Callaway · Golf Balls & Golf Equipment
Callaway Golf Opticolor Glove
Golf glove with water-resistant finish; PFAS status unclear from brand.
Golf gloves typically feature water-resistant coatings that may contain PFAS. Callaway discloses nothing about PFAS or water-repellent coating chemistry, leaving composition uncertain.
The safe swap
Mizuno
Mizuno Comp Glove
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Leather palm, synthetic back with water-resistant finish
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
other 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 Opticolor glove pairs a leather palm (typically cow or synthetic leather) with a synthetic polyester or nylon back treated with a water-resistant finish. The water-resistant coating is the main chemical variable here; Callaway does not disclose whether this uses PFAS-based durable water repellents (water-repellent coating) or fluorine-free alternatives, which is a material gap. Leather itself poses minimal hazard under normal hand-contact conditions, but the synthetic back and finish warrant attention if the glove is heated or washed in ways that could degrade the coating.
The brand's record and disclosure
Callaway (owned by Topgolf Callaway Brands) has not published specific material disclosures or PFAS statements for apparel or golf equipment lines. The company does not appear on public lists of brands with formal PFAS phase-out commitments. No major recalls or contamination incidents are on record for Callaway golf gloves, but the absence of transparency on water-repellent coating chemistry means end-users cannot verify whether PFAS was used in the water-resistant treatment.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves are a niche product; most competitors (Titleist, FootJoy, Mizuno) also use leather palms and synthetic backs with water-resistant finishes and similarly do not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry. The Opticolor line is mainstream mid-market; specialty gloves marketed as PFAS-free or using fluorine-free water-repellent coating are uncommon and rarely labeled at retail. In terms of wear and durability, the Opticolor is typical for the category and does not stand out as higher or lower risk than peers.
If you buy it
Hand-wash only; avoid machine washing or high heat, which can degrade the water-resistant coating and potentially mobilize unreacted chemicals or microplastics from the synthetic back. Replace when the palm leather shows significant wear or the water-resistant finish stops beading water (typically 1-2 seasons of regular play). Store in a cool, dry place and allow it to air dry after use. Do not expose to chlorine or harsh solvents, which can compromise both leather and synthetic components.
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.”
Fluorinated water-repellent chemicals (PFAS status uncertain)
Water-resistant finish composition is undisclosed by Callaway. If water-repellent coating uses legacy PFAS (PFOS, PFOA) or other fluorinated compounds, hand contact during wear and laundry release could introduce low-level exposure, though golf glove use duration is typically brief per session. Fluorine-free water-repellent coating alternatives exist but are not confirmed for this product.
Synthetic back degradation and microfiber release
Polyester or nylon backs can shed microfibers under mechanical stress (washing, repeated flexing) or UV exposure. No specific reports for Callaway Opticolor, but typical for synthetic-backed apparel. Risk is minimal during normal hand wear but increases with improper laundering.
Formaldehyde resins in synthetic fabric treatment
Synthetic back may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for shape retention or wrinkle resistance. Golf gloves are not subject to mandatory formaldehyde limits in most markets. No reports specific to this product, and hand contact exposure would be low compared to apparel worn against skin.
Azo dyes in colorants
The 'Opticolor' name suggests deliberate color treatment. Certain azo dyes can release carcinogenic amines under acidic or reductive conditions. No specific violations reported for Callaway products, and golf gloves are not typically subject to strict dye regulations if not intended for children.
Leather tanning residues and chromium
Leather palms may contain chromium from chrome tanning (standard in the industry). Hand contact exposure is generally low and not documented as a hazard for glove wearers, but individuals with contact dermatitis or chromium sensitivity should be cautious.
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.
Safer alternatives in Golf Balls & Golf Equipment
Mizuno
Comp Glove
Leather/synthetic leather athletic glove
No known PFAS risk, but Mizuno discloses nothing about treatments.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Mizuno
Cabretta Leather Golf Glove
Cabretta leather, likely with standard leather tanning and finishing
Lower concern. Leather glove lacks water treatment trigger.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Callaway
Men's Chev Soft Golf Glove
leather and synthetic materials
Golf glove with lower PFAS concern; no known high-risk coatings.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More golf balls & golf equipment 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.