Active Quarter Socks 6 Pack vs Ridge Mid-Crew Lightweight Socks: which is safer?

These two grade almost identically. Pick on price and preference; neither has a PFAS edge.

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

Wigwam

Ridge Mid-Crew Lightweight Socks

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 53/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Merino wool blend, standard textile construction

Confidence

78%

PossibleFormaldehyde resins in finishes

PossibleAzo dyes and synthetic colorants

PossibleMicrofiber shedding during wear

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