Brooks · Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Brooks Replacement Insoles Cushion Neutral Mens sz 10.5
Lower PFAS concern. Standard foam insoles rarely treated with PFAS.
Replacement insoles use common cushioning foams without typical PFAS-prone coatings. No waterproofing or stain treatment mentioned, reducing PFAS likelihood.
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Material
Foam cushioning, likely ethylene-vinyl acetate or polyurethane
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
Brooks replacement insoles are foam cushioning, most likely ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane-based closed-cell foam. EVA is widely used in footwear because it resists compression set, drains moisture, and does not easily leach chemicals into skin contact under normal wear. Polyurethane foam is chemically inert once cured and poses minimal dermal absorption risk at body temperature. Neither material is known to off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at levels of concern during typical indoor storage or use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brooks does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or third-party certifications for individual insole products. The company has not faced documented recalls or regulatory actions specific to insole foam toxicity. Brooks maintains a general supply chain transparency policy but does not disclose PFAS use in footwear components. This silence is typical across the industry for insole manufacturers and does not indicate a hidden problem, only lack of market pressure for disclosure.
How it compares in its category
Replacement insoles as a category carry lower chemical risk than full shoes, since they involve limited material variety and no dyes, adhesives, or finishes. Brooks insoles are positioned in the mid-market comfort tier and are chemically comparable to insoles from New Balance, Superfeet, and Saucony. No insole category has established microplastic migration or formaldehyde release concerns under normal use, making this product class lower-risk than apparel textiles or adhesive-heavy footwear.
If you buy it
Store insoles in a cool, dry place away from prolonged heat or direct sunlight to preserve foam elasticity. Replace them every 6-12 months depending on activity level and visible compression; worn insoles lose cushioning but do not become toxic. Hand wash with mild soap and cool water if they absorb odor, then air dry completely before reinsertion. No special precautions are needed during normal foot contact.
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.”
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
EVA and polyurethane foams used in insoles do not off-gas measurable VOCs during storage or wear at room temperature. No reports or recalls exist for odor or respiratory irritation from Brooks insoles.
Microplastic shedding or degradation
Foam insoles do shed fine particles with age and compression, especially at seams or under pressure zones. However, foot-to-insole contact is not a significant ingestion or inhalation route; shed particles remain primarily in socks and shoes.
Allergens in foam additives
Brooks does not disclose additives, colorants, or antimicrobials in insole foam. No documented cases of contact dermatitis or allergic reaction to Brooks insoles exist in public records.
Formaldehyde resins or preservatives
Insole foams do not require formaldehyde-based antimicrobial or resin treatments typical of textiles or coated fabrics. Standard closed-cell foam structure resists microbial growth without chemical additives.
Heavy metal contamination in pigments
Brooks insoles are typically neutral gray, white, or blue; limited pigmentation reduces risk. No lead, cadmium, or chromium contamination has been reported in foam-based insole products.
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 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.