unisex Active Crew Socks
Cotton blend athletic socks
Lower concern; basic socks lack typical PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
New Balance
Cushion Quarter Socks
Cotton blend, cushioned sole (polyester/rubber)
Lower concern. Cotton-based socks rarely treated with PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
New Balance
Active Quarter Socks 6 Pack
Cotton blend athletic socks, no coating mentioned
Lower concern. Basic athletic socks with no known PFAS treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
New Balance
Balance Hybrid Sport Cold Running & Walk Glove Black Touchscreen Men
synthetic textile blend with water-repellent coating treatment
water-repellent coating-treated gloves carry PFAS risk; New Balance silent on composition.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
New Balance
Men's Hybrid Performance Gloves
synthetic blend with water-repellent coating finish
Sport gloves likely use water-repellent coating treatment; New Balance makes no PFAS disclosure.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
New Balance
Speed Lightweight Gloves
synthetic textile blend with water-resistant treatment
Athletic gloves likely have water-repellent coating.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
New Balance
Men's Hybrid Sport Touchscreen Running & Walk Gloves
polyester, nylon, touchscreen-compatible synthetic blend with water-repellent coating finish
Skip until New Balance discloses water-repellent coating treatment chemicals used.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
New Balance
Lightweight Warm Running Gloves
polyester/nylon blend with water-repellent treatment
Running gloves likely water-treated; New Balance silent on PFAS details.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
New Balance
Balance Tech Touch Touchscreen Pace Setter Black Gloves Mens Size L/xl
polyester/nylon blend with touchscreen-compatible coating
Touchscreen gloves likely have water-resistant coating; New Balance silent on PFAS.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →