Easton · Sports Equipment Padding
Easton Adult Original Catcher's Knee Savers
Catcher's gear likely treated for water resistance; PFAS risk uncertain.
Knee savers are foam or neoprene padding designed for athlete protection and water resistance. Easton provides no public PFAS disclosure; water-resistant treatment likely but chemicals unconfirmed.
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Material
Neoprene or foam padding with likely 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
Easton catcher's knee savers are primarily neoprene (synthetic rubber) or closed-cell foam with fabric facing, typically polyester or nylon. Neoprene itself is chemically inert and does not leach toxic compounds under normal use. However, the water-resistant or water-repellent coating applied to such athletic gear (common in all catcher's equipment) is the key unknown; these coatings frequently contain PFAS compounds to achieve durability during repeated sweat and water exposure on the field. The fabric components may also be treated with dyes, and polyester face fabric may contain trace antimony as a catalyst residue, though at levels generally considered safe in finished textiles.
The brand's record and disclosure
Easton (owned by EssexOutdoors, a subsidiary of Peak Sport International) does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or PFAS/fluorochemical disclosure policies for apparel lines. No specific product recalls related to chemical safety for this knee saver model are documented in public records. Easton has not signed BLUESIGN or similar third-party chemical management certifications for its apparel, and the company has not made public commitments to phase out PFAS in athletic gear, placing it in the middle tier of transparency compared to high-disclosure outdoor brands.
How it compares in its category
Catcher's knee protection is a specialized category with few direct competitors (Rawlings, Wilson, MacGregor). Most products in this segment use neoprene or EVA foam with some form of water treatment. Easton's knee savers are mid-market in durability; they are not marketed as premium professional-grade (which might justify higher cost and scrutiny) nor as budget budget models. Comparable products from major sporting goods brands typically do not disclose PFAS treatment either, making this product roughly average in terms of transparency and likely exposure risk.
If you buy it
Wash knee savers in cool water after heavy use to remove sweat and dirt; hot water may degrade any water-resistant coating and is unnecessary. Do not machine dry or expose to direct heat or sunlight for prolonged periods, as neoprene can crack and coatings can delaminate. Replace when padding compresses, loses shape, or covering fabric tears, typically after one full season of regular use. Air dry flat or hang in a well-ventilated space; store in a cool, dry location to extend material life and limit any off-gassing.
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.”
PFAS in water-resistant coating
Catcher's gear is routinely treated for water resistance to withstand sweat and field water; the specific fluorochemical(s) used in Easton products are not disclosed. Direct skin contact during use is the primary exposure route, with absorption risk unknown but likely low during normal wear.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric dyes/finishes
No documented formaldehyde contamination has been reported for Easton athletic gear. However, neoprene and polyester textiles may be treated with formaldehyde-releasing agents during dye fixation; this is standard industry practice but levels in finished athletic products are typically well below consumer safety thresholds.
Azo dyes (synthetic dyes)
No specific reports of banned azo dyes in Easton products. Polyester and nylon components are dyed using industrial processes; manufacturers in most major markets are required to avoid azo dyes that cleave to release carcinogenic amines, though enforcement varies by region.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony is a catalyst residue commonly found in polyester fibers at trace levels (typically 100-300 ppm). Migration into skin during repeated sweating is not established as a health risk at these concentrations in athletic apparel.
Neoprene off-gassing
High-quality neoprene used in Easton products is not known to off-gas volatile organic compounds under normal wear conditions. Off-gassing is mainly a concern in poorly manufactured or recycled neoprene stored in sealed, warm environments; proper ventilation during storage mitigates any theoretical risk.
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 Sports Equipment Padding
Easton
Universal Padding Fit Kit
foam padding, elastic straps
Low risk product, but brand discloses nothing on PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Easton
Pro Style Shock Absorbing Pad
Foam padding, likely EVA or polyurethane
Lower concern; foam padding unlikely PFAS source, but no disclosure confirmed.
⚠Risky category by default
MacGregor
Shock Absorbing Base
foam or elastomer cushioning in shoe base
Unknown material composition.
⚠Risky category by default
More sports equipment padding 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.