Asics · Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Asics Shoes | Asics Gel Replacement Insoles Women Size 8.5 New - Can Be Cut Smaller | Color: Black | Size: 8.5
Low PFAS risk likely, but Asics discloses nothing about insole formulation.
Gel replacement insoles typically use silicone or polyurethane foam with lower PFAS risk than water-repellent coating textiles. Asics provides no material transparency, so composition remains unverified.
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Material
Gel polymer foam insole, composition unspecified by brand
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 product is a replacement insole made from gel polymer foam, a synthetic elastomer designed to absorb impact and provide cushioning. Asics does not publicly specify the exact gel polymer chemistry (whether silicone-based, polyurethane-based, or another formulation) or additives used. Gel foams are generally stable at body temperature and skin contact conditions; degradation risk is low under normal wear. The unspecified composition means some chemical constituents remain opaque to consumers, though gel insole products are not typically associated with acute leaching hazards.
The brand's record and disclosure
Asics has not issued major safety recalls for this replacement insole product line. The brand does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or chemical composition breakdowns for insole components to consumers. Asics has faced some PFAS-related scrutiny across footwear lines (particularly in water-resistant uppers), but insole products are not a documented focus of regulatory concern. No independent certifications (e.g., bluesign, GOTS) are typically claimed for replacement insoles in this price segment.
How it compares in its category
Gel replacement insoles are mainstream comfort products across most athletic brands. This Asics offering sits in the standard performance-grade tier, similar to OEM insoles from Nike, Adidas, and New Balance. Competitors similarly lack detailed chemical disclosure. Gel polymer insoles carry lower volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing risk compared to polyurethane foam insoles, and no formaldehyde or azo dye hazards apply to colorless or black gel materials.
If you buy it
Store insoles in a cool, dry location away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent material degradation. Do not expose to temperatures above 50-60 degrees Celsius (122-140 degrees Fahrenheit), as sustained heat can degrade gel polymers. Replace if foam compresses significantly, loses cushioning, or develops odor or visible wear. Wash periodically with lukewarm water and mild soap; air dry fully before reinsertion into shoes. The cuttable design requires a clean knife or scissors; trim only along marked lines if sizing down.
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.”
Gel polymer degradation under heat
Gel foams can degrade or leach oligomers if exposed to prolonged heat above 60 degrees Celsius. Normal foot temperature and storage conditions pose minimal risk, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or hot vehicles could accelerate breakdown.
Formaldehyde in adhesives or finish coatings
Asics does not disclose adhesives or topical coatings on this insole product. No recalls or complaints of formaldehyde off-gassing from Asics gel insoles are on public record. Standard foam insoles rarely use formaldehyde-releasing resins, but undisclosed manufacturing details limit certainty.
Azo dyes or synthetic colorants toxicity
Black gel insoles may use synthetic dyes or carbon black pigments for color. No banned azo dyes have been documented in Asics insole products. Carbon black itself poses no dermal hazard at low migration rates typical of shoe insoles.
Microplastic shedding from foam breakdown
As gel polymer foam ages and compresses under use, microscopic particles may shed into the shoe environment. The quantity and toxicity of such particles is not quantified in published literature; relevance is primarily environmental rather than direct user health risk during normal wear.
Allergen sensitivity to gel polymer or adhesive
Individuals with documented latex allergies or sensitivity to synthetic polymers should patch-test this product before extended wear. Unspecified gel formulations and adhesives may contain minor allergens; no specific allergen warnings are published by Asics for this product.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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 & orthotics 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.