Keen · Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
KEEN Outdoor K-10 Replacement Insole
Lower concern. No known water-resistant treatment typical for insoles.
Keen's insole is typical foam cushioning without disclosed water-resistant coating. Brand makes no PFAS claims either way. Standard insole risk profile.
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Material
Foam/cushioning insole, likely EVA or polyurethane 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 replacement insole is foam-based, most likely EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) or polyurethane, both common cushioning materials in athletic insoles. These foams are chemically stable at normal body temperature and do not leach significantly into skin or sweat under standard use. The main concern with foam insoles is degradation over time through mechanical wear and sweat exposure, which can reduce cushioning rather than create chemical hazards.
The brand's record and disclosure
Keen does not publicly disclose detailed material safety data or chemical content for replacement insoles specifically. The brand has no known recalls or reported safety issues tied to insole products. Keen markets itself as an outdoor/sustainability-focused brand but does not emphasize independent third-party certifications (e.g., bluesign, oeko-tex) for insole components, though parent company Deckers has moved some lines toward certified materials.
How it compares in its category
Replacement insoles are among the lowest-risk textile/footwear accessories because they are not dyed, do not contact large skin surface areas for extended periods, and are not subject to flame retardant regulations. EVA and polyurethane insoles are industry-standard; more premium alternatives may use gel, cork, or merino wool composites, which carry different tradeoffs (durability vs. chemical exposure). Keen's offering is conventional and poses no unusual hazard profile for the category.
If you buy it
Replace insoles every 6 to 12 months depending on activity level and visible compression or separation. Rinse with lukewarm water and air-dry completely between uses to prevent bacterial or fungal growth in damp foam. Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or expose to direct heat (e.g., radiators, car dashboards) as high temperatures can degrade foam structure. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
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.”
Foam degradation and microfragmentation
EVA and polyurethane insoles degrade mechanically over time with wear and moisture exposure. Fragments are unlikely to be absorbed through skin but could be inhaled or ingested if shed material is not contained; replacement before severe breakdown is the primary mitigation.
Bacterial or fungal growth (maintenance-dependent)
Damp foam insoles stored in shoes can harbor bacteria and fungi if not dried between uses. This is a hygiene and foot-health issue rather than a chemical hazard, but affects product safety in practice.
Azo dyes or colorant contamination
No public information on dyes used in the K-10 insole fabric layer (if present). Replacement insoles often use minimal dyes or white/neutral colorants, making exposure to azo dyes or heavy metal pigments unlikely but not verified for this specific product.
Formaldehyde resins (adhesives/binders)
Foam insoles may contain trace formaldehyde in adhesive binders between layers. Emissions are expected to be minimal under normal use (body temperature, non-heated), and no specific testing or complaints are on record for Keen insoles.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% 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.