Keen · Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
KEEN Men's K-10 Outdoor Replacement Insole
Lower concern. Standard insole materials without known PFAS triggers.
KEEN K-10 replacement insoles use EVA foam and textiles without disclosed water-resistant or grease treatments. No PFAS claim or third-party verification available, but material composition suggests lower risk.
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Material
EVA foam, textile mesh, rubber base
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
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 K-10 insole uses EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam as its core cushioning layer, bonded to a textile mesh top and rubber base. EVA is a thermoplastic polymer widely used in athletic footwear because it resists moisture, provides shock absorption, and degrades slowly in normal wear. The textile mesh is a breathability layer to reduce moisture buildup; the rubber base adds durability and traction. None of these materials are known to release toxic volatiles or leach harmful chemicals during typical indoor or outdoor foot contact.
The brand's record and disclosure
Keen has not published detailed chemical disclosure or restricted substance lists specific to insole products. The brand is silent on PFAS use in replacement insoles. However, Keen manufactures footwear for outdoor use and does maintain general quality standards typical of major outdoor brands; no significant recalls or safety controversies involving replacement insoles are on record. Absence of disclosure does not indicate presence of hazards, but limits independent verification.
How it compares in its category
Replacement insoles in the outdoor segment typically use EVA, polyurethane, or gel composites. EVA-based insoles like the K-10 are standard and generally considered chemically inert during use. They are more durable and lower-shedding than some softer gel or memory-foam alternatives, and do not rely on antimicrobial coatings that could introduce additional chemical exposure. Price and material choice place this product in the mid-tier safety profile for replacement insoles.
If you buy it
Store insoles in a cool, dry location away from prolonged heat exposure (above 60C/140F), which could theoretically degrade the EVA binder, though normal use will not reach this threshold. Replace them every 6-12 months depending on wear, or when cushioning noticeably compresses. Clean with mild soap and water if needed; air-dry. If you notice any delamination (mesh separating from foam), discontinue use, as this signals material breakdown rather than a chemical safety issue.
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 mesh
The textile layer may contain trace formaldehyde-based resins used to stabilize woven fabrics, but standard footwear textiles used by major brands rarely exceed regulatory limits. No specific testing or concerns have been reported for Keen insole products.
Azo dyes in colored textile
If the mesh is dyed, it may contain azo dyes. However, insoles experience minimal skin contact and saliva exposure relative to apparel; azo dyes are a concern primarily for garments that touch the skin directly. No recalls or hazard reports exist for this product line.
EVA degradation and microparticle shedding
Over extended use, EVA foam can fragment and shed microscopic particles, particularly if delamination occurs. Direct ingestion risk is minimal in insole use, but inhalation of dust during replacement is theoretically possible if the product is heavily worn and disintegrating.
Rubber base adhesive leachables
The rubber-to-foam bond typically uses adhesives; in wet conditions or with prolonged sweat exposure, trace adhesive components could theoretically leach. Insole use involves foot sweat but not prolonged immersion, so risk is low and not documented in public safety data.
Antimony in polyester components
If the textile mesh or base contains polyester, antimony catalyst residue is possible but typically at negligible levels in finished products. Keen's standard footwear materials are not known to use antimony-heavy processes, and no reports target this product.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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 athletic insoles & orthotics 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.