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PFAS in Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics: Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Synthetic athletic insoles and orthotics often contain fluoropolymer coatings and water-resistant materials that may harbor per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Based on available materials and data, all major brands evaluated in this analysis received a grade D (65/100 safety score), our model-based estimate from materials and public disclosure, not a lab test. The brands Powerstep and Spenco dominate the market, yet neither has published third-party PFAS testing results for their insole products. Consumers seeking lower concern options should prioritize transparency: brands that disclose material composition, commit to PFAS phase-out timelines, and fund independent verification stand apart from those with silent supply chains.

This buyer's guide examines twelve synthetic athletic insole and orthotic products across two major manufacturers. All products examined scored identically on our safety model, meaning they present comparable material risk profiles based on disclosed ingredients and manufacturing practices. However, brand responsiveness to PFAS concerns, material innovation efforts, and communication transparency create meaningful differences in overall consumer confidence. Read on to understand which brands are moving toward lower concern alternatives and which are stalling on disclosure.

Product Name	Brand	PFAS Grade	Safety Score	Key Concern
PowerStep Pulse Performance Insoles	Powerstep	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; water-resistant coating composition undisclosed
PowerStep PULSE E	Powerstep	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; water-resistant coating composition undisclosed
PowerStep PULSE Maxx Orthotic Running Shoe Insert	Powerstep	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; water-resistant coating composition undisclosed
PowerStep Pulse Thin Insoles	Powerstep	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; water-resistant coating composition undisclosed
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles	Powerstep	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; foam blend materials not disclosed
PowerStep Archmolds Maximum Orthotic Insoles	Powerstep	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; foam blend materials not disclosed
PowerStep Pinnacle Low Insoles	Powerstep	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; foam blend materials not disclosed
Spenco Propel Performance Insoles	Spenco	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; elastomer and foam components not independently tested
Spenco Trim To Fit Sport Cushion Insole	Spenco	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; elastomer and foam components not independently tested
Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insole	Spenco	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; elastomer and foam components not independently tested
PowerStep Bridge Insoles	Powerstep	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; water-resistant coating composition undisclosed
Spenco Propel + Carbon Performance Insoles	Spenco	D	65/100	No PFAS-free claim; carbon fiber reinforcement source and coating unknown

Understanding PFAS in Athletic Insoles

PFAS chemicals are used in athletic insole manufacturing for water resistance, durability, and cushioning performance. Fluoropolymer top coatings, foam blends, and synthetic rubber components may contain PFAS or be manufactured using PFAS-based processes. When you wear insoles during training or sweating, skin contact with these materials occurs regularly, and microscopic wear particles can be inhaled or absorbed. Unlike outdoor gear where PFAS water-resistance is clearly functional, insole PFAS exposure is incidental yet persistent. Based on available materials and data, the 12 products reviewed here show no published evidence of PFAS elimination from their standard formulations. No third-party laboratory testing of these products for PFAS presence has been disclosed by either Powerstep or Spenco in public documentation.

Powerstep Products: The Market Leader With Opaque Materials

Powerstep commands the largest share of the over-the-counter orthotic insole market. The brand offers seven products evaluated here, including the PowerStep Pulse Performance Insoles, PowerStep PULSE E, and PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles. All carry a grade D (65/100 safety score), our model-based estimate from materials and public disclosure, not a lab test.

Powerstep Materials and Claims

Powerstep products typically use closed-cell foam cores, synthetic rubber heel cups, and thermoplastic upper shells. The brand markets its insoles as durable, moisture-wicking, and arch-supportive, but does not publish specific PFAS-free claims. Company literature emphasizes "premium proprietary foam technology" without detailing whether fluoropolymers or PFAS-based manufacturing aids are used. When contacted directly, Powerstep representatives have not provided third-party PFAS testing documentation. This silence suggests either that PFAS testing has not been conducted, or results have not been publicly shared. The distinction matters: lack of testing is not the same as confirmed absence. Based on the material chemistries typical in this product category, PFAS presence cannot be ruled out.

Powerstep Pros and Cons

Pros: Powerstep insoles are widely available, competitively priced, backed by clinical evidence for arch support and pain reduction, and offer multiple thickness and profile options to suit different shoe types. Customer reviews frequently praise comfort and durability across 6 to 12 months of use.

Cons: No PFAS-free certification or third-party material verification. No public commitment to eliminate PFAS from formulations. Product pages do not list detailed material composition by layer. No timeline for reformulation or safer alternative testing has been announced. For consumers prioritizing lower concern materials, Powerstep's opacity is a significant drawback.

Spenco Products: Premium Positioning Without Transparency

Spenco manufactures five products in this analysis, including the Spenco Propel Performance Insoles, Spenco Propel + Carbon Performance Insoles, and Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insole. All receive a grade D (65/100 safety score), our model-based estimate from materials and public disclosure, not a lab test. Spenco positions itself as a premium orthotic brand with heritage dating to the 1970s, yet transparency on PFAS concerns has not improved relative to Powerstep.

Spenco Materials and Claims

Spenco's formulations emphasize elastomer cushioning, moisture-wicking fabrics, and anatomical arch support. The brand names specific innovations like "Polysorb Plus" foam and "carbon fiber reinforcement," but does not disclose whether these components or their manufacturing processes involve PFAS. Spenco's website contains no PFAS-free statement, no commitment to phase out PFAS, and no third-party testing results. Marketing materials stress performance and durability without addressing chemical safety. This absence of even aspirational commitments suggests Spenco has not prioritized PFAS concern as a brand issue.

Spenco Pros and Cons

Pros: Spenco insoles are engineered for athletic performance, offer specialized designs for different sports (running, cross-training, hiking), and enjoy strong podiatrist recommendations. The brand invests in R&D, and products perform well in durability testing over 9 to 15 months of regular use.

Cons: No PFAS-free claim or certification pathway. Elastomer composition is proprietary and not disclosed in detail. Carbon fiber reinforcement source is not specified, leaving uncertainty about manufacturing methods. No public roadmap to reduce PFAS reliance. Spenco's premium positioning and lack of transparency on chemical safety create a credibility gap: if the brand can afford to innovate materials, why not innovate away from PFAS?

What to Avoid

All 12 products examined in this guide carry identical grade D scores, indicating comparable material risk profiles based on disclosed data. However, certain red flags should guide your decision:

• Vague material descriptions: Avoid brands that list components as "proprietary foam blend" or "elastomer compound" without layer-by-layer breakdown. Specificity correlates with brand willingness to face scrutiny.
• No response to PFAS inquiries: If you email a brand asking whether their insoles contain PFAS and receive no answer or a generic sustainability statement, that silence is informative. Brands confident in lower concern materials will engage directly.
• Unsubstantiated PFAS-free claims without third-party backing: A brand claiming "PFAS-free" without published lab results or independent certification should be treated with skepticism. Verify any claim by requesting testing documentation before purchase.
• No timeline for reformulation: Brands aware of PFAS concerns but not committing to phase-out dates are betting that consumer awareness remains low. This bet suggests they are not investing in safer alternatives.
• Products marketed for extreme water resistance without PFAS alternative transparency: If an insole emphasizes waterproofing but does not explain how that is achieved without PFAS, assume fluoropolymers are in use.

Related Product Categories

PFAS concerns extend beyond insoles. If you are evaluating PFAS exposure across your entire lifestyle, explore our guides to activewear, which often uses PFAS-containing water-resistant treatments, and waterproof boots, which rely on similar fluoropolymer coatings. Both categories face the same transparency and reformulation challenges as athletic insoles.

Our Pick and Final Recommendations

Given that all reviewed products carry identical grade D scores based on available materials and data, this is not a typical "best product" recommendation. Instead, we recommend choosing based on brand responsiveness and your personal tolerance for material uncertainty.

For lower concern prioritization: Contact Powerstep or Spenco directly before purchase and ask for: (1) a detailed material composition list by layer, (2) confirmation whether any PFAS or fluoropolymer components are used, and (3) whether third-party PFAS testing has been conducted. If a brand responds with specificity and commits to transparency, that willingness to engage deserves your business, even if the current formulation is not yet PFAS-free. Such engagement signals that pressure works and that future reformulations may improve.

For function-first consumers: If you prioritize clinical arch support and durability above chemical transparency, Powerstep and Spenco products deliver proven results. However, rotate insoles every 6 to 9 months to limit cumulative wear-particle exposure, and wash your feet after extended wear to minimize skin contact with coating degradation products.

Long-term strategy: Watch for emerging brands and reformulated versions that explicitly eliminate PFAS. As regulatory pressure increases (California's PFAS law now covers apparel textiles), orthotic manufacturers will face incentives to innovate. Be prepared to switch brands as lower concern alternatives become available, and signal to retailers that you are willing to pay a small premium for verified PFAS-free or PFAS-reduced insoles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my insoles to reduce PFAS exposure?

Washing will remove loose particles and bacteria but will not eliminate PFAS from the material itself. PFAS are chemically bound to polymer matrices. Regular gentle hand washing in cool water may slightly extend product life and reduce microplastic shedding, but it is not a substitute for choosing lower concern materials at purchase. If you currently use Powerstep or Spenco insoles and are concerned about PFAS, washing weekly and replacing insoles every 6 to 9 months will minimize exposure relative to longer retention periods.

Why do all these products have the same grade if they use different materials?

Our grade D (65/100 safety score) is our model-based estimate from materials and public disclosure, not a lab test. All 12 products received identical scores because none has published third-party PFAS testing results, none has made verified PFAS-free claims, and all use synthetic foams and elastomers typical of the industry where PFAS presence cannot be ruled out based on disclosed information. If a brand published third-party lab testing showing PFAS below detection limits or conducted third-party verification of PFAS-free manufacturing, its grade would improve. The identical grades therefore signal a transparency failure across the entire category, not a guarantee that all products contain identical PFAS levels. Some may contain none; others may contain significant amounts. Without testing, we cannot tell.

Are natural insoles, like cork or leather, free from PFAS?

Natural materials like cork, wool, and leather are less likely to be manufactured using PFAS-based processes, but they are not automatically PFAS-free. Cork can be treated with water-resistant coatings that may contain PFAS. Leather is often tanned and treated with fluoropolymer protectants. Wool felt may be finished with water-resistant treatments. The material substrate matters, but finishing and treatment matter equally. If you pursue natural insole alternatives, ask manufacturers the same questions: Are water-resistant coatings applied, and if so, are they PFAS-based? Natural material insoles may offer lower concern profiles compared to synthetic foam, but they require equal transparency scrutiny at purchase.

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