Keen · Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
Shoe Gear Water Repellent Aerosol Spray
Skip until Keen discloses spray chemistry and PFAS status.
Keen's aerosol water repellent lacks public ingredient disclosure or PFAS commitment. Water repellent sprays commonly contain PFAS; no testing or third-party verification found.
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Material
aerosol water repellent spray, unspecified formulation
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
Shoe Gear Water Repellent is an aerosol spray formulation designed to hydrophobically coat textile and leather uppers. Aerosol water repellents for footwear typically use either fluorocarbon-based (PFAS-containing) or hydrocarbon-based propellants and active ingredients; Keen has not publicly specified which chemistry this product uses. The propellant and solvent system can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the active repellent coating itself may contain residual solvents or reactive compounds that persist on fabric.
The brand's record and disclosure
Keen has made public commitments to sustainability but has not issued transparent ingredient disclosure or third-party testing results for this specific spray product. The company has not signed the AFIRM (Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management) Group pledge on PFAS, nor has it published a specific PFAS phase-out timeline for its aerosol spray products. This silence is notable in an industry where many competitors have begun labeling PFAS-free or transitioning formulations.
How it compares in its category
Aerosol water repellent sprays occupy a high-risk category for undisclosed PFAS; many mainstream brands still rely on fluorocarbon chemistry without clear labeling. Some competitors (e.g., Grangers, Nikwax) have introduced and marketed PFAS-free alternatives, making Keen's lack of communication about this spray a competitive disadvantage for transparency. Wax-based and hydrocarbon-only spray alternatives exist but may require more frequent reapplication.
If you buy it
Apply only in well-ventilated outdoor spaces or rooms with open windows; inhalation of propellant and solvents should be minimized, especially for children or pregnant people. Allow treated shoes to dry completely (24 hours) in open air before wearing to reduce volatile off-gassing and skin contact with wet coating. Reapply every 2-3 months depending on wear and moisture exposure; inspect the shoe's seams and upper material for any signs of degradation or uneven coating buildup. Store the aerosol can away from heat and direct sunlight, and do not puncture or incinerate.
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) in propellant and solvents
Aerosol spray formulations inherently release propellant and solvent vapors during and immediately after application. Inadequate ventilation can lead to acute inhalation exposure (dizziness, respiratory irritation) and chronic exposure if used repeatedly indoors; this product category is not suitable for enclosed spaces.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing resins in coating chemistry
Some water repellent coatings use resin binders that may contain or release formaldehyde; Keen's lack of ingredient transparency makes this unverifiable. If present, formaldehyde off-gassing from treated textiles could occur over weeks and may irritate skin or respiratory tissues in sensitive individuals.
Coating adhesion and microparticle shedding during wear
Spray-applied water repellent coatings are prone to incomplete adhesion and flaking, especially on high-flex areas of shoes. Shed microparticles from the dried coating could accumulate in socks or contact skin, and inhalation during brushing or cleaning is theoretically possible if coating is disturbed.
Azo dyes or pigments in spray if colored formulations exist
This product appears to be a clear or translucent spray; no reports of colored variants. If proprietary tints or dyes are used for visibility, heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in pigments would be a concern, but this is not established for this product.
Skin sensitization from uncured coating residue
Fresh spray applications may leave reactive or uncured coating on shoe surfaces; direct contact with skin (e.g., heel area inside shoe) before full curing could trigger irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. Manufacturer curing time guidance is needed but not publicly available.
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.
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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.