Garmont · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Garmont Men's T8 Bifida Boots
Waterproof boots likely water-repellent coating treated; PFAS risk unclear without brand disclosure.
Garmont T8 Bifida boots use standard leather and waterproofing typical of tactical footwear. Brand provides no PFAS transparency; water-repellent coating treatments in boots frequently contain PFAS or PFAS alternatives.
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Material
Leather, synthetic, waterproof water-repellent coating 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
The T8 Bifida combines leather uppers with synthetic components and a waterproofing treatment (water-repellent coating, or water-repellent coating) applied to the outer surface. Leather itself is relatively stable once tanned, but the synthetic portions and the water-repellent coating finish are where chemical concerns arise. water-repellent coating coatings are often fluorinated (PFAS-based) to achieve water-shedding, though some manufacturers have switched to fluorine-free alternatives. Garmont has not publicly disclosed which type they use in this model.
The brand's record and disclosure
Garmont, an Italian outdoor footwear manufacturer owned by Dolomite Group, does not maintain a public chemical disclosure policy or PFAS commitment on record. The brand has no established history of third-party safety certifications (e.g., Bluesign, GOTS, or similar) or transparency reports regarding treatment chemicals. Without direct brand communication, the water-repellent coating chemistry remains unknown.
How it compares in its category
Military-spec and mountaineering boots typically use heavy water-repellent coating treatment because waterproofing is a core function. Many competitors in this niche (Salomon, Lowa, Scarpa) similarly do not disclose water-repellent coating type to consumers. Some premium brands now advertise fluorine-free or PFAS-minimized finishes, but Garmont does not market this feature, suggesting standard practice. The T8 Bifida is mid-range in transparency relative to its peers.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or UV (avoid prolonged car trunks or heated storage). Clean with water and mild soap; avoid solvents or high-temperature washing that can degrade water-repellent coating. Reapply waterproofing treatment every 1-2 years or after heavy use, using a fluorine-free alternative if you wish to minimize PFAS exposure over time. Before purchase, contact Garmont directly to confirm whether the current model uses fluorinated or fluorine-free water-repellent coating; their silence on this point warrants clarification.
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.”
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) fluorination status
Waterproof boots in this category typically receive fluorinated water-repellent coating coatings by default. Garmont has not disclosed whether the T8 Bifida uses PFAS-based or PFAS-free chemistry; without brand confirmation, fluorine-based treatment should be assumed possible.
Synthetic material off-gassing (VOC, formaldehyde)
Synthetic overlays, linings, and adhesives used in boot construction can emit volatile organics, especially when new or stored in warm conditions. Military boots often use polyurethane or nylon synthetics; formaldehyde or solvent residue is not typical for footwear but cannot be ruled out without material testing.
Azo dyes and heavy metals in dyes
Leather dyeing and synthetic fabric coloring may use azo dyes or metal-based dyes (cadmium, chromium). Garmont provides no dye standard certification; risk is inherent to leather/synthetic footwear unless explicitly third-party tested.
Leather tanning residues (chromium, formaldehyde)
Leather is tanned using chromium(III) or vegetable tannins; Garmont does not specify their tanning method. Chrome-tanned leather can retain small amounts of residual chromium, particularly problematic if leather is worn against bare skin for extended periods in warm/wet conditions.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
water-repellent coating coatings degrade over time with wear and washing, potentially releasing microparticles. As the waterproofing wears, reapplication is necessary, and repeated treatments can accumulate chemical residues on the boot surface.
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.
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.