Leather Lotion 4.0 oz vs Air Raider Shoe & Boot Refresher: which is safer?

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

Our pick

Merrell

Leather Lotion 4.0 oz

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 43/100

Verdict

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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

Timberland

Air Raider Shoe & Boot Refresher

PFAS grade

F 20/100

Overall grade

F 0/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 5

Material

Aerosol spray treatment, likely silicone or wax base

Confidence

35%

LikelyVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) and propellant inhalation

PossibleFormaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers in stabilizers

PossibleSilicone or wax coating degradation and microplastic shedding

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