Jason Markk · Shoe Waterproofing Sprays
Jason Markk Starter Shoe Care Kit
Lower PFAS concern, basic cleaning supplies with no known PFAS inputs, but brand is silent on sourcing.
Jason Markk's shoe care kit consists of standard bristle brush, microfiber cloth, and proprietary cleaner, materials unlikely to contain PFAS based on the product type and function. The brand makes no PFAS claims or disclosures.
Shop Jason Markk on Amazon →Material
Bristles, microfiber cloth, cleaning solution (soap-based formulation)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other 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 Jason Markk Starter Kit contains a soap-based cleaning solution (surfactant-heavy formulation), microfiber cloths, and soft-bristled brushes. Soap-based cleaners are chemically simple compared to solvent-heavy degreasers: they rely on surfactants to suspend dirt and oils rather than dissolve them. This formulation avoids harsh petrochemical solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that create inhalation risk. The microfiber cloth sheds microplastics during repeated washing, but in outdoor contexts (shoe cleaning) this represents minimal ingestion pathway.
The brand's record and disclosure
Jason Markk is a niche shoe-care brand with minimal public safety disclosures or third-party certifications listed on their materials. No major product recalls or regulatory actions are on record. The brand does not publish ingredient lists, safety data sheets, or sustainability/sourcing statements, which is typical for consumer shoe-care brands but limits independent verification. Their PFAS stance is silent: no public commitments to PFAS-free formulations despite the spray category's historical PFAS use in waterproofing applications.
How it compares in its category
Shoe-care cleaning kits typically contain soap-based solutions, but competing waterproofing sprays (not in this kit) often use Teflon-type coating or wax-silicone blends tied to PFAS contamination. This Jason Markk kit is a cleaner (not waterproofing), so it avoids the highest-risk product tier. Versus silicone-based or hydrocarbon-solvent cleaners, soap-based formulations are generally lower-risk for volatile emissions and dermal irritation. However, the brand's transparency lags behind premium alternatives like Crep Protect or Sneaker Lab, which provide ingredient disclosure.
If you buy it
Use the kit in ventilated spaces to avoid inhalation of any residual volatiles; soap-based cleaners pose minimal risk, but good practice applies. Microfiber cloths degrade after repeated laundering (typically 300+ washes before significant shedding); replace every 1-2 years with heavy use. Store the solution at room temperature away from direct sunlight to prevent surfactant degradation. Do not use on delicate or vintage leather without testing on an inconspicuous area first, as some formulations can alter finish.
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.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) / inhalation risk
Soap-based cleaners release minimal VOCs compared to solvent-heavy degreasers. No established inhalation hazard reported for this product type; standard use in ventilated spaces poses negligible risk.
Microplastic shedding from microfiber cloth
Microfiber textiles shed microplastics during washing and handling. In the context of shoe cleaning, ingestion is unlikely, but fibers may contaminate soil or waterways if disposed improperly. Replacement every 1-2 years reduces accumulation.
Surfactant irritation (dermal or ocular)
Soap-based formulations contain surfactants that can irritate skin or eyes at high concentrations. Typical shoe-cleaning concentrations are mild, but direct contact with undiluted solution should be avoided. No specific irritation data published for this brand.
Lack of ingredient transparency
Jason Markk does not publish a full ingredient list or safety data sheet. Without transparency, specific additives (preservatives, fragrances, stabilizers) cannot be ruled out. This is a disclosure gap, not evidence of hazard, but limits independent safety assessment.
PFAS in waterproofing coatings (not this kit, but related products)
This cleaning kit contains no waterproofing spray, so direct PFAS exposure is not a concern. However, if used to clean shoes treated with PFAS-containing waterproofing, residual PFAS could leach into solution; risk remains minimal with normal handling.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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 shoe waterproofing sprays 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.