Keen · Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
KEEN Utility 6" Evanston Waterproof Met Guard EH Carbon Fiber Toe Boots, for Men, Size 11, Waterproof, EH, Carbon Fiber
Waterproof boots likely use water-repellent coating treatment; PFAS status unclear from brand.
Keen makes no public PFAS disclosure for this model. Waterproof boots typically receive fluorinated or non-fluorinated water-repellent coating finishes. Contact brand for coating specifics before purchase.
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Material
Leather/textile upper with waterproof membrane coating
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
These boots combine leather and textile uppers with a waterproof membrane (likely polyurethane or polyester-based) sealed by a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating on the outer surface. The carbon fiber toe cap is a safety reinforcement unrelated to toxicity. Waterproof membranes in work boots are typically non-porous synthetics that trap moisture inside if not properly ventilated; the water-repellent coating treatment on the outside is where PFAS compounds are most commonly applied in this product category, though Keen has not publicly disclosed its specific chemistry.
The brand's record and disclosure
Keen has not issued public commitments to PFAS-free waterproofing as of available information, nor has the company detailed the chemical composition of its water-repellent coating treatments. The brand markets durability and outdoor performance but remains silent on fluorinated water repellent alternatives or phase-out timelines. No major safety recalls or chemical controversies are on public record for this specific boot model. This silence is typical for footwear brands and does not indicate a confirmed hazard, but represents a gap in transparency.
How it compares in its category
Utility work boots at this price point almost universally use synthetic waterproof membranes with conventional water-repellent coating finishes; Keen's approach is standard for the market. Some competitors (notably Salomon and certain Danner lines) have begun phasing toward PFAS-free treatments, but this remains a minority practice. Leather/textile hybrid construction is typical and generally more durable than all-synthetic alternatives, reducing replacement frequency and overall environmental burden.
If you buy it
Wash the boots regularly with mild soap and water to remove salt, dirt, and chemical residues that can degrade the waterproof coating; avoid hot water or machine washing. Reapply a commercial water-repellent coating treatment annually or when water no longer beads on the surface, but research the product's composition first if PFAS exposure is a concern. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight, which degrades synthetic membranes. Replace the boots if the membrane delaminates (visible peeling inside) or if the waterproofing fails after proper care, as no field repair fully restores performance.
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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating
Waterproof utility boots almost universally use fluorinated water-repellent coating finishes unless explicitly marketed otherwise. Keen has not disclosed its chemistry, so PFAS presence cannot be ruled out. Exposure during wear is low; risk is primarily environmental at end-of-life.
Formaldehyde resins in textile backing or adhesives
Synthetic membranes and textile-to-leather adhesion may involve formaldehyde-releasing resins common in boot manufacturing. No specific warnings or recalls from Keen suggest this is controlled, but formal testing data is not public.
Azo dyes in leather or textile dyes
Keen does not market these boots with restricted azo dyes, and the brand's leather sourcing practices are consistent with standard tannery regulations in North America. No adverse reports on record for this model.
Antimony in polyester components
Antimony trioxide (a flame retardant catalyst) is occasionally detected in polyester textiles, but utility work boots are not a typical source and no contamination has been reported for Keen products.
Membrane degradation and microplastic shedding over time
Polyurethane and polyester membranes gradually break down with age and UV exposure, potentially shedding microfibers. This is not unique to Keen but affects all synthetic waterproof boots; regular replacement mitigates accumulation.
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.
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More waterproof outdoor accessories 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.