PFAS score
Arc'teryx · Waterproof Boots
Arc'teryx Kopec Mid GTX Boot Men's, Black / Black, Size 9 , GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX boots carry inherent PFAS concern; Arc'teryx discloses nothing. Moderate risk for a waterproof product.
GORE-TEX is a well-known Teflon-type coating-based waterproof membrane widely used in premium outdoor boots. While Teflon-type coating itself may not be a PFAS per strict chemical definition, GORE-TEX manufacture and water-repellent coating treatments in outdoor gear commonly involve fluorinated compounds.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
GORE-TEX membrane (polytetrafluoroethylene-based waterproof/breathable laminate) + nylon/synthetic upper
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 65% 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.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Boots
Allbirds
Men's Cruiser Mid Explore Shoes
Sugarcane-based foam, wool blend, natural rubber sole
Lower PFAS concern due to natural material focus; no water-repellent coating treatment disclosed.
⚠Risky category by default
Mephisto
Men's Leonardo
Leather upper, rubber/synthetic sole
Lower concern for a leather dress shoe; no known water-repellent coating typical of this product category.
⚠Risky category by default
Mephisto
Men's Fosco Leather Boots
Leather upper; rubber sole
Lower PFAS concern for classic leather boots; no treatment features flagged, but brand offers no disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof boots 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.