Garmont · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Garmont Men's Groove G-Dry Hiking Shoes
Waterproof hiking shoe; PFAS risk unclear without treatment disclosure.
Garmont's G-Dry waterproofing system is not publicly detailed regarding PFAS content. Hiking shoes with water-resistant coatings often use PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments, though specifics are undisclosed here.
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Material
Textile upper with G-Dry 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
Garmont Groove G-Dry uses a textile upper paired with a proprietary 'G-Dry' waterproofing treatment. The upper is likely a synthetic fabric blend (polyester/nylon common in hiking footwear) with an adhesive-laminated or membrane waterproof layer underneath. The waterproof treatment itself is not publicly disclosed, which is the critical gap: hiking shoe waterproofing is almost universally achieved with either Teflon-type coating-based (fluorinated) or polyurethane-based membranes. Without Garmont naming their approach, the PFAS content cannot be assessed.
The brand's record and disclosure
Garmont does not publicly disclose the chemistry of G-Dry or commit to PFAS-free standards in their marketing or technical documentation. The brand has not been flagged in major PFAS litigation (unlike some larger outdoor manufacturers), but silence on waterproof treatment chemistry is common among smaller brands and does not indicate absence of PFAS. No certifications (Bluesign, OEKO-TEX) credibly covering PFAS avoidance are advertised for this model.
How it compares in its category
Most mid-range hiking shoes rely on Teflon-type coating membranes (eVent, Gore-Tex alternatives) or polyurethane laminates for water resistance. Garmont's G-Dry is positioned as a proprietary budget alternative, so the lack of third-party membrane naming suggests either a generic polyurethane laminate or an undisclosed Teflon-type coating variant. Premium competitors (Salomon, La Sportiva) increasingly market PFAS-free or Bluesign-certified models; Garmont has not followed.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cool water to minimize any potential leaching of waterproof coatings; avoid machine drying or heat sources that could degrade the membrane. Expect water resistance to diminish over 1-2 years of regular hiking as the coating breaks down. Before purchase, contact Garmont directly to ask whether G-Dry contains fluorinated compounds; their answer (or lack thereof) will clarify actual PFAS risk. Replace when water no longer beads on the upper or seeps into seams.
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 resins in textile finishing
Synthetic textile uppers often use formaldehyde-based resins for dye fixation or fabric stiffening. No recall or specific testing of Groove G-Dry exists, but common in budget footwear. Skin contact risk is low due to sock barrier, but off-gassing in warm conditions (feet in shoes) may occur.
Azo dyes in polyester/nylon components
Polyester and nylon uppers may contain azo dyes that can break down to carcinogenic amines under sweat acidity or heat. Garmont does not advertise restricted-substance testing; risk is moderate but typical for non-certified hiking footwear in this price range.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony trioxide is used as a catalyst in polyester production. Migration to skin is minimal in finished footwear and no cases documented in hiking shoes. Standard industrial practice; not a specific concern for Garmont Groove unless direct contact with unfinished seams occurs.
Adhesive and laminate off-gassing
Waterproof membranes are bonded to textiles using polyurethane or solvent-based adhesives. These can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the first weeks of use, especially in warm or sweaty conditions. Ventilation and air-drying new shoes before extended wear will minimize exposure.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic upper
Synthetic textile uppers do shed microfibers during washing and wear, but hiking shoes shed far less than apparel worn directly on skin or washed frequently. No specific data on Garmont Groove; risk is general to synthetic footwear, not brand-specific.
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.