Danner · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Danner Men's Fullbore ID Mid GTX
Waterproof hiking boot, likely PFAS-treated, no disclosure.
Danner does not disclose PFAS use in this boot. Gore-Tex membranes typically contain PFOA/PFAS for water-repellency, though Gore has phased some legacy chemicals. No third-party verification available.
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Material
Leather, Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
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
The Fullbore ID Mid GTX combines full-grain leather uppers with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane lining. Gore-Tex itself is Teflon-type coating-based and typically requires PFAS treatment for water repellency; the leather is tanned (method undisclosed by Danner) and finished with dyes and protective coatings. These tanning processes and surface treatments are where formaldehyde resins, heavy metal mordants (chromium, lead), and synthetic dyes carry the primary non-PFAS chemical burden in this boot.
The brand's record and disclosure
Danner has not published a materials transparency statement or restricted substance list for this model. The brand does not disclose tanning methods, dye suppliers, or PFAS alternatives for its waterproof lines. No recalls or specific chemical complaints are on public record for the Fullbore ID. Danner is a subsidiary of the Karhu Sports company (owned by Amer Sports) but does not leverage parent-company sustainability certifications.
How it compares in its category
Most premium hiking boots at this price point (USD 170-200) use similar Gore-Tex + leather construction with undisclosed PFAS waterproofing. Brands like Salomon and Merrell likewise rarely disclose tanning or PFAS chemistry. Danner's leather quality and build are respected, but transparency lags behind brands like Keen (which publishes restricted substance limits) and ARC'teryx (which funds PFAS-free membrane research). Non-Gore-Tex alternatives (eVent, branded fabrics) may avoid PFAS but sacrifice durability.
If you buy it
Clean leather monthly with mild soap and water; air-dry away from heat. Do not machine-wash or tumble-dry, as high heat can degrade Gore-Tex seals and mobilize chemicals in adhesives and finishes. Expect 2-4 years of moderate use before upper leather or seams need professional repair. Store in a cool, dry place; excessive moisture and heat accelerate tanning chemical off-gassing and membrane degradation.
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 and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in tanning and finishing
Leather tanning (especially chrome tanning, the industry standard) and dye fixation often use formaldehyde-based resins. Danner does not specify tanning method for the Fullbore ID. Formaldehyde off-gassing is typically highest in the first weeks; ventilation and use reduce exposure over time.
Heavy metals in leather tanning (chromium, lead, cadmium)
Chrome-tanned leather, the most common process, is not inherently unsafe if tannery waste is properly managed. Lead and cadmium contamination is rare in certified tanneries but not explicitly ruled out in Danner's supply chain. No third-party leather certification (e.g., Leather Working Group standard) is claimed for this model.
Azo dyes and synthetic colorants in leather dyeing
The Fullbore ID Mid GTX is available in brown and black colorways. Azo dyes that cleave to release carcinogenic amines are banned in the EU but not federally regulated in the US. Danner does not publish dye supplier or azo-dye restrictions for this boot.
Adhesive and coating off-gassing (polyurethane, acrylic resins in seam sealing and sole at
Gore-Tex seam sealing and sole attachment adhesives release volatile organic compounds, especially during first use and with heat exposure. This is industry-standard for all comparable boots. Ventilation and outdoor wear minimize inhalation risk; indoor storage or break-in indoors may increase transient exposure.
Antimony compounds in polyester webbing and stitching (if present)
No public information indicates antimony use in the Fullbore ID's polyester components (tongue, webbing, stitching reinforcements). Antimony trioxide is a flame retardant sometimes used in synthetic textiles but is not standard in hiking boots and is not reported for Danner products.
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.