PFAS score
Columbia · Waterproof Boots
Columbia Women's Cedar Coast Mid Hiking Boots
Mid-range PFAS risk, waterproof hiking boots commonly use water-repellent coating coatings, but Columbia doesn't disclose chemistry.
Columbia's Cedar Coast Mid boots are outdoor footwear treated for water resistance, a category where PFAS-based water-repellent coating finishes are industry standard. Columbia does not publicly disclose whether this product uses legacy PFAS or safer alternatives.
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Material
Leather/suede upper with water-repellent coating-treated waterproof membrane/lining
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.
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 Waterproof Boots
Allbirds
Men's Cruiser Mid Explore Shoes
Sugarcane-based foam, wool blend, natural rubber sole
Lower PFAS concern due to natural material focus; no water-repellent coating treatment disclosed.
⚠Risky category by default
Mephisto
Men's Leonardo
Leather upper, rubber/synthetic sole
Lower concern for a leather dress shoe; no known water-repellent coating typical of this product category.
⚠Risky category by default
Mephisto
Men's Fosco Leather Boots
Leather upper; rubber sole
Lower PFAS concern for classic leather boots; no treatment features flagged, but brand offers no disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof boots 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.