Unisex Active Crew Socks vs Women's Cushioned Ankle Socks: which is safer?
New Balance Women's Cushioned Ankle Socks is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
New Balance
Unisex Active Crew Socks
PFAS grade
D 65/100
Overall grade
F 49/100
Verdict
Skip
Hazard flags
⚑ 4
Material
Cotton blend athletic socks
Confidence
72%
PossibleAzo dyes and colorants
PossibleFormaldehyde resins in finishes
PossibleElastane (spandex) stability
Our pick
New Balance
Women's Cushioned Ankle Socks
PFAS grade
D 65/100
Overall grade
F 53/100
Verdict
Skip
Hazard flags
⚑ 3
Material
Cotton/synthetic blend, standard construction
Confidence
72%
PossibleAzo dyes in synthetic fibers
PossibleAntimony in polyester fibers
PossibleResidual dyes or finish allergens
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