Shoe Gear Water Repellent Aerosol Spray vs Leather Lotion 4.0 oz: which is safer?

Merrell Leather Lotion 4.0 oz is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Columbia

Shoe Gear Water Repellent Aerosol Spray

PFAS grade

F 20/100

Overall grade

F 2/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Aerosol spray, water-repellent water-repellent coating treatment on textiles

Confidence

40%

PossibleInhalation of propellant and solvent vapor

ReportedSkin and eye irritation from spray contact

PossiblePolymer coating degradation and microparticle shedding

Why this grade

Our pick

Merrell

Leather Lotion 4.0 oz

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 43/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

Leather conditioning lotion, composition unspecified

Confidence

45%

ReportedFormulation transparency / undisclosed ingredients

PossibleSkin irritation / sensitization from fragrance or additives

PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOC) during application

Why this grade

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More stain-resistant footwear: see the full ranking