Easton · Sports Equipment Padding
Easton Sliding Knee Pad
Typical athletic wear; water-repellent coating likely contains PFAS. Verify with brand.
Easton sliding knee pads use a moisture-wicking fabric with water-resistant coating typical of sports apparel. Brand discloses no PFAS information; water-repellent coating treatments often contain fluorinated compounds.
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Material
nylon/spandex blend with moisture-wicking water-repellent 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 Sliding Knee Pad is constructed from a nylon/spandex blend, which provides elasticity and durability for athletic movement. The moisture-wicking water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating is the material of concern: water-repellent coating finishes on athletic apparel typically rely on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to achieve water resistance, though some brands have begun switching to non-fluorinated alternatives. The nylon base itself is chemically stable and poses no known leaching risk during normal wear.
The brand's record and disclosure
Easton is a major equipment manufacturer in baseball, hockey, and softball but has not published public statements about PFAS use or water-repellent chemistry in their textiles. No third-party certifications (Bluesign, OEKO-TEX, Cradle to Cradle) are documented for this product line. This silence is typical of legacy athletic brands that have not yet committed to PFAS phase-out, making independent verification of coating chemistry impossible without direct contact.
How it compares in its category
Sliding knee pads are nearly universal in requiring water-resistant coatings to perform during play, putting them at higher risk for PFAS than casual wear. Competitors like McDavid and Shock Doctor occupy the same market segment and typically do not disclose PFAS status either. A few emerging athletic brands (e.g., Patagonia, REI Co-op lines) have committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating, but these are not standard in budget athletic protection.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cool water with mild detergent to preserve the water-repellent coating and minimize any potential leaching of coating components. Avoid high heat or machine drying, which can degrade the nylon and accelerate coating breakdown. Replace pads when elasticity fades or seams fray (typically 1-2 seasons of heavy use). If PFAS exposure is a priority concern, contact Easton directly to ask about coating composition before purchase, or choose a brand with documented PFAS-free certification.
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-repellent coating
Fluorinated water-repellent finishes on athletic textiles commonly contain PFAS or legacy C8 compounds. Easton's silence on this and lack of third-party certification suggest standard fluorinated chemistry, though the coating transfers minimal dermal exposure during normal wear. Laundry wastewater is the primary environmental release pathway.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finish
Nylon spandex blends sometimes use formaldehyde-based cross-linking resins to stabilize dyes and finishes. Easton does not publish a material safety sheet for this product, so formaldehyde use cannot be ruled out, though off-gassing risk is low with properly cured textile finishes.
Azo dyes
No evidence of restricted azo dyes in Easton athletic knee pads; the brand does not use known carcinogenic azo compounds in major product lines, though formal testing data is not public.
Spandex degradation under heat and UV
Spandex components degrade faster under direct sunlight and heat (e.g., machine drying), reducing elasticity and potentially shedding fibers. This is a durability issue rather than a toxicity hazard, but contributes to product lifespan.
Allergen potential from dyes or finishes
Individuals with sensitive skin may react to residual dyes, formaldehyde finish, or components of the water-repellent coating. Easton does not provide allergen information; a patch test on the inner thigh is recommended before extended use if you have a history of contact dermatitis.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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
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foam padding, elastic straps
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⚠Risky category by default
Easton
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Foam padding, likely EVA or polyurethane
Lower concern; foam padding unlikely PFAS source, but no disclosure confirmed.
⚠Risky category by default
MacGregor
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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.