Men's Sports Cushions Shock Absorbing Shoe Inserts vs Gel Total Support Insoles: which is safer?

Spenco Gel Total Support Insoles is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Dr. Scholl's

Men's Sports Cushions Shock Absorbing Shoe Inserts

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 53/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

foam cushioning, likely polyurethane or EVA

Confidence

72%

PossibleAdhesive or bonding agent degradation

PossibleOdor and microbial growth in degraded foam

PossibleContact dermatitis from dyes or finishes

Why this grade

Our pick

Spenco

Gel Total Support Insoles

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 57/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Gel cushioning with foam base, materials not fully disclosed

Confidence

62%

PossibleFormaldehyde resins (in foam base bonding)

PossibleMicroplastics shedding from gel degradation

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 athletic insoles & orthotics: see the full ranking