Cleveland Golf · Golf Balls & Golf Gloves
FootJoy WeatherSof Golf Glove
Golf glove with water treatment; PFAS status unknown, brand does not disclose
FootJoy WeatherSof gloves use water-resistant treatment typical of golf products, but the brand provides no PFAS disclosure. water-repellent coating-treated apparel often contains PFAS; unconfirmed here.
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Material
Leather or synthetic leather with water-resistant coating
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
FootJoy WeatherSof is constructed from leather or synthetic leather with a water-resistant topcoat treatment. The leather itself is a natural protein material with low inherent toxicity, but the water-repellent finish applied to achieve weather resistance is the chemical concern. Most golf glove water treatments historically relied on fluorinated compounds (PFAS), though some manufacturers have begun migrating to non-fluorinated alternatives. Cleveland Golf has not publicly disclosed the specific chemistry of their WeatherSof coating.
The brand's record and disclosure
FootJoy is owned by Acushnet Holdings and is a mainstream golf equipment manufacturer with no major established safety recalls or chemical disclosure controversies on record for this product line. The brand does not publicly commit to PFAS-free standards or provide material safety transparency beyond basic product descriptions. Cleveland Golf (FootJoy's parent lines) has remained silent on water-treatment chemistry in their apparel, which is typical for the golf equipment industry but limits consumer verification.
How it compares in its category
Most premium leather golf gloves use water-resistant coatings; FootJoy's WeatherSof positioning is standard for the mid-to-premium segment. Competitors like Titleist and Callaway gloves face the same PFAS disclosure gap. Some manufacturers (e.g., organic or eco-focused brands) explicitly state non-fluorinated treatments, making them easier to assess. For a conventional sports glove, FootJoy's safety profile is typical, neither worse nor better than industry peers in documented hazards.
If you buy it
Wear normally without concern for brief skin contact. Avoid prolonged wet storage that could degrade the coating and potentially release particles. Replace the glove when the leather cracks, the coating peels visibly, or the grip deteriorates, typically every 1-2 seasons depending on use frequency. Hand-wash with mild soap and water; do not use harsh solvents or high heat, as these can compromise the water-resistant layer.
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.”
Water-resistant coating degradation and microparticles
Repeated flexing and moisture exposure will eventually wear the topcoat. No established toxicity data exists for degraded FootJoy WeatherSof particles, but inhalation or skin accumulation of unknown polymer fragments is a minor theoretical concern with any worn coating product.
Formaldehyde resins in leather tanning or synthetic backing
Leather tanning can involve formaldehyde-based binders; synthetic leather sometimes uses formaldehyde-releasing resins. No specific formaldehyde issue has been reported for FootJoy gloves, and direct skin contact on an exterior sport glove poses minimal absorption risk.
Azo dyes in leather coloring
Golf gloves are often dyed to match apparel. Azo dyes can break down to aromatic amines under sweat and abrasion. FootJoy does not disclose dye chemistry, but no safety incidents or dermatological complaints on record suggest this is not a practical concern for this product.
Heavy metals in leather or pigments
Leather tanning historically used chromium salts; residual chromium (Cr III or Cr VI) is a theoretical concern. No specific contamination or allergic reactions have been documented for FootJoy WeatherSof gloves, and leather-to-skin transfer is low during brief wear.
Skin irritation from water-resistant coating residue
The water-repellent topcoat chemistry is undisclosed. Individuals with sensitive skin or contact dermatitis may experience minor irritation if the coating contains irritant chemicals or residual solvents. Test with one wear on clean skin; if redness or itching occurs, discontinue use.
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 Gloves
Bridgestone
Men's Pair Golf Gloves
Leather, synthetic leather, or textile blend
Lower PFAS concern, but brand provides no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Bridgestone
Soft Grip Golf Glove
Leather, synthetic grip material, textiles
Lower concern. Golf glove without known waterproofing or Teflon-family coating treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Bridgestone
Lady Golf Glove
Synthetic leather or leather with standard stitching
Golf glove with typical materials, lower concern profile.
⚠Risky category by default
More golf balls & golf gloves 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.