Danner · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Trail Field
Waterproof hiking boot; water-repellent coating status unclear. Skip if PFAS-concerned.
Danner Trail Field uses waterproofing treatment on leather and textiles, but Danner does not disclose PFAS chemistry. water-repellent coating coatings commonly contain PFAS; no transparency available.
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Material
Leather and textile uppers with waterproof 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
Danner Trail Field combines leather uppers with synthetic textile panels and an unspecified waterproof treatment (water-repellent coating). Leather itself is stable when untreated, but the durability and chemical composition of the waterproofing layer is unknown from public sources. Textile components may contain synthetic dyes and finishing resins applied during manufacture. The boot's longevity depends on the quality and persistence of the water-repellent layer, which typically degrades with wear and washing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Danner (owned by Wolverine World Wide) has not publicly disclosed specific waterproofing chemistry, PFAS content, or PFAS-free commitments for the Trail Field line. The parent company has faced environmental litigation related to PFAS in manufacturing facilities, but no direct recalls or safety alerts on this model are on record. Danner does not appear to publish material safety data sheets for consumer footwear, which limits transparency.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream hiking boots at this price point use either Teflon-family coating-based water-repellent coating (often containing PFAS), wax-treated leather, or polyurethane membranes; Danner's specific approach is not publicly detailed. Brands like Salomon and Merrell sometimes specify PFAS-free membranes or natural wax treatments, offering clearer alternatives. Danner's silence puts this boot in the middle of the transparency spectrum for outdoor footwear.
If you buy it
Clean the boot with mild soap and water after use; avoid machine washing or prolonged heat exposure, which can degrade both leather and synthetic coatings. Reapply aftermarket water-repellent coating treatments (like silicone-based sprays) annually or after heavy use to maintain water resistance without assuming the original coating's chemistry. Inspect seams and sole attachment regularly for separation. Expect the waterproofing layer to diminish over 1-2 years of heavy use, necessitating retreat or replacement.
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.”
Azo dyes in synthetic textile panels
Polyester and nylon textiles in outdoor footwear often use azo dyes during manufacturing. No specific recalls exist for Danner Trail Field, but industry-wide risk applies if dyes include banned or allergenic azo compounds. Skin contact with untreated synthetic textiles poses minimal risk in a boot context.
Heavy metals in leather tanning and finishing
Leather uppers may contain chromium or other metal residues from tanning processes. Danner does not publish tanning chemistry; imported leather may involve less stringent processing standards. Direct skin contact in a boot with an insole layer minimizes absorption, but contamination cannot be ruled out without testing.
Formaldehyde-based resins in textile finishing
water-repellent coating finishes and textile dyes sometimes use formaldehyde releasers to fix color and improve crease resistance. No on-record alerts for this model exist; risk is typical across mid-market outdoor footwear unless explicitly certified otherwise.
Coating degradation and unspecified replacement products
Waterproof boot coatings degrade and require reapplication; aftermarket treatments vary in safety profile (some silicone-based, some solvent-heavy). Danner's silence on original coating means users may apply unknown chemicals to restore water resistance, compounding exposure.
Microbes in non-breathable waterproof membranes
If the waterproof layer is fully non-breathable, prolonged moisture retention inside the boot can promote bacterial and fungal growth. Risk is mitigated by adequate ventilation and regular drying but remains a long-term hygiene concern with heavy use in damp conditions.
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.