Brooks · Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Brooks Shoes | Brooks Cushion Support Replacement Insoles Navy Blue Tr-3 Tr-4 10ar Mens 10 | Color: Blue | Size: 10
Lower concern; common foam insole materials rarely contain PFAS.
Replacement shoe insoles typically use EVA foam or similar cushioning without intentional PFAS. Brooks has not disclosed PFAS testing for this product, but the material category poses minimal risk.
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Material
Foam cushioning, textile cover
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 Cushion Support insoles consist of a foam cushioning core (typically ethylene-vinyl acetate or polyurethane foam) wrapped in a textile cover, designed to provide arch support and shock absorption. The foam materials themselves are chemically stable during normal use and not known to leach harmful compounds into skin during typical wearing conditions. The textile cover is a woven or knit fabric that sits against the foot; its chemical safety depends on dyes, finishes, and any antimicrobial treatments applied during manufacturing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brooks is a major athletic footwear company owned by Berkshire Hathaway and generally maintains transparent manufacturing standards. The company does not publish detailed chemical disclosure statements for insole components specifically, and has not issued public statements on PFAS use in replacement insoles. No recalls or safety controversies specific to Brooks insoles have been reported in public safety databases. The brand's overall footwear safety record is unremarkable, with standard industry practices rather than leading transparency.
How it compares in its category
Replacement insoles across athletic brands (Nike, ASICS, Superfeet, Powerstep) share similar construction: foam core with textile facing. Brooks insoles are mid-market in terms of documented quality and durability; they are not positioned as premium medical-grade insoles (which sometimes carry additional certifications) but compete in the standard performance replacement category. No evidence suggests Brooks insoles differ materially in chemical safety profile from competitors at this price and quality tier.
If you buy it
Replace insoles every 12-18 months with regular athletic use, as foam compression reduces cushioning effectiveness and worn textile can harbor bacteria. Wash by hand with mild soap and air dry completely; do not machine wash or expose to direct heat, as both can degrade foam and textile. Check for visible separation of cover from foam or flattening as replacement signals. Store in a cool, dry place and consider rotating between multiple pairs to extend lifespan.
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.”
Formaldehyde in textile finish and dyes
The textile cover may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or shape retention during manufacturing. Direct skin contact with unwashed new insoles could pose low-level exposure; off-gassing is typically minimal with insoles compared to larger garments.
Azo dyes in textile cover
The blue color of these insoles likely uses synthetic dyes; azo dyes can include aromatic amines that are carcinogenic if ingested or absorbed in large quantities. Risk is very low during normal use on feet with intact skin, but should be considered if insoles contact broken skin or are washed and liquid contacted with hands frequently.
Foam degradation and microplastics
Over extended use, the foam cushioning breaks down physically, potentially shedding small particles. These particles remain primarily within the shoe environment and are not inhaled; direct ingestion risk is negligible for replacement insoles.
Antimicrobial additives in textile or foam
Brooks does not publicly disclose antimicrobial treatment of these insoles. If present, common additives like triclosan or silver compounds are generally recognized as safe in topical contact at low concentrations, though some research suggests unnecessary antimicrobial use in textiles provides marginal benefit.
Allergic sensitization to dyes or adhesives
Individuals with sensitive skin or contact dermatitis history may react to dyes, glues used to bond foam to textile, or residual finishing chemicals. Risk is low for most users but can be tested by wearing for short periods first and monitoring for rash or itching.
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.