Adidas · Synthetic Athletic Insoles
Adidas Shoes | Price For 1-Only2-Dr.Comfort Heat Moldable Insoles | Color: Blue/Pink | Size: 9-1/2/11
Standard shoe with no known PFAS risk signals identified.
Adidas shoes are typically textile and rubber based. No public evidence of waterproof or stain-resistant coatings. Brand discloses nothing about PFAS.
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Material
Textile upper, rubber sole, foam insoles
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
This shoe combines a textile upper, rubber sole, and foam insoles. The textile upper is typically woven polyester or nylon, which can be treated with dyes and finishing resins during manufacturing. Rubber soles are generally stable when used normally. Foam insoles (described as "heat moldable") are usually EVA or polyurethane foam, both of which are chemically inert at room temperature but can off-gas lightly during initial use or if exposed to sustained heat above their design limits.
The brand's record and disclosure
Adidas has faced pressure on chemical transparency and has published a restricted substances list (RSL) covering some synthetic dyes and finishes, but does not publicly certify individual shoe lines or disclose PFAS status. The company has not published comprehensive hazard testing for standard athletic shoes. No major recalls or established safety violations are on record for this model type. Brand transparency on insole-specific chemicals is limited.
How it compares in its category
Athletic shoes at this price point typically use untreated textile uppers and standard EVA or polyurethane foam insoles, placing this product in the mainstream safety profile for casual/sport footwear. Moldable foam insoles are a common feature and do not inherently pose a hazard if not overheated. Some premium brands offer certified low-chemical textiles; Adidas does not advertise this for standard lines, so assume conventional dyeing and finishing.
If you buy it
Air the shoes in a well-ventilated space for 24-48 hours after purchase to allow initial foam off-gassing to dissipate. Do not heat-mold the insoles above 65-70C (manufacturer guidance varies; check packaging) or use a heat source directly; use warm water or body heat instead. Replace insoles if foam compresses or delaminates after 6-12 months of regular wear. Wash uppers by hand or machine on gentle cycle; avoid bleach, which can degrade dye stability.
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 in textile upper
Standard athletic shoe textiles are conventionally dyed and may contain azo compounds, which can release aromatic amines under certain conditions (sweat, friction). Adidas RSL restricts some azo dyes but does not guarantee this specific shoe is azo-free; no test data on record.
Formaldehyde resin finishing on textiles
Fabric finishing and wrinkle-resistance treatments may include formaldehyde-releasing resins. Levels in athletic shoes are typically low, but prolonged skin contact and moisture can increase exposure; no brand-specific testing disclosed.
EVA or polyurethane foam off-gassing
Moldable foam insoles may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or light odors during the first few days of use. This is not acutely hazardous at typical ventilation levels but may irritate sensitive airways; dissipates with airing.
Adhesive and glue residues in sole assembly
Rubber-to-textile bonds typically use industrial adhesives that cure fully before sale. No known leaching or off-gassing issues are established for Adidas standard shoes; long-term wear does not trigger degradation of these bonds.
Heavy metal pigments (antimony, cadmium) in dyes or prints
Antimony is used as a catalyst in polyester production but does not migrate into wearable layers. Cadmium and lead in shoe dyes are restricted under EU and US regulations; Adidas compliance with RSL is assumed but not independently verified for this line.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 60% 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.