Active Quarter Socks 6 Pack vs Unisex Active Crew Socks: which is safer?

New Balance Active Quarter Socks 6 Pack is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Our pick

New Balance

Active Quarter Socks 6 Pack

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 53/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Cotton blend athletic socks, no coating mentioned

Confidence

72%

PossibleAzo dyes (synthetic colorants)

PossibleFormaldehyde resins (finishing agents)

PossibleElastic degradation and microfiber shedding

Why this grade

New Balance

Unisex Active Crew Socks

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 49/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

Cotton blend athletic socks

Confidence

72%

PossibleAzo dyes and colorants

PossibleFormaldehyde resins in finishes

PossibleElastane (spandex) stability

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 sports performance undergarments: see the full ranking