Adidas · Synthetic Athletic Insoles
Adidas Samba Insoles/Footbed/Sockliners, size 13/13.5/14 shoes OG/JP/Black
Lower concern; typical shoe insole without water-repellent treatment.
Standard Adidas insoles are primarily textile-based without known water-repellent coating. No PFAS disclosure from brand, but no high-risk indicators for footbeds of this type.
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Material
Fabric/textile insole, likely polyester or cotton blend
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Adidas Samba insoles are typically a polyester-cotton or polyester-dominant blend textile laminated to a foam or rubber base. Polyester itself is chemically stable under normal wearing conditions, but the dyes and finishing agents applied during manufacturing can pose low-level exposure risks. The foam or rubber backing may contain adhesives or flame-retardant chemicals, though insoles are not regulated as heavily as furniture or mattresses in most markets.
The brand's record and disclosure
Adidas has published some sustainability and restricted substances lists but does not provide detailed chemical composition or third-party certification specifically for insole materials. The brand has faced scrutiny over supply-chain labor and environmental practices, but no major chemical safety recalls for socks or insoles are on record. Adidas remains silent on PFAS content in footwear, consistent with broader industry opacity on water-repellent treatments in shoe components.
How it compares in its category
Replacement insoles in this category are largely unregulated; most major brands (Nike, New Balance, Saucony) use similar polyester-foam constructions without detailed hazard labeling. Adidas Samba insoles are mid-range in terms of construction quality and disclosure. Specialized orthopedic or medical-grade insoles often undergo more rigorous testing and material vetting, while budget alternatives may use lower-grade adhesives and dyes.
If you buy it
Wash or wipe down insoles periodically to reduce dust and dye migration, especially if worn directly against skin. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat above 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit), as foam backings can degrade and adhesives may off-gas. Replace insoles every 12-24 months depending on wear, as breakdown of the textile and base materials increases microfiber shedding. If you notice strong odors or visible deterioration, discard and replace.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Azo dyes and synthetic dyes in textiles
Polyester insole fabric is typically dyed with synthetic azo or reactive dyes. While restricted azo dyes (those producing certain carcinogenic amines) are largely banned in EU textiles, enforcement in non-EU footwear supply chains varies. Direct skin contact with insoles presents minimal risk; dermal migration is low unless insoles are wet or abraded.
Flame retardants in foam or adhesive backing
Shoe insoles are not classified as upholstered furniture and are therefore exempt from flame-retardant regulations in most jurisdictions. No public reports of brominated or phosphorus-based flame retardants in Adidas insoles exist, but manufacturers rarely disclose adhesive or foam chemistry.
Formaldehyde resins in textile finishing
Polyester textiles are sometimes treated with formaldehyde-releasing resins for water-resistance or shape retention. Insole exposure is brief and primarily dermal; formaldehyde off-gassing is unlikely to be significant in a shoe environment, but new insoles may emit low levels of formaldehyde odor in the first days of use.
Microplastic shedding from degraded textile and foam
As polyester insoles age and compress, they shed microfibers and microfoam particles into socks and potentially inhaled dust. This is not unique to Adidas but inherent to synthetic insole materials; replacement extends usable life before significant degradation occurs.
Antimony in polyester material
Antimony compounds are used as catalysts in polyester synthesis but are tightly bound in the polymer matrix and not bioavailable during normal wear. No established risk to wearers; antimony leaching from textiles is not documented as a practical hazard.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More synthetic athletic insoles grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.