Brooks · Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 25
Running shoe with likely water-repellent coating; lower concern but lacks transparency.
Brooks does not publicly disclose PFAS use in the Adrenaline GTS 25. The shoe's water-repellent finish suggests potential PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatment, a common industry practice for athletic footwear. No lab data or brand verification available.
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Material
mesh textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole with water-repellent coating treatment
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.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Adrenaline GTS 25 upper is primarily mesh textile, which carries minimal inherent chemical risk compared to synthetic leather or coated fabrics. The foam midsole (likely polyurethane or similar) is chemically stable during normal wear. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment on the mesh and rubber outsole is the point of concern: these coatings typically contain PFAS compounds to achieve water shedding, though Brooks does not specify the chemistry publicly. Rubber outsoles are generally low-risk once cured, with minimal leaching during foot contact.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brooks does not publish detailed chemical disclosure or PFAS phase-out timelines on this model or brand-wide. The company has not issued public statements on PFAS in footwear as of recent records, contrasting with some competitors who have committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating alternatives. Brooks holds no prominent third-party certifications (Bluesign, OEKO-TEX, etc.) that would signal rigorous chemical screening. This silence makes independent verification of water-repellent coating chemistry impossible.
How it compares in its category
Running shoes across brands typically use water-repellent coating coatings, making PFAS a category-wide issue rather than a Brooks-specific flaw. However, some competitors (Salomon, certain Altra lines) have begun marketing PFAS-free water treatments. The Adrenaline GTS 25 sits in the mid-performance, high-volume segment where chemical transparency lags behind ultra-premium or eco-focused brands. Mesh uppers are less chemically volatile than synthetic leather alternatives, giving this shoe a relative advantage within its class.
If you buy it
Machine wash on cold gentle cycles; avoid high heat and dryers that can degrade foam and potentially off-gas volatile compounds from the midsole. Replace when cushioning compresses noticeably (typically 300-500 miles) or upper seams fail, both signs of structural wear rather than chemical degradation. Store in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight to slow foam aging. Avoid prolonged soaking or aggressive scrubbing of the water-repellent coating-treated areas, as this may mobilize surface coatings.
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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating
Water-repellent treatment on mesh and outsole almost certainly contains perfluorinated compounds; Brooks provides no technical data, and water-repellent coating is standard in this category. PFAS bioaccumulates with repeated contact and environmental persistence.
Formaldehyde in textile finishes
No recalls or public complaints specific to the Adrenaline GTS 25; mesh construction typically avoids heavy finish resins. Brooks does not publicly test for formaldehyde on apparel.
Azo dyes in fabric
No specific data available for this model. Mesh uppers are often undyed or use disperse dyes with lower azo risk than solid-color synthetics, but Brooks offers no certification.
Polyurethane midsole off-gassing
Polyurethane foams can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including isocyanates during and shortly after production; off-gassing typically dissipates within days to weeks of opening. Risk is minimal during wear; greatest exposure is during factory storage and unboxing in enclosed spaces.
Adhesive and solvent residues
No established recalls; shoe assembly uses standard footwear adhesives. Minimal systemic exposure during wear, but solvent smell (if present on new pair) indicates incomplete curing or off-gassing.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 55% 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 Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Vionic
Active Full Insole
Foam cushioning, textile upper
Lower concern; typical insole without known PFAS drivers.
⚠Risky category by default
Vionic
Women's Slim Fit Insole
foam, gel, or textile insole construction
Insole material is inherently lower PFAS risk; no brand disclosure found.
⚠Risky category by default
Vionic
Unisex Active Orthotic Full Length Insole
EVA foam, fabric backing, polyurethane adhesive
Lower concern insole; common foam materials, no waterproofing treatment indicated.
⚠Risky category by default
More 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.