Columbia · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Columbia Men's Transverse Hike Low Lace-Up Shoes
Waterproof hiking shoes; PFAS risk unclear, no brand disclosure provided.
Columbia does not publicly disclose PFAS in this model. Waterproof hiking shoes typically use water-repellent coating treatments that may contain PFAS, but Columbia's specific chemistry is undisclosed. Contact brand for details.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Textile upper with waterproof/water-resistant 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
Columbia's Transverse Hike features a textile upper (likely synthetic or blended fabric) with a waterproof or water-resistant coating applied to the exterior. The coating's chemistry is not specified by Columbia on consumer-facing materials. Textile footwear uppers typically use dyed synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) and adhesives that may contain formaldehyde resins or volatile off-gases. The midsole and outsole are typically rubber or synthetic rubber compounds, which generally do not present acute hazards in typical wear.
The brand's record and disclosure
Columbia Sports Wear is a large outdoor apparel manufacturer but maintains minimal public transparency on chemical treatment specifics for individual shoe lines. The brand has not published comprehensive PFAS phase-out timelines or material certifications (such as Oeko-Tex or Bluesign) on product pages for this model. No major safety recalls or established chemical safety controversies are on record for this specific shoe line. Columbia does market durability and waterproofing as key features, but does not disclose whether that treatment relies on PFAS or alternative chemistry.
How it compares in its category
Most mass-market waterproof hiking shoes in this price and performance range use either fluorinated water repellents (PFAS-based) or non-fluorinated alternatives; Columbia does not specify which. Competitors like Salomon, Merrell, and REI Co-op branded shoes similarly lack detailed chemical transparency, though some smaller brands (Danner, Lowa) have begun publishing PFAS or formaldehyde test data. On disclosure, Columbia ranks mid-tier: better than budget brands, less forthcoming than outdoor specialists actively phasing out PFAS.
If you buy it
Air out new shoes in a well-ventilated space for 24-48 hours to allow any formaldehyde-resin off-gassing from adhesives to dissipate. Machine wash infrequently in cool water and air-dry completely; avoid heat sources and direct sunlight during drying, which can degrade synthetic uppers. Inspect the waterproof coating annually for peeling or wear; once compromised, water ingress accelerates decay and odor. Replace when structural integrity (sole separation, upper tears) or waterproofing fails, typically 12-24 months for regular hiking use.
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 resins in textile adhesives and finishes
Textile shoe uppers commonly use formaldehyde-releasing binders in seams and glued panels. Columbia does not disclose resin type for this model; levels are typically low in finished consumer goods but off-gassing risk is highest in first weeks of use.
Azo dyes in synthetic upper fabrics
Textile dyes in polyester or nylon uppers may include azo compounds if not certified dye-restricted. No Oeko-Tex or similar third-party dye certification is stated for this shoe line; risk is dermal contact and potential sensitization in susceptible users.
Waterproof coating degradation and leachables
The unspecified waterproof treatment on the upper may degrade over time, particularly under heat or UV exposure. Degradation products are unknown; PFAS-based coatings pose migration risk if not clearly identified, while alternatives (wax, silicone) generally pose lower hazard but are less durable.
Heavy metals in rubber outsole or synthetic materials
No reported contamination of rubber or synthetic outsoles in Columbia hiking shoes. Outsole materials (rubber, EVA foam) do not typically accumulate heavy metals under normal manufacturing; this is not an established concern for this product category.
Antimony in polyester components
Polyester fabrics and synthetic uppers may contain antimony as a catalyst residue from polymerization. Levels in finished textiles are typically very low and not classified as a primary acute hazard, but long-term skin contact with antimony-catalyzed polyester is not extensively studied in footwear.
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.
More hiking shoes & trail runners 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.